First rate motorists are always watchful of the roadway before them, allowing their abilities to be ready for any probably danger in the way of their progress, and reacting before heavy braking is needed. Still, even the best drivers can hit the unexpected, so understanding how to maintain control of your vehicle when you brake helps you stop carefully and stay in control.
When trying to brake with care one needs to make sure they are braking in a straight line. Corners can make the weight of the vehicle transfer to the front of the car, lightening the rear of the vehicle, which makes stopping more difficult. The brakes have more demand on them with this situation. It is possible to skid, spin, or not stop properly if you have to brake and are going around a corner.
If there is ever a need to use heavy brakes when you go around a curve, you should apply the brakes gently and progressively allowing the transfer of weight to be less on the front and control to remain in your hands.
All or most cars manufactured today have ABS or anti lock braking system. This system is designed to help keep control and stability in your hands when you have to brake heavily, even on curves. There are limitations with the ABS system.
When you a brake heavily the ABS system can detect the point at which the wheels are starting to lock up, it then automatically releases the brakes for a fraction of second to prevent this happening. This process is repeated hundreds of times a second and occurs considerably quicker than the speed at which a normal driver could achieve.
With ABS ensuring the wheels are still turning, and not locked up, during heavy braking, steering control is still fully maintained, the tyres continue to grip effectively, and you can steer around and safely avoid any potential hazard.
When you brake and ABS comes on there is a pulsing that you feel with the pedal. You may also hear a grinding sound. Do not fear this movement, and never let the brake pedal go. Instead continue with your heavy braking to stop your vehicle in the short distance and still engage the ABS.
ABS is highly effective for heavy or emergency stopping needs. It will keep you protected and controlled. Still, anti lock braking systems cannot defy physics if you are driving too fast or hit a slippery patch.
If need to brake harshly then, if possible, you should warn the other drivers behind you by switching on your indicator bulbs. It is also worth considering carrying a spare bulbs kit in your vehicle so that if, for example, a tail light bulb has blown it can been changed quickly and easily.
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