Anti-lock brakes (ABS) can help you navigate safely through slippery conditions or emergency braking situations. ABS prevents your wheels from locking up, which allows you to maintain control of your car.
Proper Use of Anti-Lock Brakes
1. Stay Calm: Do not panic and stay focused. Your car may make a pulsating sound or feel different when braking. This is normal.
2. Press Firmly: Step on the brake pedal firmly and keep it pressed down until your car stops. Do not pump the brake pedal. Pumping will prevent ABS from working properly.
3. Control Steering: Continue steering your car to avoid obstacles. ABS allows you to maintain steering control even while braking heavily.
Additional Tips
- Practice using ABS in a safe environment before you need it in a real emergency.
- When ABS engages, the pedal may vibrate and pulsate. This is normal and means the system is working.
- Remember, ABS can help you brake more effectively on slick roads, but it cannot overcome the laws of physics. Always adjust your speed to the road conditions and use common sense when driving.
- If your car does not have ABS, use the traditional "pumping" technique when braking on slick surfaces.
