1. APPLY
Apply firm pressure to brake pedal.
Nov 4, 2019
Quick Guide
2. HOLD
Press and hold pressure to the brake pedal.
3. STEER
Steer to safety.
Quick Guide Video
How it works
WHAT IT DOES
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes help you steer as you brake during an emergency.
THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND IT
Wheel sensors detect when your car’s tires begin locking up. Then, they rapidly apply and release (pulse) the brakes to automatically keep your tires from skidding.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
When you feel or hear the ABS vibrating, continue to firmly press and hold the brake – then steer to safety.
TIPS FOR USING
- If your car doesn’t have 4-wheel ABS or the ABS is not working, make sure to pump the brakes if your car begins to skid.
- ABS works most effectively when the tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
- Common causes of 4-wheel ABS malfunctions include worn brake linings and air or dirt in the brake fluid.
Question & Answers
What else is this feature called?
The most common names for anti-lock braking systems include “anti-lock brakes” and simply “ABS.”
Does ABS decrease my stopping distance?
Yes and no. In emergencies, 4-wheel ABS can activate and pump the brakes faster than most drivers could on their own. That’s why on most road surfaces, 4-wheel ABS is more likely to stop your car faster than a car without it.
However, 4-wheel ABS can actually increase stopping distance on some very slippery surfaces, such as lightly packed snow or ice on the road.
Should I still pump my brakes when using a car with ABS?
No. ABS works best when you firmly hold the brake, and allow it to manage the details of emergency braking.
What’s the difference between ABS and rear-wheel-only ABS?
While 4-wheel ABS is meant to aid steering and is found in nearly all new cars and minivans, rear-wheel-only ABS – which is typically found in some pickup trucks, vans and SUVs – is only designed to help prevent those vehicles from spinning out on slippery surfaces.
Check your owner’s manual to see if you car has 4-wheel ABS, rear-wheel-only ABS or does not have ABS.
Do all new cars have ABS?
Over the past 10 years, most car manufacturers have made ABS standard in their vehicles. The federal government required all new cars to have ABS by September 1, 2011.
Content source: MyCarDoesWhat.org
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