What does ABS stand for in vehicle braking systems?

• A. Traction Control System
• B. Hydraulic Brake Assist
• C. Anti-lock Braking System
• D. Electronic Stability Control

Answer: (C)

Anti-lock Braking System prevents wheel lock during braking and keeps the tires from skidding, so you can steer while braking. It does this by watching each wheel’s speed; if a wheel starts to slow too quickly and about to lock, the system quickly releases and then reapplies brake pressure to that wheel. This rapid pulsing happens many times per second, reducing stopping distance on slippery surfaces and preserving steering control.

Other terms describe different braking-related ideas: Traction Control helps prevent tire spin during acceleration, not braking. Hydraulic Brake Assist boosts braking force in an emergency, but doesn’t address wheel lock. Electronic Stability Control uses braking at individual wheels plus other inputs to help keep the vehicle stable, but it’s the broader system that relies on ABS rather than the standalone lock-prevention function itself.