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Blue Seal Spotlight April 2003

Kansas Auto Repair 1808 N. Main St. Newton, KS 67114 (316) 284-0484

NOTE: The following tips are provided by the featured shop and are not to be considered as technical information from ASE. ASE makes no warranty as to the applicability, accuracy, or reliability of this information. Always consult the owner's manual published by your car's manufacturer for specific information on service and intervals.

Unlocking The Facts About Antilock Brakes

A number of studies have been performed during the last three years regarding the effectiveness of antilock brakes. These studies suggest that ABS has not reduced the number of accidents as expected. Although involvement in multi-vehicle accidents on wet roads dropped by 24 percent and non-fatal accidents decreased by 14 percent, these reductions were offset by a significant increase in single vehicle "run-off-the-road" crashes. Fatal "run-off-the-road" crashes were up by 28 percent and non-fatal crashes were up by 19 percent.

There are several reasons why ABS has not been as effective as anticipated. In one survey, 40 percent of the drivers didn't know their vehicle had ABS and 15 percent of the drivers assumed their vehicle had ABS, but really didn't. Also, drivers may not be aware of the steering control ABS-equipped vehicles maintain during panic stops. Because of this, drivers may perform extreme steering movements causing the vehicle to leave the road or cross the centerline. It is also suspected that some accidents may be due to misunderstandings of the benefits of ABS. Fact is, ABS does not necessarily stop the vehicle in a shorter distance. In fact, on dry roads it may take a few feet more to stop the vehicle.

As with all safety equipment, it only benefits us if used and maintained properly. Learning how to use ABS may help you avoid an accident someday. Read the ABS section in your owner's manual. Learn about, "Stomp, Hold and Steer". Do not pump the brake pedal on ABS-equipped vehicles. Find an empty parking lot on a rainy day and practice some panic stops. Familiarize yourself with the steering response of your vehicle during a panic stop.

ABS-equipped vehicles do not require a great deal more maintenance than non-ABS vehicles. However, ABS service requires a skilled, ASE-certified technician. Replacing or flushing the brake fluid is an important service on ABS. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. That is, brake fluid has a characteristic of attracting moisture. This can affect the performance of brake fluid by lowering its boiling point, resulting in "brake fade". Moisture can also cause corrosion, damaging costly components of ABS and the basic hydraulic system.

When all drivers are educated on the correct operation and maintenance of ABS, we will begin to realize the true benefits that this technology brings to the motoring public. You can learn more about ABS operation and safety by visiting the website of the ABS Education Alliance: www.abs-education.org

Note: The statistics for this article were obtained from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more information go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov

Shop Profile
Kansas Auto Repair Inc. (KAR), recognized by the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Program, is owned and operated by Gary Carpenter. KAR is a state-of-the-art, full-line automotive service center that has focused on providing the Newton, Kansas area with quality repairs and outstanding customer friendly service since 1992. KAR is proud of its accomplishments in creating an environmentally friendly service facility. KAR does not use any hazardous solvents and all service by-products are recycled. For more information, visit the Kansas Auto Repair website at www.kansasautorepair.com.