The DOs and DON'Ts of ABS

Four-wheel ABS is a safe, effective braking system when used properly. It offers an important safety advantage by preventing the wheels from locking during emergency braking situations, allowing drivers to maintain control over steering and operate vehicles more effectively. To take full advantage of the maximum safety benefits, drivers must learn how to operate their anti-lock braking systems correctly.

Do Keep Your Foot on the Brake
Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake while steering to enable four-wheel ABS to work properly. Avoid pumping the brake, even if the brake pedal is pulsating. In vehicles that are equipped with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, however, the front wheels can still lock up the same as conventional brakes. If that happens, the driver should ease up on the brake pedal with just enough pressure to allow the front wheels to roll again so he/she can steer.

Do Allow Enough Distance to Stop
Follow three seconds or more behind vehicles when driving in good conditions. Allow more time if conditions are hazardous.

Do Practice Driving with ABS
Become accustomed to pulsations that occur in the brake pedal when ABS is activated. Empty parking lots or other open areas are excellent places to practice emergency stops.

Do Consult the Vehicle's Owner's Manual
for additional driving instructions on the anti-lock brake system.

Do Know the Difference Between Four-Wheel and Rear-Wheel ABS
Four-wheel ABS is generally found on passenger cars, and is designed to maintain steerability in emergency braking situations. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, found exclusively on light trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles, is designed to maintain directional stability and prevent the vehicle from skidding sideways.

Don't Drive an ABS-Equipped Vehicle More Aggressively
than vehicles without ABS. Driving around curves faster, changing lanes abruptly or performing other aggressive steering maneuvers is neither appropriate nor safe with any vehicle.

Don't Pump the Brakes
In four-wheel ABS-equipped vehicles, pumping the brake turns the system on and off. ABS pumps the brakes for you automatically at a much faster rate, and allows better steering control.

Don't Forget to Steer
Four-wheel ABS enables drivers to steer in emergency braking situations, but the system itself does not steer.

Don't Be Alarmed by Mechanical Noises and/or Slight Pedal Pulsations
while applying the brake in an ABS-equipped vehicle. These conditions are normal and let the driver know ABS is working.