Quote:
Originally Posted by WNDSRFR
Can somebody explain to me what ABS actually is?
I thought it was an anti-lock brake system that pulses the brakes to prevent them from locking up?
I thought that the system is always on and is always engaged.
You mean you can turn it off? Why would you do that?
It wasn't that long ago that ABS did not exist.
Back in the day, if you slammed on the brakes, you would going merrily sliding out of control. Happened all the time.
It's one of the best safety features of our time.
So how do you turn it off? Pull a fuse?
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ABS prevents brake lockup. It is traction control, for brakes. It is always on, but not always engaged. It only engages when lockup is detected.
For all intents and purposes, there is no reason to disable or turn the system off, even on track, as it is a reactive system. It only intervenes if you've already locked up one or more wheels. It is generally faster to leave ABS on, and to judiciously use the system only under circumstances where traction is uneven. (e.g. left tires have way less traction than right)
ABS comes with a LARGE heat penalty when used.