ABS/ when to use the switch

[Rolf Mair <waves@epix.net>]

The two people who said that the switch is there to use under certain
conditions are correct. Any surface condition that will build up in front of
the tire will stop the car faster if the tire locks. They include heavy wet
snow, dirt, sand or stones. AS long as the system is functioning properly
(usually it is unless the ABS light is on at which time the ABS is off) you
cannot stop faster on ice or light snow or even asphalt without using ABS.
ABS works at very near 100% of the tires adheasion limit, something very
difficult for even the best drivers to find.

In driving a customers 5ktq on a test drive, I was run off the road into a
freshly plowed field at 50 mph and was heading for someones front yard with
a lady working her garden at the edge of the field. Driving across the
'rows' of dirt with the wheels essentially lifted off the ground 1/2 the
time, ABS thought it was on a very slippery surface and therefore all but
eliminated braking. I had the sense to hit the switch at which time I found
myself strained against the seat belt as the car came to a quick halt. That
switch pretty much saved a poss. deadly situation, except I did get quite
the earfull from the old lady ;)

 
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                       Rolf Mair is: waves@epix.net
        Racing Resume for Sponsors/Corvettes for sale/Racing Pix @
http://www.sevenwaves.com
    Head Coach and Founder of the Seventh Wave jr. Ski Racing Team @ Doe Mt.Pa
               1994,95,96 East Coast USA SCCA Solo 1 Champion
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