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ABS Brake System
(Antilock brake system)
The ABS system represents a major contri-
bution to the enhancement of active safety in
your vehicle. This system prevents the wheels
from locking in a panic stop on almost all road
surfaces.
With ABS system in your vehicle, the fol-
lowing areas are enhanced:
Full steerability, vehicle remains steer-
able under all braking forces.
Good directional control, no swerving
caused by locking of wheels under brak-
ing conditions.
Excellent stopping distance, stopping
distances are usually reduced because
controlled braking is maximized.
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake-
induced sliding and thus no localized tire
wear from emergency braking.
The crucial advantage of ABS system over a
conventional brake system is in the area of
maintaining directional control and maneuv-
erability of the car in emergency situations,
including panic braking in turns.
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WARNING:
In spite of the improved handling afforded
by the ABS system, it still remains the re-
sponsibility of the driver to adapt the dri-
ving style to the prevailing road and wea-
ther conditions, as well as, obeying traffic
laws. In no case, should the higher degree
of safety offered by ABS be regarded as a
justification for taking greater risks. Other
vehicles not equipped with the ABS sys-
tem may not be able to maintain control,
especially on wet or poor road surfaces
and thus may be more likely to impact you
in the rear. To minimize that risk, use your
ABS system to increase your ability to
maneuver to avoid dangerous situations
and not merely to try to stop in the shortest
distance possible.
Driving with the ABS System
A wheel speed sensor is fitted to each of the
four wheels. If wheel slippage of either of the
front wheels or the rear wheels is sensed
during braking, the brake pressure is adjusted
automatically until the wheel no longer slips.
The brake pressure is regulated for each front
wheel individually and for both rear wheels
together.
On a road surface which is slippery on only
one side, the rear wheel which is braking on
the slippery surface determines the brake
pressure which will be applied equally to both
r e a r wheels. This e n s u r e s t h a t directional sta-
bility is maintained. However, if braking force
approaches the wheel locking-up point for all
wheels (panic braking) the ABS system will
intervene in a way comparable with rapid
rythmic braking. The proper operation of ABS
i s perceived by the driver as a pulsating brake
pedal in conjunction with audible noise and
perhaps some vibration. The driver is thereby
warned to reduce vehicle speed appropriate
for the prevailing road conditions.
If your ABS system should ever malfunction,
the ABS system is automatically switched off,
but the normal brake system, without ABS,
would remain fully operational. Such a mal-
function would be indicated by the illumination
of the central warning light, as well as the
"ANTILOCK" light on the right hand side of
the instrument cluster.
If the ABS system becomes inoperative,
take your vehicle to your authorized dea-
ler immediately.
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