Special to Car Care Council Spring/Summer Supplement 1998

As the winter thaw and spring showers begin to take a toll on roads in various parts of the country, beware -- and most importantly -- be prepared.

The ABS Education Alliance has some driving tips to help keep you safe on the roads this spring.

Know your brakes. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are an effective automotive safety technology when properly used. ABS is widely recognized by government and industry leaders as one of the most significant safety advances in modern automotive engineering.

There are two types of anti-lock brake systems -- four-wheel and rear-wheel. Passenger cars and some light trucks may have four-wheel ABS, whereas rear-wheel ABS is found exclusively on light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles. When properly used, four-wheel ABS improves vehicle steerability, stability and stopping capability in emergency situations. Rear-wheel ABS is designed to maintain directional stability and prevent the light truck from skidding sideways in emergencies.

Understand the benefits of ABS. ABS prevents wheel lock, which can cause skidding and a loss of control in emergency situations.

Drivers can benefit from ABS not only in the spring, but in all seasons. ABS prevents wheel lock, which can cause skidding and a loss of control in severe weather conditions. With ABS, a driver can maintain control, allowing the car to go where the driver steers it. That is, if a driver steers a little to the right, the car will travel a little to the right; if a driver steers a lot to the right, the car will follow.

The best way to learn how to use ABS is simple -- practice. The ABS Education Alliance encourages drivers to practice operating every vehicle they drive. Take your vehicle to an empty parking lot and practice controlled steering and braking with ABS.

As a driver, not only should you become familiar with your ABS in a non-emergency situation, such as an open parking lot or driver education range, but you should also practice ABS techniques on a variety of road conditions.

For instance, braking and steering with ABS on a surface slippery from the winter thaw or spring rain will feel different than braking on a normal road surface. Be sure to set aside time for all drivers of your ABS-equipped vehicle to practice using ABS at the beginning of each season or when there is a significant change in driving conditions.

Generally speaking, unlike conventional brakes which require drivers to pump the brakes to prevent skidding, anti-lock brakes do the pumping for you. With ABS, all you have to do is remember a few rules of thumb. First, push down hard on the brake pedal and keep firm and continuous pressure on it -- even if you feel vibrations and hear a grinding noise. Don't be alarmed, that means your ABS is in action. Second, remember to steer your car away from danger while keeping firm pressure on the brake pedal.

Does your car -- or your rental car -- have ABS? If you don't know, check the dashboard -- an "ABS" indicator should illuminate for several seconds as you start a car with anti-lock brakes. It's important to know what type of brakes you have because vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking systems require different braking techniques than those with conventional brakes.

Now that we've covered brakes, the ABS Education Alliance has some general driving tips.

Pay special attention to vehicle maintenance. The most common oversight by drivers after spring has sprung is completing a quick inspection of brakes, tires, oil, windshield wipers, and head and taillights. Particularly during warm months, keep extra coolant, a gallon of water, jumper cables, an umbrella and a flashlight in your vehicle to prepare yourself for potential roadside break-downs. Even if you're renting a car, don't assume it's ready to roll. A quick check can be even more important with an unfamiliar vehicle.

Always check the weather conditions on your travel route. Pay special attention to tornado warnings and severe weather advisories. Do not take these warnings lightly. Pull to the side of the road and seek shelter under an overpass while staying in your vehicle. In addition, make sure you always keep your radio tuned to a weather station for updated bulletins.

Always slow down and increase following distances when driving in bad weather conditions. Tailing other automobiles in any condition is unsafe, but in slippery weather, stopping distances can be much longer.

On hills, keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead so you won't have to slow down or stop. This will allow you to maneuver around obstacles and to gain a little extra speed at the bottom of the hill to give momentum that will help carry you over the top. At the hillcrest, reduce speed and descend in a low gear with as little braking as possible.

Be more observant. Because visibility is often limited in rainy conditions, slow down and watch for other vehicles. Also, make sure all mirrors in your car are properly positioned for you.

If your vehicle breaks down, don't panic. Pull as far off the road as possible and use common sense. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing cars. Stay put until help arrives. Either turn on your warning lights or open your hood to signal your emergency situation to other drivers. If you do not have access to a phone, create a "Call Police" sign to hang in your rear window.

If possible, do not travel alone. Even if you are just traveling a short distance, it is best to travel with someone. Let a relative, friend or neighbor know where you are heading and keep them informed of your planned arrival time. In addition, know an alternative route to your destination in case your planned route is closed or under construction.

Try to travel during daylight hours. When driving in the spring, visibility is often diminished by rain storms or showers. Also, driving at night, coupled with spring weather, can result in dangerous situations.

Don't drink and drive. It's easy to get carried away at a barbecue or sporting event, but always remember the rule: If you drink, don't drive.

Obey construction warnings. When approaching road construction, always pay attention to speed restrictions and other information -- and keep an eye out for workers.

After a long winter, most drivers look forward to a relaxing springtime drive. But like any changing season, spring holds its own surprises, so be sure to take proper precautions.