ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM: ABS
Under heavy braking, the system
has two principal aims, to reduce
the stopping distance and keep your
vehicle under control. However,
there is a risk that roadholding and
directional control may be lost and
the wheels may lock under braking,
depending on the nature of the
ground, weather conditions and
your reactions. The Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) has been
designed to combat this danger.
This system also allows you to
You will feel pulsing through the
brake pedal when the system has
been activated. These tangible signs
will warn you that the adhesion
between the tyres and the ground
has reached its limit and enable you
to adapt your driving style to suit
the road conditions.
optimise stopping distances when
the adhesion of one or more wheels
becomes hazardous (wet roads,
slippery or varying road surfaces).
Although this system allows you to
make maximum use of stopping
distances, even with the ABS you
still have to take account of the
actual condition of the road surface.
It is still essential to follow the rules
of good driving practice (such as
driving at a safe distance from the
vehicle in front). The fact that the
vehicle’s safety has been increased
should not encourage you to take
risks.
The safety enhancement is that the
brake control system prevents the
wheels from locking, even if the
brakes are applied too sharply, and
allows the vehicle to be steered and
thus its direction to be controlled.
Under these circumstances it is
quite possible for the driver to steer
the vehicle and to avoid an obstacle
whilst at the same time applying the
brake.
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