EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) is a technology that allows for the automatic increase or application of a vehicle’s braking force, depending on road conditions, vehicle speed, vehicle weight, etc.
In a normal braking system, when the brake pedal is applied, brake fluid moves from the master cylinder to the brake cylinders. When the fluid enters the brake cylinder, the pressure of the applied fluid forces the two pistons to extend, which causes the brake shoes or pads to come out. This thrust or pressure is directly proportional to the thrust of the pistons, causing the shoes or pads to rub against the drum or caliper. This reaction creates friction and reduces wheel locking.
EBD electronically monitors, via sensors, road conditions, the pressure feel on the brake pedal, and the vehicle’s weight, to determine when to apply pressure to the wheel cylinders. The sensors are designed to monitor wheel movements and determine, based on weight, which wheels may need the maximum force applied, depending on the condition met. Supposedly, this aims to provide better and more precise braking under all imaginable conditions.
Since the front of a vehicle carries the most weight, the EBD system recognizes this and electronically controls the rear brakes. Thus, when the driver applies the brakes, the rear brakes do not lock up, causing a skid.
EBD is a good system for drivers because it can increase the vehicle’s ability to stop under all conditions. But it is only effective if the computer’s brain is working, as well as the sensors that make up the system. If any of these sensors were to fail and you encountered a bad situation, you could find yourself in a precarious position.
There is a difference between the anti-lock braking system or ABS and EBD. In fact, electronic brake force distribution can actually detect the weight supported by each wheel at any given moment. Therefore, it can calculate the required braking force, which is not the case with ABS. Nowadays, many car manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda offer EBD as standard on their models.