Final answer:
Check for an ABS light on the dashboard or an ABS label in the fuse box to know if your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system. ABS became mandatory for new vehicles in the US starting with passenger cars in September 2011 and light trucks in September 2012.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), there are a couple of methods to check. Firstly, most vehicles have an ABS indicator light on the dashboard that lights up briefly when the car is started. If you see this light, it means your vehicle has ABS. Another way to check is to look for an ABS fuse in the fuse box or a label on brake components under the hood. Lastly, you can consult the vehicle's owner manual or check the specifications of your car model online.
Manufacturing year can also provide a clue. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made ABS mandatory for all passenger cars produced on or after September 1, 2011, and for all light trucks produced on or after September 1, 2012. Therefore, if your vehicle was manufactured after these dates, it should have ABS. However, many vehicles had ABS standard or as an option well before these dates.