1997 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 143

! CAUTION S Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve. S Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard-much harder than normal. And your braking distance will be longer. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (with "ABS" warning light) The anti-lock brake system is designed to automatically prevent lock-up of the wheels during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these circumstances. The anti-lock brake system becomes operative after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti-lock brake system is in the self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction. Effective way to press the "ABS" brake pedal: When the anti-lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to let the anti-lock brake system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake. This will result in reduced braking performance. The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti-lock brake system may indicate hazardous road surface conditions. Although the anti-lock brake system assists in providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive with all due care, because the antilock brake system cannot overcome the laws of physics that act on your vehicle: S Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road surface. S Even though the anti-lock brake system is operating, a driver cannot maintain full control on certain slippery road surfaces, when cornering at high speeds, or in violent maneuvers. S Avoid high speeds on wet roads. The anti-lock brake system cannot eliminate the risk of hydroplaning and loss of tire friction. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Compared with vehicles not fitted with an anti-lock brake system, your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance in the following cases: S Driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads. S Driving with tire chains installed. S Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has other differences in surface height. 135