German Car Specialists in
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Auto Service & Tuning Centre in Hitchin has provided ABS repairs and services to customers for over 40 years.
ABS stands for Antilock Braking System – a standard safety feature in all modern cars which works to maintain control over vehicles under heavy braking conditions. Invented by Bosch, and used in motor vehicles for the first time in 1978, ABS brakes use a system consisting primarily of individual sensors, and an ABS control unit, in order to monitor and compare the speed at which a vehicle’s wheels are turning.
Upon the detection of an irregularity, the ABS system will intervene in order to prevent wheel locking. This intervention takes place in the form of a very short brake release, followed by rapid brake ‘pumping’, or applying the optimum brake pressure to the wheel repeatedly, allowing the wheel to free up and continue spinning, allowing for control to be maintained or regained, avoiding skidding or hydroplaning.
Auto Service & Tuning Centre is proud to provide both ABS servicing and repairs in Hitchin, Hertfordshire conducted to a national standard.
Book an ABS Repair Service
We are proud to provide fully accredited and certified Bosch vehicle servicing to Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston, Baldock, Bedford, Luton, and beyond. For further advice on selecting a service most suited to your car, or to speak to one of our specialists regarding any of our other services, contact us today.
National Standard Workmanship, Every time.
Top of the line diagnostic equipment
Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s team of Bosch accredited technicians are highly qualified, allowing for the use of advanced diagnostic equipment within our centre. Using this, our technicians can take readings relevant to all aspects of a vehicle’s ABS system regardless of complexity, allowing for accurate insight, and prompt diagnosis.
Qualified Technicians
Our team of technicians are Bosch trained and accredited. Their unparalleled knowledge and technical expertise guarantee a high standard of workmanship.
High-quality parts
Auto Service & Tuning Centres guarantee our use of only high-quality or manufacturer-approved parts where required for ABS or brake repair, helping ensure the safety of your vehicle at a fraction of dealership costs.
Over 40 Years of Experience
Auto Service & Tuning Centres is built on a foundation of extensive experience within the automotive repair and servicing industry.
Online booking service
We are proud to provide fully accredited and certified Bosch vehicle servicing to Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston, Baldock, Bedford, Luton, and beyond.
Our ABS Brakes Repair Services
Auto Service & Tuning Centre is proud to offer a prompt ABS fault diagnosis and repair service, helping you get back on the road with a renewed sense of confidence in your vehicle’s safety features.
ABS Fault Diagnostics
During our ABS system diagnostic service, our ABS brakes specialists at Auto Service & Tuning Centre work with precision and care to measure performance and functionality. Using a combination of traditional skill, and advanced diagnostic equipment, Auto Service & Tuning Centre completes a report listing performance level, alongside any faults alongside all necessary repairs and approximate costs. Our technicians work to provide clients with a jargon-free and honest diagnosis, leaving you to make an informed decision regarding the maintenance and repair of your vehicle.
ABS Repairs
Though ABS brakes are, on average, a hugely consistent and effective safety system, it is possible for faults to occur. In the event of a serious fault, the engine control unit responsible for ABS operation will disable the ABS, significantly impacting vehicle safety, and acting as a cause for MOT failure.
Our ABS fault repair service covers all aspects of the ABS system, including sensors, hydraulic valves, and the ECU and relevant cables and wiring, all of which are common fault sources. Our expert technicians work accurately and promptly using a combination of traditional skills, and advanced technology to ensure your ABS issues are fully resolved. Where part replacement is required, Auto Service & Tuning Centre guarantees their use of only high quality, or manufacturer-approved parts, ensuring warranty retention in newer vehicles, and prolonging the life of all remedial work completed at our centre.
Benefits of ABS Service
Functional ABS is highly beneficial to the safety of a vehicle in both everyday driving and in the event of loss of control, meaning faults should be dealt with as soon as they become apparent. Bringing your vehicle to a quality centre such as Auto Service & Tuning Centre for ABS diagnostics and repair where required can result in a multitude of benefits, including;
Keeps the vehicle steerable during emergency braking – ABS’s ability to regulate brake pressure, particularly when wheels are locking, helps keep vehicles steerable in the event of skidding or hand braking.
Ensures stability during a braking manoeuvre – when vehicles equipped with ABS undergo hard braking, the system senses oncoming wheel locking and applies the brakes in pulses. This helps ensure stability across a number of braking manoeuvres and events.
