What can ABS help prevent while driving?

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, which is particularly crucial for maintaining steering control. When a driver applies the brakes forcefully, the wheels can lock, leading to a loss of traction. This loss of traction can cause the vehicle to skid, and in the case of large vehicles, it can result in jackknifing—where the trailer swings out away from the cab, possibly leading to a dangerous situation.

By allowing the wheels to continue rotating while braking, ABS enables the driver to maintain better control over the vehicle’s direction and helps to prevent jackknifing. This system achieves this by rapidly pulsing the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking up, allowing the driver to steer while braking.

In contrast with the other options, ABS does not specifically prevent a vehicle from overheating, excessive tire wear, or a total loss of steering control in all scenarios, but rather it focuses on preventing wheel lock-up which is crucial for operational control when needed most.