Among today’s comprehensive suite of safety features, Brake Assist (BA) is often spoken of in tandem with the Anti-lock Braking system (ABS). As we’ve briefly shared a couple weeks back, ABS helps improve braking efficiency and distance by preventing the wheels from locking up.
So what is Brake Assist then? In the event of emergency braking, the system supports the driver in sudden braking manoeuvres by applying additional force on the brakes – increasing the clamping force of the brake calipers on the brake discs.
The system, with sensors, will detect emergency braking manoeuvres based on how abrupt the driver has stepped on the brake pedals and the force applied on it. As the system kicks in within milliseconds, that’s when you feel the pedal vibrating or pulsating and for most cars, in the most unrefined manner.
The system comes into play to aid the driver, as and when he or she hits the brakes but not enough brake force is applied or rather not soon enough. Brake Assist merely complements the ABS and not replace it by assisting the system to apply the brakes more efficiently to avoid the car from skidding or rear-ending the car ahead.
Credit: YouTube
