Miata Mailing List: December 1996, Message #48
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   From: (none)

Subject: Re:Can't move, must go in snow: Torsen/ABS in Winter/Summer?

   Date: (none)





Clifford F Thompson  said..



>It's been well discussed that ABS doesn't help much if you don't know

>how to use it (don't pump).  But I haven't heard whether ABS (properly

>applied) provides significantly better braking overwhat a skillful   

driver

>can manage without it.  What's the conventionallwisdom on that point and

>what are the tradeoffs in summertime driving?  (I notice the R package

>does not have it.)

>



A skilled driver may be able to match ABS braking distances in a straight   

line.

ABS allows you to steer while braking, this is what makes it really good,   

it is also why many people with ABS still hit the car in front, because   

we have been programmed into not steering and braking at the same time.



Also, very few people actually do threshold braking properly. If you   

"pump" your brakes on and off for approximately similar duration strokes,   

you are wasting braking distance, and possibly not even getting maximum   

braking effect.



You should plant your foot on the brake, wait for lock up, then quickly   

ease and re-apply pressure as quick as you can. (repeat as necessary)



The only time that I know of, where ABS is undesirable is on a loose   

gravel surface, where best braking is achieved by locking the wheels and   

plowing under the gravel.



I wish I had ABS on my '90.



Fletch.