Using ABS and Brakes for Urgent Stopping
By Ethan Melandri on Jul 3, 2009 in Cars
A good driver is always constantly critically observing the road ahead and using their skill to anticipate the effect of any potential hazards on their progress, and reacting accordingly before the need to brake sharply. However the unexpected can still happen and knowing how to brake safely in an emergency will ensure you stop safely and remain in full control of your vehicle.
The first important factor in safe braking is to always try and get all of the braking done in a straight line. If you brake whilst cornering you will transfer the weight of the car to the front, whilst making the back go light. This effect, combined with the fact the tyres have extra demands placed upon them, because they are being required to both brake and corner at the same time, means that you could easily enter a skid or spin.
If there is ever a need to use heavy brakes when you go around a curve, you should apply the brakes gently and progressively allowing the transfer of weight to be less on the front and control to remain in your hands.
Vehicles sold today have ABS or anti lock braking systems. As a standard in automotives you have control and stability of your car in several situations. When braking or going around a corner ABS can make it easier. Still, ABS has limits for what it can handle.
When you a brake heavily the ABS system can detect the point at which the wheels are starting to lock up, it then automatically releases the brakes for a fraction of second to prevent this happening. This process is repeated hundreds of times a second and occurs considerably quicker than the speed at which a normal driver could achieve.
ABS allows the wheels to continue moving, even when braking is more forceful. It also ensures the steering is controlled, and the tyres will grip. You can steer away from dangers and remain safe while driving.
When you brake and ABS comes on there is a pulsing that you feel with the pedal. You may also hear a grinding sound. Do not fear this movement, and never let the brake pedal go. Instead continue with your heavy braking to stop your vehicle in the short distance and still engage the ABS.
There is no doubt about the effectiveness of ABS for making heavy or emergency braking as safe and as controlled as possible. However it cannot defy the laws of physics so if you are driving too fast on slippery roads it may not prevent an accident.
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