Tips on "Brake and Steer" and Using Your Anti-Lock Brake System

Always "brake and steer" when using anti-lock brakes.
Most drivers were taught to pump the brakes and turn hard to the right or left in order to compensate for skidding. With anti-lock brakes, all you have to do is "brake and steer." With four-wheel ABS, push the brake pedal hard while steering normally and keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until the car comes to a complete stop. Don't take your foot off the brake pedal because it will disengage the anti-lock system. Drivers of rear-wheel ABS vehicles should step firmly with care, and if they feel the wheels begin to lock, they should withhold some pressure.

Expect noise and vibration in the brake pedal when your anti-lock brakes are in use.
The mechanical noise or pulsations of anti-lock brakes while they're in use might catch drivers by surprise, but these sensations tell you the brakes are working.

Remember that you can steer while you are braking with 4-wheel anti-lock brake systems.
Steering is not always an instinctive reaction in an emergency stopping situation. Steer out of harm's way, while keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedal. Remember that while you have steering capability in a braking situation, your vehicle may not turn as quickly on a slippery road as it would on dry pavement.

Rear-wheel anti-lock brake systems -- found exclusively on light trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles -- will provide vehicle stability, but will not give you the steering capability of 4-wheel ABS.
Drivers with rear wheel anti-lock brake systems, found exclusively in light trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles, should remember that because the front brakes can lock, steering capability will not improve. If your vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, follow these directions: do not step as firmly; and if you feel the front wheels begin to lock, withhold some pressure. The vehicle will stay straight while braking, and your braking ability and the stability of your vehicle will be much better than with conventional brakes.

Anti-lock brake systems can often stop more quickly than conventional brakes, but they can't overcome the laws of physics.
Anti-lock brake systems function well on wet paved surfaces and icy or packed snow-covered roads. Stopping times can be longer on deep gravel or freshly fallen snow, although drivers won't experience the dangerous lock-up of the wheels usually associated with conventional hard braking.

Drive safely because your anti-lock brakes are only as good as the driver who is using them.
Anti-lock brakes cannot compensate for driving faster, more aggressively or maintaining unsafe following distances, nor can they guarantee recovery from a spin or skid prior to a braking event. Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you and maintain a speed consistent with road conditions. Also, avoid extreme steering maneuvers while your anti-lock brake systems are engaged.

Your anti-lock braking system instrument panel warning light will go on for a few seconds after starting the ignition.
The light goes on so that the system can conduct normal function tests. If the light does not go out, or if it lights up during normal driving, this means that a problem with the anti-lock braking system circuit has been detected and the ABS system has shut off. Conventional braking will continue to function. Consult your car dealer should a problem occur.

It's easy to find out whether your car has anti-lock brakes.
Determine if your car has an anti-lock braking system by noting whether an ABS light flashes on your dashboard during ignition, checking your owner's manual, or asking your dealer.