TEACHING OLD DRIVERS NEW TRICKS

A common safety feature on modern vehicles is anti-lock brakes. Like many safety technologies, antilock braking systems (ABS) require drivers to unlearn certain ingrained habits and adopt new techniques. It is important to understand and practice proper ABS use to take full advantage of the system’s safety benefits.

Today, nearly all late-model cars, vans, and light-duty trucks are equipped with ABS, making familiarity with this system essential for safe driving.

DON'T PUMP!

Many drivers were taught, “Never slam on the brakes in slippery conditions—pump the brakes to avoid a skid.” That advice does not apply to vehicles equipped with four-wheel antilock braking systems (ABS).

With ABS, the correct technique is to apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal and keep your foot on it. The system automatically pumps the brakes for the driver, preventing wheel lockup while maintaining traction. At driving speeds, ABS can modulate braking pressure many times per second.

This allows the driver to focus on steering and maintaining control of the vehicle, which is the primary purpose of ABS. The system improves a driver’s ability to steer accurately during emergency braking situations and generally provides stronger, more controlled braking on most surfaces than locked wheels can achieve.

HOW ABS SYSTEMS WORK

Antilock braking systems (ABS) work by electronically monitoring wheel speed through onboard sensors and a computer. When one or more wheels begin to slow faster than the others—indicating a potential lockup—the system automatically modulates brake pressure to keep the wheels rolling and maintain traction. ABS braking can take some getting used to.

When steady pressure is applied to the brake pedal, drivers may feel a pulsating sensation or hear noises such as bumping or grinding. These sensations can feel unusual and may cause some drivers to release and pump the brakes out of habit. However, these sounds and sensations are normal and indicate that the ABS is functioning properly.

ABS does not replace the vehicle’s standard braking system; it works in conjunction with it. If the ABS malfunctions, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, and the vehicle will continue to operate with conventional (non-ABS) brakes.

ABS does not always shorten stopping distances. While it generally improves control and steering during hard braking—especially on wet or icy roads—stopping distances may be longer on loose surfaces such as gravel. Even in these conditions, ABS helps the driver maintain better control of the vehicle.

EXCEPTIONS

There are two general types of antilock braking systems: four-wheel (all-wheel) ABS and rear-wheel antilock brakes (RWAL). RWAL systems were commonly installed on older trucks and vans. Because the rear of these vehicles is often lightly loaded, RWAL helped reduce rear-wheel lockup and improve overall vehicle stability during braking.

With rear-wheel antilock brakes, the system automatically modulates braking pressure to the rear wheels. Drivers should still apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal, rather than pumping the brakes. Pumping defeats the purpose of any antilock system, including RWAL.

When entering a vehicle, look for the ABS warning light on the dashboard, which illuminates briefly when the engine is started. Know whether the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel ABS or rear-wheel antilock brakes and understand how the system operates. Always read the owner’s manual for vehicle-specific information and operating guidance.

PRACTICE A NEW MOVE BEFORE YOU NEED IT

Learning a new skill always requires an adjustment period. Don’t wait until an emergency to learn how your brakes respond.

Practice ABS‑activated stops in a safe, open area free from obstacles. This allows you to get a feel for how the brakes operate and how the vehicle responds.

Remember, the goal of ABS-equipped vehicles is to give the driver better control during emergencies. Apply continuous pressure to the brake pedal—do not pump the brakes. Let the ABS system do its job while you focus on steering the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop.