2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 237

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS. Braking in Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. If the vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Antilock Brake System (ABS), it allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time. However, if the vehicle does not have ESC with ABS, the first reaction - to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down - might be the wrong thing to do. The wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle cannot respond to the driver's steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing the driver was trying to avoid, or into traffic. If the vehicle does not have ABS, use a "squeeze" braking technique. This gives maximum braking while maintaining steering control. Do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This helps retain steering control. Without ABS, it is different. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5‑4. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let antilock work. A slight brake pedal pulsation might be felt or some noise noticed, but this is normal. 5-5