2008 Saturn Astra Owner's Manual - Page 171

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. 8-19 StabiliTrak® System Your vehicle may have StabiliTrak which combines antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving conditions. When you first start your vehicle and begin to drive away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel the system working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). The system monitors vehicle movements, and helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in most driving situations. When the vehicle's stability is affected the engine output is reduced, and the brakes are applied to individual wheels. 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. When you turn the ignition on, this light on the instrument panel cluster will come on for a few seconds, then go out when the system is ready. You may also feel or hear the system working; this is normal. StabiliTrak is automatically enabled whenever you start your vehicle. To assist the driver with vehicle directional control, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But, you can turn it off if you ever need to. 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.