Driving with ABS
ABS operation
Braking a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock
brake system feels different from braking a non-ABS vehicle.
Why do they sound and feel different?
You may notice a unique sound and feel from
your anti-lock braking system during vehicle startup and during
panic stops. The differences may include:
Brake pedal pulse or kickback. It may feel
as if the car is braking you when the ABS applies and releases hydraulic
pressure to the brake shoes. Pulsing will continue until the vehicle
stops or the ABS turns off.
Tire chirp. This is common when the vehicle
has braked almost to a stop. The wheels are approaching lockup and
the system releases pressure.
Springy pedal when vehicle is not moving.
Popping, clicking and motor noises. These
may occur whenever the braking system is being used, but the most
unexpected time is when the ABS performs a self-test. The self-test
is designed to happen as the vehicle goes through the range of 3
to 8 km/h from a dead stop.
ABS tips
You should be aware that with an ABS system:
- The brake pedal needs to be held down firmly, not pumped.

- Keep steering around the obstacle you want to avoid - even while applying full brakes.
- Stopping distances may not be shorter (the purpose of ABS is to prevent wheel lock-up and allow you to steer around obstacles).
- You cannot diagnose brake system problems by judging brake pedal feel.
- If the ABS fails, the vehicle will still have conventional braking ability.