Brakes
66
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(if fitted)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents
the wheels from locking, thereby helping to
maintain steering control. No special driving
techniques or effort is required from the
driver.
Under normal braking (where sufficient road
surface friction exists to reliably bring the
vehicle to a halt, without the wheels locking),
the anti-lock braking system will not be
activated. However, if the force of your
braking should exceed the available adhesion
between the tyres and the road, causing one
or more wheels to lock, then the anti-lock
braking system will automatically come into
operation. This will be recognised by a rapid
pulsation felt through the brake pedal.
WARNING
The anti-lock braking system cannot
overcome the physical limitations of
stopping the vehicle in too short a distance,
cornering at high speed, or aquaplaning, i.e
where a layer of water prevents adequate
contact between the tyres and road surface.
The fact that the vehicle is fitted with
anti-lock braking, must never tempt the
driver into taking risks that could affect
his/her safety, or that of other road users.
Drivers still have a duty to drive within
normal safety margins, having due
consideration for the prevailing road
surface, weather and traffic conditions.
Anti-lock braking in action
In an emergency situation, full braking effort
should ALWAYS be applied, even when the
road surface is slippery. The anti-lock braking
system constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies braking pressure to each,
according to the amount of traction available,
thereby ensuring that the wheels do not lock.
Always remember, ABS is designed to
maintain steering control under heavy braking
conditions.
On soft surfaces such as powdery snow, sand
or gravel, braking distances may be greater
than those achievable on a vehicle without
anti-lock braking. This is because the action of
locked wheels on loose surfaces, is to build
up a wedge of material in front of the wheels,
which assists in bringing the vehicle to a halt.
However, even in these circumstances, the
anti-lock braking system will provide better
stability and steering control.
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