What is the primary purpose of the wheel speed sensors in ABS?

The primary purpose of wheel speed sensors in Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) is to detect the rotational speed of each wheel. These sensors play a critical role in enhancing vehicle safety by monitoring the speed of each wheel independently. During braking, the ABS uses this information to prevent the wheels from locking up by adjusting brake pressure accordingly. This capability allows the vehicle to maintain steering control and stability during hard braking conditions, ultimately preventing skidding and enhancing overall safety.

The effectiveness of the ABS relies heavily on accurate data from the wheel speed sensors, as they inform the system whether a wheel is rotating slower than others, indicating potential skidding or loss of traction. As a result, the system can modulate braking pressure to allow the wheels to continue turning, improving braking performance and vehicle handling.

The other options, while related to vehicle functionality, do not accurately capture the main function of wheel speed sensors in the context of ABS. Monitoring brake fluid pressure, controlling air pressure in brakes, and monitoring engine temperature are all essential vehicle systems but are not the primary focus of wheel speed sensors within the ABS framework.