A couple days ago, we were in a near collision when for some reason still unknown to me we had to come from 90kpm down to a full stop on the express way. I leave plenty of space when driving and was able to stop with about 0.5 car length to spare, but around 3 car including the one behind me
took to the shoulder since they could not stop without hitting the car in front of them.

Anyway, when braking hard we skidded about 1 car length (I think), and the ABS never engaged. This worries me. I have also had this experience while stopping hard at lights (when it turns amber) where I have slid a foot or so without the ABS engaging. I don't remember ever feeling the ABS engage.

Searching the forum seems to reveal a number of people complaining that the ABS engages too sensitively, but I seem to be having the opposite problem. I wanted to know other peoples experiences to determine if I need to have service look at it, or switch back to old school threshold braking when braking hard.

Thanks for the input.

Ian Harrower

I don't thinK the tires should loose any grip! If you are skidding , or locking up the wheels, I think there is a problem. I am no expert on this matter, however. H

make sure your running the correct air pressure. these systems are going to have been designed to work ideally at a specific air pressure.

i would check this then go test your ABS, if you can still lock the tires for more than an instant i would take it to get serviced. The entire point of that system is to prevent tire lockup so you can stop faster and maneuver while breaking.

I agree. The ABS definitely should have engaged. I would have it checked out.

Where you pulling big black lines on the road with squeeling and smoking tires or did you have the idea you where accelarating?

Because a lot of people believe the abs wasn't working because the felt the car accelerating (stopping decelerating is a better description) The number one function of abs is to relieve pressure from your brakes to resolve lock up. (not to prevent!)
This is to enable you to steer around the danger. When the sensors notice the wheels are all spinning equally it will build up pressure again until the wheel starts locking up again. etc etc This happens in a fraction of a second.

It is easy to check if your abs works just find an empty carlot and slam on the brakes. I wouldn't be to worried as long as you see your dashboardlights working during startup check so you are sure the bulb hasn't blown.

ps are you familiar with stopping distances at speed. To make it more visual for you at 90 kilometers per hour you are driving 25 meters per second and the heaviest decelleration is at speeds below 50 kilometers per hour (when you feel your head moving forward)

At the advanced drivers courses i always learned and now train students that at speeds above 50 kilometers per hour you use less meters/time to avoid the danger than to brake for it.

I hope this makes any sense to you guys, it''s a bit hard for me to explain in english.