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DON’T pump the brakes (this will deactivate ABS).You may feel the brake pedal vibrate and hear a clicking sound – this is normal.The ABS should stop the wheels from skidding. How to use four-wheel anti-lock brake systems: One way to familiarize yourself with the operation of ABS is to test drive the vehicle at a speed above which the ABS activates (usually above 10 mph). To take full advantage of the safety benefits with anti-lock brakes, drivers must learn how to operate their anti-lock brake systems correctly.Įmpty parking lots or other open areas are excellent places to practice emergency stops. It automatically changes the pressure in your vehicle’s brake lines to maintain maximum brake performance just short of locking up the wheels.Įffectively using brakes on a vehicle equipped with ABS requires a different technique than used on a vehicle that doesn’t have ABS. What ABS does is similar to a person pumping the brakes.In vehicles equipped with ABS, the driver’s foot should remain firmly on the brake pedal, allowing the system to automatically pump the brakes.If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a crash by steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time.ABS prevents wheel lockup so that your vehicle stays in a straight line.Four-wheel ABS will actually allow you to retain the ability to steer your vehicle while you’re still braking.All other ABS systems, including those for cars and minivans, are designed to keep all four wheels from locking up.Rear wheel ABS keeps your vehicle from spinning out of control however, if the front wheels lock up, you will not have steering control.Rear-wheel-only systems are found on some older pickups and sport utility vehicles.Some systems are designed to prevent only the rear wheels from locking up.The anti-lock brake system is speed sensitive, and the brake system will not activate at very slow speeds.
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ABS activates only in slippery conditions or during panic stops when a driver slams on the brakes, causing them to lock up.Your vehicle will always have its regular braking system, even if ABS were to fail.
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