“Most people who are learning today will probably never drive a car that does not have anti-lock brakes unless they go on to become driving enthusiasts with cars that are many, many years old. Anti-lock brakes have been a standard fitment in Europe since around 2005. However, because there is a possibility that some people watching this might drive cars from before the anti-lock brake era, we’ve included this short explanation.
Anti-lock brakes prevent the wheels from locking excessively and therefore help prevent skids and allow the driver to retain some steering control in an emergency situation. In cars without anti-lock brakes, there is a real danger of skidding in an emergency if you press the brake too harshly. Even careful braking can lock the wheels on snow, ice or poor road surfaces.
If you are in a car without anti-lock brakes and the wheels lock, ease the brake pressure then immediately reapply it as the wheels start to turn. Maximum braking effort occurs just before the wheels lock. You might have to pump the brakes on and off several times. The pumping is called cadence braking, when the wheels ar locked, you will be unable to steer. Cadence braking may enable some steering.
As ever, the best advice is to drive carefully and avoid finding yourself in an emergency situation.
The key points are:
– You might never drive a car that doesn’t have anti-lock brakes
– In cars without anti-lock brakes, there’s far more danger of skidding in an emergency
– Without anti-lock brakes, you could skid on poor road surfaces even with careful braking
– If you don’t have anti-lock brakes and the wheels lock, release and reapply pressure on the brake pedal
– Releasing and reapplying the brake pedal is called cadence braking
– As with all cars, it’s better avoid emergencies by driving carefully”
