Anti-Lock Braking System: Abs - Renault 2009 CLIO Handbook

ANTI-LOCk BRAkING SYSTEM: ABS

Under heavy braking, the essential re-
quirements are to limit the stopping
distance and keep your vehicle under
control. However, there is a risk that
roadholding and directional control
may be lost and the wheels may lock
under braking, depending on the nature
of the ground, weather conditions and
your reactions. The Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) has been designed to
combat this danger.
The safety enhancement is that the
brake control system prevents the
wheels from locking, even if the brakes
are applied too sharply, and allows the
vehicle to be steered and thus its direc-
tion to be controlled. Under these cir-
cumstances it is quite possible for the
driver to steer the vehicle and to avoid
an obstacle whilst at the same time ap-
plying the brake.
(1/2)
This system also allows you to optimise
stopping distances when the grip of one
or more wheels may be lost (wet roads,
slippery or varying road surfaces).
Although this system allows you to opti-
mise stopping distances, the ABS does
not allow you to increase vehicle per-
formance, which is physically linked
to the local conditions of tyre/road ad-
hesion. It is still essential to follow the
rules of good driving practice (such as
driving at a safe distance from the vehi-
cle in front). The fact that the vehicle's
safety has been increased should
not encourage you to take risks.
You will feel a pulsation through the
brake pedal each time the system is ac-
tivated. These tangible signs will warn
you that the grip of the tyres on the
ground has reached its limit and enable
you to adapt your driving style to suit
the road conditions.
This function is an addi-
tional aid in the event of
critical driving conditions,
enabling the vehicle behav-
iour to be adapted to suit the driving
conditions.
However, the function does not take
the place of the driver. It does not
increase the vehicle's limits and
should not encourage you to
drive more quickly.
Therefore, it can under no circum-
stances replace the vigilance or re-
sponsibility of the driver when ma-
noeuvring the vehicle (the driver
must always be ready for sudden in-
cidents which may occur when driv-
ing).
2.17