Bosch/automotive brakequattro (To: Robert Deis et. al.)

[Orin Eman]

> Orin, first it's worth noting that the ABS system isn't substantially
> improved between the '97 A4 and '00 A4.  But, if you repeated the experiment
> with an older generation Audi (like a 200) and compared it to your A4s,

Nope, comparison was against an '86 5kcsq.  I saw no significant improvement
with the A4s vs the 5k.

> you'll see a difference.  However, my comment was really based on the lastest
> generation systems JUST hitting the market now on very high-end cars (some
> Mercedes, new BMW 7-series, and I'd expect on the next A8).  Eventually this
> will trickle-down to less expensive cars.

Stil, whatever the car, one needs to do the parking lot test.
They said the system in the A4s was improved...

> Ultimately, in winter driving schools, we teach not only what do do when the
> car is going "out of control," but we teach a mindset about speed for the
> conditions and thinking ahead about environmental changes.  Our favorite
> example is an east-west hill.  The east side might be in the sun all day-
> basically dry roads.  What can happen when you crest the hill?  Total ice due
> to being in the shade.  Shady curves, etc, etc.  Pay attention to the
> environment AND PLAN AHEAD.

Yes.  Another thing is to check you have braking ability before building
up any speed.  Especially coming down a mountain pass when you should
check frequently (make sure there is no-one behind) and when, as you note,
the environment changes.

Orin.