Characteristics of ABS

NORMAL BRAKING SYSTEM FUNCTION
Under normal braking conditions, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) functions the same as a standard brake system with a diagonally split Master Cylinder and conventional vacuum assist.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ABS BRAKING
It is important to remember that an Antilock Brake System does not shorten a vehicle's stopping distance under all driving conditions, but does provide improved control of the vehicle while stopping. Vehicle stopping distance is still dependent on vehicle speed, weight, tires, road surfaces and other factors.

Anti-Lock Defined
Though ABS provides the driver with some steering control during hard braking, there are conditions however, where the system does not provide any benefit. In particular, hydroplaning is still possible when the tires ride on a film of water. This results in the vehicle's tires leaving the road surface rendering the vehicle virtually uncontrollable. In addition, extreme steering maneuvers at high speed or high speed cornering beyond the limits of tire adhesion to the road surface may cause vehicle skidding, independent of vehicle braking. For this reason, the ABS system is termed Antilock instead of Anti-Skid.

CONTROL DURING ABS BRAKING
This ABS System represents the current state-of-the-art in vehicle braking systems and offers the driver increased safety and control during braking. This is accomplished by a sophisticated system of electrical and hydraulic components. As a result, there are a few performance characteristics that may at first seem different but should be considered normal.