When operating a vehicle equipped with ABS, which of the following should you not do?

When operating a vehicle equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), it's important to understand how to utilize the system effectively to maintain control during braking. While ABS allows you to brake hard without losing steering control, there are specific actions that should be avoided.

Heavy braking can be detrimental. Although ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, if the driver applies excessive pressure on the brake pedal, it could lead to skidding or reduced traction, particularly on slippery surfaces. A better approach is to apply firm but controlled pressure to the brake pedal.

Additionally, accelerating while braking is generally not recommended. When a driver accelerates while trying to brake, it can cause the tires to lose traction, which may override the benefits of the ABS. Proper use of the brakes involves braking smoothly and maintaining control over the steering of the vehicle.

Steering smoothly is encouraged, as jerky steering movements can destabilize the vehicle, especially in conjunction with braking. By combining these strategies, a driver can effectively use the advantages of ABS to maintain control and avoid accidents. This understanding reinforces the importance of not engaging in heavy braking or accelerating while braking when driving a vehicle with ABS, ultimately leading to safer driving practices.