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        General >> Problems >> ABS theory and practice
        
(Message started by: Neil W on Nov 23^rd, 2004, 7:39pm)

Title: ABS theory and practice
Post by Neil W on Nov 23^rd, 2004, 7:39pm

I am aware of the theory of how ABS works, and on my last Granada its capabilities undoubtedly saved the lives of me and my family (I was able to dodge an imminent head on collision by steering on to the grass verge with the nearside wheels).

However, are there any published surveys from reliable research sources that demonstrate the superior safety of ABS, particularly in snow or ice conditions, for the average motorist?

I ask, because some USA surveys seem ambivalent about the improved safety claimed for ABS, and some I have read point out that rally drivers do not use ABS on their cars.

Neil W.

Title: Re: ABS theory and practice
Post by Snoopy on Nov 23^rd, 2004, 7:46pm

Rally drivers use a completely differnt driving technique to the 'general' motorist and to have ABS enabled would prevent them from getting into four wheel skids and slides.. It horses for courses really... IMV

But others will have their own ideas .. By and large for mr average ABS is far more efficient at braking and stopping a car that without it... Test prove it...

You can always try your self if you want just take the fuse outt and see..... on a private bit of road.. but beware it can have some rather suprising effects

No doubt others will have more to say that me!

Title: Re: ABS theory and practice
Post by David_South_West on Nov 23^rd, 2004, 10:04pm

I think the problem is that if you are not experienced in driving a car with ABS it does take a lot of nerve to brake hard on a slippery road ,and it is off putting to feel the pedal thumping as the abs cuts in.
Practise hard braking on a wet private road or on a road with good visability.

Title: Re: ABS theory and practice
Post by Goldwinger on Nov 24^th, 2004, 11:25am

I think that the ABS on the Scorpio kicks in to easy especially with the traction control. It is a god send in snow and ice but some times gets in the way when having fun. :o The system on the old Granada was less aggressive.

Title: Re: ABS theory and practice
Post by VladSoare on Nov 24^th, 2004, 12:45pm

It all about the tyres. There's no such thing as "aggressive ABS".
The ABS kicks in when the tyres' traction limit is exceeded and the car starts to skid. But whether this limit gets exceeded too late or too early, that's another story, and the ABS can't be blamed for it.

Title: Re: ABS theory and practice
Post by Neil W on Nov 24^th, 2004, 12:47pm

Thanks for all your observations so far. As I mentioned, I have no problem with ABS and it has saved my life once already.

What I was really looking for was some reliable research outcomes that PROVE that ABS is more effective than cadence braking for most drivers. A short search of Google doesn't show up any research papers on the subject, but maybe some of you have access to such papers.

Thanks,

Neil W.

Title: Re: ABS theory and practice
Post by Snoopy on Nov 24^th, 2004, 3:59pm

if you want some data and info then read this http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/brakes/

and here http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/vrtc/ca/lvabsptd.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/1944/

there is a lot of info aout there about it just thought I would sart the ball rolling........ so to speak.....rather than stop it! ;D