ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS
61
IMPORTANT
DRIVING
SAFETY TIPS
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS
QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES...continued
Can older cars be retrofitted with ABS?
No! The brake system is one of the most important features on any
passenger vehicle.
Several products, which tap into the master cylinder and/or brake
system performance, are being sold in the aftermarket. Some of these
products imply performance similar to new vehicle anti-lock brake
systems.
However, contrary to their claims, add-on systems, which deplete
fluid from the master cylinder on brake apply may actually increase a
vehicle’s stopping distance. This may cause the vehicle to fail to comply
with federal brake standards.
Does ABS always activate at the same speed?
No, the system operates when the computer detects wheel lockup, at
any speed above 8 mph.
Will ABS wear out a vehicle’s brakes sooner?
A properly maintained brake system will be unaffected by ABS
operation under typical driving conditions.
Are there different types of ABS?
Yes, there are rear wheel anti-lock systems (RWAL) used on some
trucks and four-wheel ABS available on cars and trucks.
Do Federal Safety Standards mandate ABS?
No. Federal standards establish minimum braking performance
requirements that all vehicles must meet, but do not specify how they
should be met. It should be noted that even a vehicle with failed ABS
meets the Federal safety standard for stopping distances.
Will a tire size change affect ABS?
Use of tires other than original equipment may affect ABS
performance. Owners should consult and follow the recommendations
contained in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding replacement tire size.
Note: ABS will work with original equipment spare tire or tire chains.
However, performance is reduced.
Do insurance companies give a discount for ABS?
Y
es, many insurance companies give discounts that range from 5% to
10%. In the states of New York and Florida all insurance companies
are required to give an ABS discount of 5% on certain coverages such
as bodily injury, property damage, collision, and personal injury
protection. In other states the discount varies from insurance company
to insurance company. When buying auto insurance, always ask your
insurance agent if his/her company gives a discount for vehicles
equipped with anti-lock brakes.
A. Always maintain a safe
following distance.
ABS does not allow you to stop on
a dime.
(Safe follo
wing distance Generally a
2-second following distance is considered safe
in ideal conditions. Watch the vehicle in front
of you
pass a fixed marker (such as a sign).
Count seconds—one-thousand-one, one-thou-
sand-two-until your front bumper reaches the
marker. If you do not count out two seconds,
then you are too close to the vehicle in front of
you.
Also, if the roads are wet or icy, or
visibility is poor
,
you should increase your fol
-
lowing distance.
B. Always drive carefully—
especially on slippery surfaces. ABS cannot
create friction between the tires and the road
surface,
it can only give the driver the maxi
-
mum advantage of the existing adhesion. If
the vehicle is traveling on a surface with no
adhesion, the best ABS in the world cannot
provide a shorter stopping distance or good
steering.
C. It is a good idea to practice an
ABS activated stop and get the feel of
the brake pedal. However, please
make sure it’
s a
t a safe time with no obstacles
in your path. And you only really need to try it
once or twice to know what happens.
