Antilock Brake System (ABS)

This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.

When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.

border=0>

If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light .

If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance.

If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.

Using ABS

Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let ABS work. You might hear the ABS pump or motor operating and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.

Braking in Emergencies

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

    See also:

    Sexy wagon? Yes. Sexy purchase?
    Competition has never been fiercer. I don’t think consumers have ever had as much choice as they do now. Compared to 20 years ago, cars are affordable and as every maker tends to move upscale, we ...

    How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
    Notice: This vehicle has a specific coolant fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause the engine to overheat and be severely damaged. If no problem is found, check to see if co ...

    Mass Storage Media (MEM)
    Infotainment systems with MEM storage are able to record up to 1.1 GB (gigabyte) of music from Audio CDs, MP3/WMA/AAC discs, and USB storage devices. The MEM player can also time shift audio from AM ...