Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

General Description

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) is designed in order to prevent wheel slip under heavy braking conditions on most road surfaces. A vehicle that stops without the wheels skidding retains directional stability and steering control. This gives the driver greater vehicle control during heavy braking.

Some vehicles may also be equipped with a Traction Control System (TCS). Traction control prevents the drive wheels from spinning excessively during acceleration. The traction control system is designed to operate at all vehicle speeds. The traction control system reduces wheel slip by braking the wheel that is losing traction while simultaneously reducing engine power through fuel cut-off and spark retard.

The ABS and the TCS do not disable when a compact spare tire is being used.