Over the last decade Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) have become a standard in the automotive industry for consumers. However, many of us who grew up on power assist brakes may have some misconceptions as to the abilities and limitations of ABS brakes.

By design, ABS will not always stop your vehicle in a shorter distance than a vehicle equipped with traditional brakes. The benefit of ABS is it prevents front-wheel lockup in an emergency braking situation to allow the driver to continue to steer the vehicle. All too often during a panic situation, a driver would apply maximum braking and lock up the front wheels. When this took place, the driver lost the ability to steer the vehicle and subsequently would continue to skid until the vehicle came to a natural stop or unfortunately struck an unintended object. With ABS, the front wheels remain free to rotate and the driver maintains the ability to steer the vehicle and maintain control of its desired path of travel. Prior to ABS, we practiced “threshold” braking, where we pumped the brakes in an effort not to lock up the brakes. So we must operate the two systems with different skills.

Often drivers will notice that when applying ABS, they hear a grinding sound from the front end of the vehicle or notice a pulsating feeling from the brake pedal. The pulsating feeling is totally normal and is the computer releasing the brakes prior to lockup, then reapplying them. This is what causes the brake pedal to move on its own. The front-end sound is normal and is an indication that the system is working properly. But don’t become overconfident just because your vehicle is equipped with ABS. Stay alert, minimize distractions and expect the unexpected.

Michael Walker is the EVOC Coordinator with the Tallahassee Police Department and can be contacted at walkerm@talgov.com.