You wrote:
>
>Dakota folks:
>
>I watched CBC MarketPlace last night where they reviewed the correct use of
>four wheel anti-lock brakes. Also they noted that the latest stats seeem to
>indicate that anti-locks do not reduce accidents.
>
>What was not discussed ... what is the proper way to use 'rear-only'
>anti-lock brakes as many (most?) of us
>have on our Dakotas.
>
>Thanks.
>
>
It has been my experience with RWAL (Read Wheel Anti-Lock) brakes, that under
normal conditions (dry pavement), you apply 'hard as you want' pressure for
maximum stopping... Very rarely will you lock the front wheels... If you do,
simply reduce pressure momentarily, then re-apply. When it is wet, or snowy/icy
it is more difficult to stop (duh!), but this is compounded with RWAL. Why?
Because with RWAL you do not get the warning of an impending lockup of the front
wheels like you would with a pickup without RWAL. With a non-RWAL equipt pickup,
the rear tires would skid well in advance of any front wheel lockup (typically),
giving at least some warning, and allowing you to at least steer the vehicle.
With RWAL pickups, you can get into a front wheel lockup situation easier, because
no warning is given that the conditions are severe enough to cause a skid (though
you should know anyway).
Example:
You slowing to stop during rush hour traffic from 40-50 mph, and moderate
pressure on the brake pedal to come to a stop. With a non-RWAL equipt truck if
wet/slipperly conditions existed, you might get a slight skid from the rear
wheels, indicating that 'extreme' caution should be used to avoid the skid (and at
least you know that it has happened), but can be managed in MOST situations. With
a RWAL equipt truck, you can accidently lock the front tires from too much
pressure, and in some cases, lose control of the vehicle (no steering) because
people panic do not correct the lockup by release pressure on the brake pedal.
I've seen it happen. People skid the front tires, can't steer, and either go off
the road, or plow into the car in front of them. If they simply released the
pedal, they would regain (in most circumstances) their steering, and might
possibly be able to take evasive action (and try braking again) to come to stop.
Personally I think that 4 wheel ABS should be a standard item on ALL
trucks...not an option.
That's My $.02 worth!
..Sam '95 SLT
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:07:28 EDT