Slipping into Fall (Driving with ABS Brakes)
July 28, 2024
As the weather changes over from hot to colder, drivers will have to deal with more slippery streets. And it's important to know how to drive with the brakes you have on your vehicle.
In the 1970s, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) started to be installed on vehicles and they've been a game changer for drivers. Most modern vehicles have ABS and it's important to know how to drive with them.
In older vehicles without ABS, the driver applies the brakes by pushing down the pedal. That, in turn, sends braking pressure to all four wheels at once. But all four tires don't have the same traction because the road surface they're each on isn't exactly the same.
ABS allows sensors to determine when particular wheels are slowing down more quickly. The ABS then reduces braking pressure to the wheels that are about to lock up. That way the wheel turns and the tires keep some grip. (You have to have grip to stop.) It's kind of what drivers try to achieve when they pump the older-style brakes without ABS.
Another engineered feature of ABS is that it makes sure your front wheels will continue to rotate and maintain some traction. That's important because the front wheels are used to steer, and being able to steer gives a driver more control in a quickly-changing situation. So ABS is all about stopping as fast as the road surface will allow but at the same time enabling the driver to maintain control.
ABS is designed for the driver to put steady pressure on the brake pedal and let the vehicle’s computerized system handle the braking. Pumping the pedal in a vehicle with ABS can defeat what the system is trying to do to help you maintain control.
Because stopping techniques in a vehicle with ABS are different than those without, it’s important to know which brakes you have so you can operate them accordingly.
If you have any doubt, consult your service advisor. ABS involves sophisticated technology and must be maintained in order for it to work properly. Your service advisor can recommend a maintenance schedule for you to follow so your ABS is always on the ready to help you stop when you need to.
Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
10 Northtown Drive
Sparta, Illinois 62286
618-443-6112
http://www.charliesfastlubesparta.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
Braking Good (Brake Drum Replacement)
July 14, 2025
Maybe your vehicle feels like Breaking Bad. In other words, when you brake, things are bad. You may find it takes you a longer distance to stop, you feel a vibration, or its pulsating when you depress the brake pedal, or perhaps your vehicle pulls to one side. Those can be symptoms of failing b... More
The ?Man-Made? Engine Oil (Synthetic Oil Change)
July 7, 2025
If you own a newer vehicle, your vehicles manufacturer may require that it use synthetic oil instead of conventional oil. Synthetic oils are more stable, dont break down as easily, and provide better engine protection than conventional oil. All those things can prolong the life of your engine an... More
Do you have a Clue (Get the Most Out of a Service Visit)
June 29, 2025
When you head to the doctor, you probably have it in your mind what you're going to say about why you don't feel good. That way your doctor can use that information to diagnose your problem. You might want to think of that same approach when you take your vehicle in for a repair. Experts say wha... More