{"id":157,"date":"2023-03-21T23:37:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T23:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=157"},"modified":"2026-03-09T16:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:08:54","slug":"use-anti-lock-brakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/driving-safety\/use-anti-lock-brakes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Activate and Use Anti-Lock Brakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sudden stops are par for the course when on the road, so any help to drive safely is a welcome feature in your vehicle. That\u2019s precisely what an ABS is for. Learn all you need to know about anti-lock brake systems and how to activate them. If you have one installed, make sure you check into a discount on your <\/span>auto insurance<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is ABS?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, is one of the most important safety features an automobile can have. If you suddenly brake, your wheels may lock up, especially on wet and slippery surfaces, which in turn makes you lose traction control of the vehicle. Anti-lock brakes help prevent this, so you don\u2019t skid out of control. In other words, your car maintains directional control around hazards if you can\u2019t make a complete stop in time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A crucial distinction to make is that ABS helps to maintain control during emergency braking situations ( \u201cpanic stops\u201d), but it\u2019s not designed to make you stop faster. It\u2019s true that ABS\u00a0 brakes can shorten stopping distances on certain road conditions, like wet or slippery roads, because it pumps the brakes quicker. However the opposite may happen in the case of soft surfaces like loose gravel, sand or fresh snow.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you know if your vehicle has ABS?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since 2012, the <\/span>Federal Government<\/span><\/a> has required that all cars must have four-wheel ABS, so modern cars should be covered. If you are have a <\/span>used model <\/span><\/a>and want to confirm the installation yourself, there are three ways to check:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. When you start your car, check your dashboard and look for the ABS symbol. It should be illuminated once the engine starts.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Confirm in the owner’s manual.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Ask your dealer or agency where you made your purchase.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Facts About ABS (Anti-Lock Brake Systems)<\/span><\/h2>\n