MG ZR Series Owner's Manual page 85

Braking in an emergency
DO NOT pump the brake pedal at any time; this will
interrupt operation of the ABS and may increase braking
distance.
If an emergency situation occurs, the driver should apply full
braking effort even when the road surface is slippery. The anti-
lock braking system will constantly monitor the rotational speed of
the wheels and vary braking pressure to each according to the
amount of traction available. This will ensure that the wheels do
not lock and that the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible
distance for the prevailing road surface conditions.
NOTE: On soft surfaces such as powdery snow, sand or gravel, the
braking distance required by the anti-lock braking system may be greater
than for non-ABS braking, even though improved steering would be
experienced. This is because the natural action of locked wheels on soft
surfaces is to build up a wedge of surface material in front which assists the
car to stop.
No matter how hard you brake, you should be able to continue
steering the vehicle as NORMAL.
However, always remember that anti-lock braking operates only
AFTER the driver has already lost control. ABS cannot reliably
compensate for driver error or inexperience.
Brakes
ABS Warning light
The ABS incorporates a monitoring system, which
checks that all the electrical components are in working
order as soon as the starter switch is turned on, and also at frequent
intervals during a journey.
The warning light on the instrument panel is an important part of
this system. The light should illuminate for approximately 2
seconds when the starter switch is turned to the second position
and then extinguish.
If the warning light fails to extinguish or illuminates while driving,
a fault has been detected by the self-monitoring system and full
ABS control may not be available. If this occurs, consult your
dealer at the earliest opportunity.
In addition, when starting the engine, a single 'knock' may be
heard coming from the engine compartment. Very slight
movement may also be felt at the brake pedal. Both are normal
symptoms of the anti-lock braking system self checking process.
NOTE: The normal (non-ABS) braking system remains fully operational
and is not affected by partial or full loss of the ABS. However, braking
distances may increase.
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