Braking In Emergencies; Traction Control System (Tcs) - Buick 2008 Lucerne Owner's Manual

ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear
the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.

Braking in Emergencies

With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.

Traction Control System (TCS)

Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system works
the front brakes and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to limit
wheel spin.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
light will flash when the traction control system is limiting
wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-40 for more information. You
may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control
on page 3-12 for more information.
The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message, the
traction control system warning light and the StabiliTrak
warning light will come on to let you know if there is a
problem with the traction control system. See DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
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warning
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4-5