Tips on "Brake & Steer" and Using Anti-Lock Brakes
- Always "brake and steer" when using anti-lock brakes. Most drivers were taught
to pump the brakes and turn hard to the right or left in order to compensate for skidding.
With anti-lock brakes, all drivers have to do is "brake and steer." With
four-wheel ABS, push the brake pedal hard while steering normally and keep your foot
firmly on the brake pedal until the car comes to a complete stop. Don't take your foot off
the brake pedal because it will disengage the anti-lock system. Drivers of rear wheel ABS
vehicles should step firmly with care, and if they feel the wheels begin to lock, they
should withhold some pressure.
- Expect noise and vibration in the brake pedal when your anti-lock brakes are in use. The
mechanical noise or pulsations of anti-lock brakes while they're in use might catch
drivers by surprise, but these sensations tell you the brakes are working.
- Remember that you can steer while you are braking with 4-wheel anti-lock brake systems.
Steering is not always an instinctive reaction in an emergency stopping situation. Steer
out of harm's way, while keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedal. Remember that while
you have steering capability in a braking situation, your vehicle may not turn as quickly
on a slippery road as it would on dry pavement.
- Rear-wheel anti-lock brake systems are typically found on light trucks and will provide
vehicle stability, but will not give you the steering capability of 4-wheel systems.
Drivers with rear wheel anti-lock brake systems, which are mainly installed in light
trucks, should remember that because the front brakes can lock, your steering capability
will not improve. If your vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, follow
these directions: do not step as firmly, and if you feel the wheels begin to lock,
withhold some pressure. The vehicle will stay straight while braking, and your braking
ability and the stability of your vehicle will be much better than with conventional
brakes.
- Anti-lock brake systems can often stop more quickly than conventional brakes, but they
can't overcome the laws of physics. Anti-lock brake systems function well on wet paved
surfaces and icy or packed snow-covered roads. Stopping times can be longer on deep gravel
or freshly fallen snow, although drivers won't experience the dangerous lock-up of the
wheels usually associated with conventional hard braking.
- Drive safely because your anti-lock brakes are only as good as the driver who is using
them. Anti-lock brakes cannot compensate for driving faster, more aggressively or
maintaining unsafe following distances, nor can they guarantee recovery from a spin or
skid prior to a braking event. Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you and
maintain a speed consistent with road conditions. Also, avoid extreme steering maneuvers
while your anti-lock brake systems are engaged.
- Your anti-lock braking system instrument panel warning light will go on for a few
seconds after starting the ignition. The light goes on so that the system can conduct
normal function tests. If the light does not go out, or if it lights up during normal
driving, this means that a problem with the anti-lock braking system circuit has been
detected and the ABS system has shut off. Conventional braking will continue to function.
Consult your car dealer should a problem occur.
- It's easy to find out whether your car has anti-lock brakes. Determine if your car has an anti-lock braking system by noting whether an ABS light flashes on your dashboard during ignition, checking your owner's manual, or asking your dealer.
If you need more information or a brochure, please call the ABS Education Alliance hotline at 800-ABS-8958.
[This article was reprinted with permission from the Car Care Council]