What is the purpose of ABS brake systems in vehicles?

The purpose of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) brake systems is primarily to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. When a driver applies the brakes forcefully, there is a risk that the wheels may lock up, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the stopping distance. The ABS system detects when a wheel is about to lock and automatically modulates the brake pressure to that wheel, allowing it to continue rotating while still slowing the vehicle. This helps maintain traction and enables the driver to steer the vehicle safely during emergency braking situations, enhancing overall vehicle control and safety.

The other choices relate to functions that ABS does not directly address. For instance, reducing fuel consumption is more associated with engine efficiency rather than braking systems, and improving acceleration and increasing speed pertain to powertrain performance rather than braking technology.