The purpose of anti-lock brakes, or ABS, is to prevent the brakes from locking up during hard braking and under adverse road conditions, such as snow and ice. This allows the driver to maintain control of the car during an emergency stop. Without ABS, the wheels may lock up and the car might skid, resulting in loss of control and, possibly, a long stay in the hospital. Or worse. Many drivers don’t realize it, but with ABS, you still can steer even when slamming on the brakes. So, you have a chance to direct the car away from an oncoming cliff or that Lays Potato Chips van.
One disadvantage of ABS is that your stopping distance may be longer under some circumstances. However, the benefit of being able to steer around a looming obstacle is a trade that most people are more than happy to make.
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