Knowing how to maintain the best control over your vehicle in slippery and wet road conditions is an important aspect of car safety. The best way to turn, brake, and even to accelerate in these conditions, is for you to properly activate your vehicle's ABS, or traction control system. You should know certain facts about these systems that will allow you to maintain safe traction needed to drive in unfavorable road conditions:
Keeping your vehicles's tires in good condition is necessary if you want your car to maintain its grip on the highway while you are driving. Check the tire pressure on your vehicle often. Also, check to determine if there is wear and tear on your tires that might have caused them to become bald, or smooth. This condition is sure to reduce the gripping ability of your vehicle's tires. If they are too smooth and worn, then it’s time for you to get new tires. Also, keeping your tires balanced and aligned will give you better control of your car in slippery or wet road conditions.
The Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS) is considered by vehicle experts to be the best control mechanism on your vehicle. Your vehicle's ABS system is designed to prevent it wheels from locking up when its brakes are applied. Generally, wheels lock up when a vehicle's driver panics or applies too much brake pressure. The reason this can be dangerous is that when you brake in a panic and the wheels lock, you are more likely to loose control of your vehicle. Having your ABS in good condition can prevent your brakes from locking up if you follow proper braking guidelines. If you are not sure whether your vehicle has an ABS system, check your Owner’s Manual or call your car dealer.
Research has shown that many accidents have occurred even with vehicles equipped with an ABS system. Knowing how to brake properly is important in order for you to maintain the best control of your vehicle. It is important for you to know that when braking with ABS equipment, you need to apply 100% pressure to the brakes (using all the force you have), without pumping your vehicle's brakes.
If you have an ABS-equipped vehicle, it’s important to avoid becoming overconfident and relying too much on your brakes. Instead, you should always allow for a safe braking distance, by following other vehicles at a safe distance. If used properly, the ABS system will allow you to steer around a hazard, thus preventing serious accidents.
Ever wonder how you will know whether or not your ABS system is activated? If you feel a pulsating sensation while braking, or if you hear a rattling sound, these are indications that your system is functioning properly.
Tip 4 – Traction Control
Traction control is a system that prevents your vehicle's drive wheels from loosing their grip on the road during acceleration. This system allows you safely slow your vehicle without skidding or losing control.
