What is the purpose of an antilock braking system (ABS)?
- To allow you to brake faster
- To shorten braking distances
- To allow you to drive faster
- To help prevent wheel lockup ✓
Answer: D. To help prevent wheel lockup
The purpose of an antilock braking system is to help prevent wheel lockup.
Why this is the answer
The handbook describes ABS as an addition to the normal air brake system that helps stop wheel lockup or skids caused by overbraking on slippery roads. It explains that the electronic control unit senses a locking wheel and releases air pressure, then lets the brakes reapply in a rapid cycle, which helps the driver keep steering control. The same section says ABS does not let you drive faster or stop sooner, and on gravel the distance may even be longer. That is why the purpose is preventing wheel lockup, not improving speed or shortening every stop.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. To allow you to brake faster — Braking faster is not the stated purpose; the handbook says ABS does not let you stop sooner and may lengthen distance on gravel.
- B. To shorten braking distances — Shortening braking distances is not the purpose; the handbook says ABS does not stop sooner and can lengthen distance on gravel.
- C. To allow you to drive faster — Driving faster is not the purpose; the handbook explicitly says ABS does not allow you to drive faster.
Remember it
Picture hard braking on ice: ABS works the brakes to keep a locking wheel from taking away your steering.