2008 Pontiac G8 Owner's Manual - Page 164

8-16 Driving and Operating Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have ABS. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: A computer senses that 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 faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Electronic Stability Program The vehicle has the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions by reducing engine power and applying the brakes to individual wheels. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates if it senses that the rear wheels are spinning too much, are beginning to lose traction or if it senses that the vehicle is not moving in its intended direction. It turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. When ESP is working, this light and the STABILITY CONTROL ASSISTANCE message will come