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      11-22-2012, 06:27 PM   #20
SubzeroVR4
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Drives: F80 M3/F85 X5M
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yobyot View Post
A common misperception is that ABS helps you stop shorter.

Incorrect. ABS ensures that you can steer during what would normally be a situation in which the wheels would lock up. In fact, when ABS is operating, you will definitely take longer to stop in terms of distance.

Think about it: without ABS, you'd lose all control of the car because you're skidding. ABS is not about decreasing stopping distance; it's about maintaining control of the direction of the car.

The tires in this car may have added to the stopping distance. But it sounds like speed was the real issue, as it almost always is.
True but there are some exceptions. While the purpose of anti-lock braking isn't to shorten the stopping distances, some surfaces it can. Dry/Wet pavement it actually has been proven to shorten stopping distance by keeping the wheel rolling. Ice, snow, gravel, packed snow. ABS dramatically lengthend the stopping distance as compared to conventional locking of the wheels. The real benefit like you mentioned earlier would be that you still maintain steering control during panic stops.
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