Difference Between ABS and EBS Braking Systems

ABS and EBS systems help you to drive and tow more safely. ABS was first developed for aircraft, before becoming popular in the Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles in the 1970s. EBS is a braking system that supports safe towing using electronic communication to adjust the braking pressure appropriately across the wheels.

Difference between ABS and EBS braking systems

An ABS (anti-lock braking system) is an emergency braking system installed in modern vehicles. ABS assists with emergency braking to aid the driver in steering to safety and avoiding a collision or accident. EBS (electronic braking system) enhances the precision of braking and may shorten braking distances.

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What is ABS?

ABS stands for ‘anti-lock braking system’. It is essentially ‘braking that helps you steer’. This feature in modern vehicles allows the driver to continuously apply firm pressure to the brake pedal and steer to safety, without skidding, by helping to restore traction to your tyres and prevent the wheels from locking up.

Note that ABS may not shorten the braking distance required, so you will still need to ensure that you drive at a safe following distance from the car ahead. ABS can help support safe driving in snow or rain where conditions are slippery, but you will still need to take due care to ensure that you follow safe driving principles.

Safe braking in a vehicle without ABS

To avoid skidding In a vehicle without ABS, the driver must press, lift and press the brake pedal skillfully to prevent the wheels from locking and losing traction on the road surface. ABS became mandatory on all passenger cars sold in Australia after April 2003, so if your vehicle is an earlier model, it may not have ABS.

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How does ABS work?

The anti-lock braking system has wheel sensors that detect when the car tyres begin to lock up. The ABS automatically pulses the brakes to keep the tyres from skidding on the road surface. The driver may hear the ABS vibrating. In this case, press and hold the brake pedal and steer to safety. If the ABS malfunctions for any reason, pump the brake pedal repeatedly if the vehicle begins to skid. It is important to regularly maintain your vehicle to ensure all safety systems like ABS are operating optimally.

What is EBS?

EBS stands for ‘electronic braking system’. This is ‘braking that helps reduce your braking distance’, electronically controlling the brakes to apply appropriate braking force at each wheel. It ensures the vehicle remains directionally stable during braking.

How does EBS work?

Wheel speed sensors monitor the wheel spinning and adjust the braking force to ensure appropriate braking pressure at each wheel. EBS technology improves load distribution, ensuring brakes are applied evenly to enhance stability and control. This also minimises wear and tear on brake pads and discs, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of vehicle parts.

When a truck or vehicle is towing a trailer, the electronic brake system may communicate with the trailer via an electronic brake controller.

Controlling braking when towing

Even with these modern braking systems that support drivers to brake safely, when towing a trailer braking is going to be more challenging. Using an electronic brake controller can increase your safety and control when slowing on the road and allow you to feel more confident when towing — whether you have an older vehicle or a modern vehicle.

Electronic brake controllers communicate with the trailer to ensure proportional braking of the trailer when you press the brakes inside the vehicle, reducing the stopping distance required when towing. There’s even a user-controlled mode available in the Tow Pro for keen off-roaders so you can gain extra control when tackling uneven terrain.

Gain confidence when towing with an electric brake controller

The Tow Pro range of electronic brake controllers from REDARC adds an additional level of safety to your set-up, allowing you to tow with confidence and increasing your control of the trailer braking system.

Whether you drive a modern vehicle with ABS and EBS or an older vehicle, an electric brake controller can help to keep you, your passengers and other vehicles on the road safe in emergency situations.

Frequently asked questions

Is ABS the same as electronic stability control?

ABS or anti-lock braking systems support the driver by adjusting the braking pressure to prevent wheel lock and skidding, so the driver can focus on steering the vehicle to safety. Electronic stability control is a more complex system which aims to keep the car under control during a sudden loss of lateral grip. It was made mandatory in Australian vehicles from 2012, 9 years after ABS was introduced as mandatory.

ABS and EBS Braking Systems: Your Australian Guide