HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
                     HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ANTI-LOCK 
BRAKES
Mark Sanford
Writer at Brake System
University providing advice, reviews and information on 
brake system components including 
brake line repair tips at brake system university /
brake line repair kit reviews at break system university
Today’s vehicles feature anti-lock braking technology yet most drivers do 
not understand how anti-lock brakes work. The average driver assumes he 
or she can slam the brake pedal and stop in nearly a moment’s notice. 
Though anti-lock brakes certainly stop vehicles in surprisingly little time, 
there are some strategies every driver should employ to maximize the 
efficiency of this braking technology and ultimately enhance on-road 
safety. Let’s take a quick look at the best techniques that will help you get 
the most out of your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes.
A PLAIN ENGLISH EXPLANATION OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Often referred to with the acronym of ABS, anti-lock brakes are engineered 
to ensure vehicle wheels remain firmly connected to the surface of the 
road amidst emergency braking scenarios. The purpose of this automotive 
technology is to enhance the driver’s control when it is needed most. The 
superior traction provided by anti-lock brakes ultimately prevents the 
vehicle from sliding or skidding across the road and colliding with another 
vehicle or stationary object.
MAINTAIN CONSISTENT PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL
Chances are you drive a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes. Though 
there are some older models on the road lacking this braking technology, 
those antiquated vehicles are few and far between. Every driver of a 
vehicle equipped with ABS should understand it is a mistake to pump the 
brakes. The better approach is to keep consistent pressure against the 
brake pedal. If you were to pump the brakes rather than apply the 
recommended steady pressure, the anti-lock braking system would 
disengage.
Steady pressure should still be applied to the brake pedal even in the event 
that it pulsates while you are attempting to stop the vehicle. Such 
pulsation occurs when the brakes are briefly released in instances of wheel 
lock-ups. This phenomenon occurs in an instantaneous manner, several 
times per second, so don’t be alarmed. Your only chance of braking in time 
to avoid a collision is to keep pressing your foot to the brake pedal with 
ongoing pressure even amidst pulsation.
TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR VEHICLE’S OWNER MANUAL
The anti-lock braking system in your vehicle might be a little bit different 
from that of other vehicle makes and models. Read the owner’s manual 
and you just might learn a thing or two about the nuances of your vehicle’s 
anti-lock braking system. If the owner’s manual provides any helpful advice 
in regard to the use of your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system, commit it to 
memory so you can stop your vehicle as quickly as possible when those 
inevitable emergency situations arise on the road.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES TYPICALLY REQUIRE SEVERAL SECONDS TO REACH A 
FULL STOP
Though anti-lock braking technology is certainly advanced, it is not 
miraculous. If you do not leave enough distance and time to stop and avoid 
a collision with another vehicle or stationary object, there is a good chance 
you will be involved in a crash. In general, you will need a minimum of 
three seconds to reach a full stop with anti-lock braking technology. 
However, your rate of speed combined with road conditions and the 
quality of your brakes ultimately determine the amount of time and 
distance necessary to reach a full stop.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Practicing sudden stops in a vacant parking lot or other open space has the 
potential to save your life. The bottom line is a driver who has a feel for his 
or her vehicle’s brakes and understands the physics of the anti-lock braking 
system is that much more likely to remain safe on the road. Practice 
sudden stops in a safe area, get a feel for your vehicle’s brake pulsations, 
and you really will react that much better when dramatic on-road 
situations arise.
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Brake System University is a micro site giving advice, reviews, and technical 
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