Braking system
101
Wet conditions
WARNING
Driving through water or even very heavy
rain may adversely affect braking efficiency.
Always dry the braking surfaces by
intermittent light application of the brakes,
first ensuring that you are at a safe distance
from other road users.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING
The purpose of anti-lock braking (ABS) is to
allow efficient braking without wheel locking,
thereby allowing the driver to retain
steerability and control of the vehicle.
WARNING
ABS cannot overcome the physical
limitations of stopping the vehicle in too
short a distance, cornering at too high a
speed, or the danger of aquaplaning, i.e.
where a layer of water prevents adequate
contact between the tyres and the road
surface.
The fact that a vehicle is fitted with ABS
must never tempt the driver into taking risks
that could affect his/her safety or that of
other road users. In all cases, it remains the
driver’s responsibility to drive within normal
safety margins, having due consideration for
the prevailing weather and traffic
conditions.
The driver should always take account of the
surface to be travelled over and the fact that
brake pedal reactions will be different to
those experienced on a non-ABS vehicle.
ABS incorporates a monitoring system which
checks that all the electrical components are
in working order before each journey and also
at frequent intervals while the vehicle is in use.
The warning lights on the instrument panel
are part of this system and it is essential that
the driver observes these and fully
understands their functions - these are fully
described in Section 2 of the handbook under
’Warning lights’.
WARNING
DO NOT drive until the red brake warning
light has extinguished (with the parking
brake released). If the light stays on or
illuminates whilst driving, this indicates
either a malfunction of the system or low
fluid level in the reservoir. In this case ABS
control is not available. Stop as soon as
safety permits and seek qualified assistance
before continuing.
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