New drivers and towing is so confusing any ideas please?

[DickieG]

A number seemed to know what ABS stood for, fewer knew it reduced braking distances

Err no it doesn't, ABS increases braking distances.

[Citroenmad]

A number seemed to know what ABS stood for, fewer knew it reduced braking distances

Err no it doesn't, ABS increases braking distances.

It does rather depend on conditions and if you have the wheels locked or not surely?

Id never choose a car without ABS over one with it, seems like a massive safety feature to me, especially if its fitted with EBD.

EBD does reduce braking distances.

[HDI]

A number seemed to know what ABS stood for, fewer knew it reduced braking distances

Err no it doesn't, ABS increases braking distances.

I should have said it does in most practical circumstances with an average driver. Most drivers cannot hold a car at the limit of adhesion under maximum braking.

[DickieG]

The purpose of ABS is to allow the vehicle to be steered whilst under maximum braking by preventing the wheels from locking up, this allows a balance of tyre grip between steering and braking.

The reason that ABS increases the overall braking distance is that when wheels lock up it causes a build up of debris to form ahead of the tyre which causes additional resistance hence shorter braking distance. Even on a dry/good road surface the scrubbing of a tyre against the road surface causes a build up of debris.

EBD on the other hand generally shortens braking distance as it distributes brake pressure to maximise braking on each wheel.

[Gregg1100]

Personally, I would throw all abs etc onto the tip. Not needed. Car/truck makers went probably a 100 years without it. Then someone made the system, called it better than sliced bread, now we are all stuck with it. Just something else which can cost a fair bit to put right when it goes wrong.
I have had 2 wheel sensors go on my Xantia, bought from local factor(£40 each ); - Cit ones are nearly £80 each. I used the car with the orange light on for nearly 3 months ( cos it was too cold and wet and white to sort it ). Brakes worked fine, no skids or pulling when braking. That is my opinion of abs etc, and will never change. Had some nasty moments with abs on a 44 to truck too. No thank you.

Anyway, hope your lad gets it sorted. I drive artics for a living, also towed caravans and small camping trailers. The artic is easier to reverse into a space, the smaller the trailer the faster it goes out of sight and jacknifes. Move the steering wheel 1/8" in one direction or the other and the bloody thing has gone. .
Get him to try it and he will see what I mean. Good fun though. If one can reverse a camping trailer in a straight line, one can reverse anything, lol.
Greg

[Xaccers]

Do cars with ABS stop more quickly than cars without? ABS is designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking situations, not make the car stop more quickly. ABS may shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and many systems will shorten stopping distances on dry roads. On very soft surfaces, such as loose gravel or unpacked snow, an ABS system may actually lengthen stopping distances. In wet or slippery conditions, you should still make sure you drive carefully, always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions.

[falling-out-with-my-car]

ABS is alright until you want to drive on snow or icy roads then its useless, might as well have a car without ABS.

[Toby_HDi]

ABS is alright until you want to drive on snow or icy roads then its useless, might as well have a car without ABS.

100% agree. I found this out on my christmas day drive last year. I was fighting with the ABS the whole way down a hill, trying to override it.

I guess that is the price you pay for having 4-pot Brembos on the front!

[Citroenmad]

Going down a hill last weekend which i couldnt drive up and nor could anyone else due to snow, i went for the brake when doing a very slow speed, the ABS kicked in, the EBD worked and the car came to a very abrupt halt. Ideal!

Though ive little expereience of ABS without EBD, so that might be why i favour cars with it.

[Xaccers]

It's a pity we din't have a snow mode button which disables abs when the roads are icy

[DickieG]

It's a pity we din't have a snow mode button which disables abs when the roads are icy

It could be done quite easily but whether its advisable insurance wise is another matter.

[falling-out-with-my-car]

That could simply be done according to speed, or with temperature sensors as soon as the outside temperature drops below 0 the abs comes off reactivating when the temperature rises, an automated system no chance of human error then not turnning it back on again.

in some vauxhalls there is a switch to disable the air bags on the passenger side of the car so people can put a child seat in the front not something I am recommending though, a baby must be more distracting than a mobile phone!!! there is plenty of scope here for human error not switching them back on again, I cant see why a temperature ABS disabling feature couldn't be used.

oh and thanks for the advice regarding trailers and newish drivers people.

[addo]

ABS could be controlled (moderated) by "pucker sensors" in the driver's seat.

[falling-out-with-my-car]

Nah that wouldn't work for incontinent people

[Xaccers]

Ew ew ew!


Good idea about the temperature control Nigel