Tips for Antilock Brakes

Antilock brakes are designed to prevent wheel lock-up, steerability and improve stopping capabilities. To learn more about how to use ABS safely, review these tips:

• Step on it: Always apply antilock brakes consistently and firmly. Never pump antilock brakes. Doing so can actually cause a loss of steering and braking control.
• Don't let up on the brake pedal. Keep your foot on the brake pedal even when you feel a noise or pulsating effect of the brake pedal. This is a normal sign that the ABS is working properly, even if they make bonging and groaning noises. ABS does the pumping for you, often at speeds of up to 20 times per second.
• Steer clear of trouble. With the increased steering control you gain during emergency stops with ABS, focus your attention on steering away from anyone or anything in your path. While steering response may not feel as smooth when the ABS is working, it is still there. Just don't steer too hard and run off the road.
• Practice. Take time to learn how your car reacts in slick situations and when you jam on the brakes by practicing in an empty, rain-, ice- or snow-covered parking lot. With time, you'll lose the urge to pump the brake pedal.
• Know the difference between four-wheel and rear-wheel ABS. Four-wheel ABS is generally found on passenger cars and is designed to maintain steerability in emergency braking situations. Rear-wheel antilock brakes -- found on light trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles -- are designed to maintain directional stability and prevent the vehicle from skidding sideways.
• Don’t expect ABS to work miracles. With or without ABS, stopping distances will be longer with slippery road conditions. On deep gravel or freshly fallen snow, the ABS stopping distances can be longer, but drivers won’t experience the dangerous wheel lock-up that is usually associated with conventional hard braking.