Reduces the braking distance – by engaging and releasing the brakes in a pulse-like manner, ABS systems can help reduce braking distance.
Improves steerability when the brakes are applied on road surfaces with varying adhesion – ABS’s ability to promptly sense and rectify wheel locking issues assists greatly in improving steerability under harsh conditions.
Prevents tyre damage in emergency braking – vehicles without ABS subject to hard braking are known to be subject to significant tyre wear. ABS’s ability to regulate braking provides added protection against this damage.
Auto Service & Tuning Centres are highly experienced in the diagnosis and repair of ABS brakes. Contact our team in Hitchin today to book in your vehicle, or for further advice regarding any of our services.
Auto Service & Tuning Centre are accredited providers of Bosch standard servicing. Our highly trained technicians combine their unrivalled knowledge, and confident use of dealership standard diagnostic technology to provide a complete service, including extensive checks and adjustments, alongside scheduled part replacement using only quality, or manufacturer approved parts.
We don’t just offer ABS Repairs…
ABS Brakes FAQs
What does ABS stand for?
ABS stands for Antilock Braking System – a standard safety feature in all modern cars. The antilock braking system, in the simplest of terms, uses a system of wheel sensors to prevent the vehicle’s wheels from locking up under heavy braking, helping maintain grip with the road, and avoid skidding or hydroplaning.
First introduced for use in aircraft in the 1950s, ABS is now a feature in all modern cars sold in Europe. Cars with this feature are statistically less likely to be involved in a fatal crash, stray from the road, or collide with other vehicles on wet roads.
How does ABS work?
ABS is generally part of an overall stability system, designed to monitor wheels individually under heavy braking. Sensors mounted on each wheel constantly monitor the speed at which the wheels are turning as part of this system.
If any irregularities are detected, such as one wheel turning more slowly than the others during braking, the ABS system will intervene in order to prevent locking. This intervention takes place in the form of a very short brake release, followed by rapid brake ‘pumping’, or applying the optimum brake pressure to the wheel repeatedly, allowing the wheel to free up and continue spinning. This should allow the driver to retain or regain control of the vehicle, and avoid skidding or hydroplaning.
What happens if ABS fails?
ABS system failures are rare – but put vehicles at risk of loss of traction, skidding, and hydroplaning under heavy braking conditions. The system is generally designed to give drivers a warning at the first sign of an issue – this may be in the form of a warning light or console notification. There are, however, other indicators of an ABS issue;
- Unresponsive or slow brake pedal – in most cases, this issue will worsen over time, with the brake pedal becoming more difficult to operate. An unresponsive brake pedal is a significant safety issue and should be rectified as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic or technician.
- Brakes locking up – the ABS system is designed to prevent brake locking, however, faults in the system can cause erratic braking and pumping. Faults causing brake locking may also result in random clicking noises.
- Brake pedal requiring effort to push – the brake pedal becoming progressively more difficult to push down is often a sign of an issue with the abs system and should be investigated as soon as possible.
Being aware of these warning signs, and taking the vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as they arise will ensure that your ABS is functioning effectively. Auto Service & Tuning Centre is highly experienced in ABS repair and replacement procedures. If your vehicle is displaying any of these symptoms, contact us today – one of our team members will be happy to provide you with further advice or arrange a booking for diagnosis or repair.
Why is my ABS light on?
The ABS system uses sensors placed on each wheel to measure rotational speed, and ensure the vehicle is stable and under control – particularly under heavy braking conditions. This system tends to flag any abnormal signals in the form of an ABS warning light or console notification. This light can be steady or may flash a number of times. This may assist in identifying the issue – drivers may refer to their vehicle’s manual for further information.
It is important to note that issues other than wheel locking and speed can trigger warning lights, including, but not limited to blown fuses, or low brake fluid levels.
When is ABS most effective?
ABS is most effective on a firm road surface when brakes are promptly and firmly applied. It is commonly noted that the system is significantly less effective when applied on unstable road surfaces, such as snow, ice, or gravel.
Main Depot.
42 Wilbury Way
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG4 0AP
Classic Car Depot.
91A Bedford Road
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG5 2TT
Contact info.
Service hours.
Mon - Thur: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 18:00
Sat - Sun: Closed
Closed on bank holidays