Anti-Lock Brakes in Snow
Through the advancement in technology, brake system have also been affected. Another innovation in braking system is the anti-lock brakes which are the common braking system installed in new cars. They were first used in large aircraft during the 1950’s and the British had used them in race cars in the 1960’s. Ford first use this technology in its cars in 1969. It placed anti-lock brakes in the luxury Thunderbird and Continental Mark III.
Anti-lock brakes really help cars stop better. They prevent wheels from locking up while braking. It is specifically designed to allow the driver to maintain steering control under heavy braking and to shorten braking distances (by allowing the driver to hit the brake fully without the fear of skidding or losing control).
ABS is very helpful when driving in gravel and deep snow, it increases braking distances. On these surfaces, locked wheels dig in and stop the vehicle more quickly.The primary benefit of ABS on these surfaces is it increase the ability of the driver to maintain control of the car rather than go into a skid. But having ABS that doesn’t guarantee you will be free from accidents. It just help in your driving, caution is very much advised.