If your vehicle does not have antilock brakes, what should you do when braking to avoid a sudden stop?

If your vehicle does not have antilock brakes, what should you do when braking to avoid a sudden stop?

• A. Slam the brakes as hard as you can.
• B. Use the emergency brake to stop.
• C. Pump the brakes to slow or stop.
• D. Downshift abruptly.

Answer: (C)

When braking without antilock brakes, the goal is to avoid wheel lock and keep steering control. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. If you feel the wheels beginning to lock or you lose steering, release briefly and press again, repeating as needed. This pumping method lets the tires continue to roll and lets you steer away from a danger. Slamming the brakes can cause wheel lock and a skid, the emergency brake can lock the rear wheels and lead to loss of control, and abrupt downshifting can upset traction or handling. Pumping the brakes is the technique that slows you down while preserving control.

When braking without antilock brakes, the goal is to avoid wheel lock and keep steering control. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. If you feel the wheels beginning to lock or you lose steering, release briefly and press again, repeating as needed. This pumping method lets the tires continue to roll and lets you steer away from a danger. Slamming the brakes can cause wheel lock and a skid, the emergency brake can lock the rear wheels and lead to loss of control, and abrupt downshifting can upset traction or handling. Pumping the brakes is the technique that slows you down while preserving control.