Lotus ELISE 2007 Owner's Handbook Manual page 72

force, such that with both front wheels locked, movement of the
steering wheel has no effect on car direction. With the anti-lock
system, even panic braking results in controlled deceleration and
the retention of steering response. ABS is especially advanta
geous when braking on slippery road surfaces and in bad driv-
ing conditions, but it is important to realise that the ABS cannot
increase the friction level at the road surface, but can only make
optimum use of the grip available.
WARNING:
When driving in adverse weather, or on poor road sur
faces, always be alert to the possibility of slippery conditions
and make the necessary allowance for increased stopping
distances. Failure to do so may result in an accident in which
you or others may be killed or seriously injured.
Normal braking, controlled by the pressure applied to the
brake pedal, occurs when the road conditions allow for decelera
tion to be achieved without danger of wheel lock. The relative
speeds of the four wheels are continuously monitored by the ABS
when the brakes are applied, and if one or more wheels begin
to lock, the brake pressure to that wheel(s) is modulated by the
ABS to help keep the wheel rotating and provide the maximum
controlled braking force. The wheels may appear to lock momen
tarily as the wheel speed rapidly changes, and some tire noise
(intermittent screeching) may be heard which is normal and will
vary with road and tire conditions. Note that the ABS does not
function at speeds below 5 mph (7 km/h).
When the ABS is activated, the driver will feel a 'pulsing'
sensation at the brake pedal as the fluid pressure is modulated,
and also by audible clicking sounds. These signals indicate to
the driver that maximum braking is occuring, and that driving
style should be modified to suit the conditions.
The minimum stopping distance is achieved by applying the
brakes firmly and steadily, and allowing the ABS to modulate
hydraulic pressure. The driver should not attempt to emulate
this process by 'pumping' the brake pedal, as modulation at the
pedal will treat all four wheels similarly, rather than the individual
wheel control allowed by the electronics.
An ABS tell tale lamp in the instrument panel is provided
to warn of any problems in the system and to indicate that the
integral self diagnostics have switched out the anti-lock function.
See 'ABS tell tale lamp'.
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