I've driven in snow for many years but this is the first car I've had with ABS brakes and driving in snow now feels like the ABS is increasing the stopping distance. With conventional non ABS brakes, even though they lock up I felt more confidence in braking where the tyres would dig into the snow. ABS may be good for steering around bends but for stopping in a straight line in snow I think I prefer non ABS.

In message , John writesYou are right. Stopping in snow is better without ABS because when you lock up, you build up a "wedge" of snow in front of the wheels which helps slow the car down.On a similar vein, I find that my traction control is hopeless for pulling away from stationary in snow. There are times when you need a little wheel spin to get going and the TC stops you doing this. I find myself switching it off when I stop and switching it back on when I get moving again.

ABS Good or bad for stopping in snow?

Nov 28, 2005 62 Replies

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Chris Street 20 years ago

No, I think it decided that I want full steering ability and minimal braking. Also it's charming habit of seeing one wheel lock momentarilty when sliding on a frost manhole cover, so freeing *all* the wheels for ten yards....

You mean like the tree, or the idiot in the Dagenham dustbin just two hours ago who slid out of a T-junction....

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Chris Street 20 years ago

Hmmmm looks somewhat familiar. Is that near Hole of Horcum?

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Guy King 20 years ago

The message from snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com (Andy Hewitt) contains these words:

Then go edit it so it's right.

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