If your car was built in the last 10 years or so, it probably has “ABS” — Antilock Brake System. That sounds impressive, but what exactly is an anti-lock brake system? How do anti-lock brakes work? And how does it affect you?
Contrary to popular belief, ABS doesn’t necessarily stop your car faster. In fact, in some cases, such as on a gravel road, ABS can actually increase the stopping distance.
How Anti-Lock Brakes Work
The real advantage is simple: It allows you to maintain steering control during severe braking conditions.
Think about the last time you had to stop in a hurry in a car without ABS: Once the wheels locked, the car kept going in whatever direction it was heading when you hit the brakes. It didn’t matter which way you turned the steering when you have locked car brakes the vehicle is not going to turn direction.
That’s the whole idea behind ABS: Since the wheels never lock, you retain steering control. So, if you have to avoid something in front of you, you can, simply by turning the wheel.
The one problem with most antilock brake systems is that activating the system — by slamming on the brake pedal — causes the car to vibrate enough to loosen your fillings. It’s downright scary at a time when you’re already in terror mode, trying to stop in a hurry. This has created a situation where people often won’t apply the brakes hard enough to allow the ABS to work, causing the very accidents ABS was supposed to help avoid.
Dealing With Locked Car Brakes
The best way to become comfortable with the ABS system is to try it out… before you find yourself in an emergency situation. Find an empty road or parking lot, accelerate to about 20 or 30 miles an hour, and then try to lock the brakes. Get comfortable with the vibration now, so you know what to expect in an emergency.
And make sure you keep your ABS system in good working order by having your car’s brake fluid changed every couple of years. Brake fluids tend to absorb moisture, and, if left in the system, can eventually cause the ABS components to corrode or wear. Regular fluid replacement can help keep the system in good working order.
Your local Cottman center can help you with that. They can flush your brake hydraulic system and replace the fluid for you, to keep your antilock brake system working like new. Give them a call and set up an appointment today.
The customer service was concerned about the parking area for my vehicle for overnight early bird service.They called me to inform me they were gonna check back with me before any services on my vehicle were done with my approval which, made me comfortable to know they showed responsibility in their work.
Fast, friendly, reliable and fair. I ended up having to get my town & country transmission repaired/replaced & my spark plugs replaced right before Christmas this past year & they said they could do it the next day if I could leave it that day. Well I didn't have a ride home & my other car needed a jump start since we hadn't driven it much. The owner not only offered to drive me home, but also jump start my other car so I could of get my niece from school. If that's not service, I don't know what is. They also ened up doing my 2014 escape transmission the yr b4. They were recommended by a friend & I would recommend them as well.
I purchased a "newly" used vehicle and was concerned about transmission issues and they made sure I was taken care of. The staff was extremely friendly and polite, and not only did they provide me with all the necessary services I needed, they also educated me. I would highly recommend this location.
The service was great. Someone recommended them to me. They took care of the issue I was having with my vehicle with no issues. I’ll be going to them from here on out!
A very satisfied customer
Kevin and his entire staff are the best. I had a brake caliper fail and they took care of very quickly and for a great price. Since then, I had new flare fenders with led lights installed on my Jeep Wrangler. Same great service and value.
I have been taking my vehicles to Cottman for the last year and I have never been disappointed. Kevin is the General Manager and I have known him personally for several years. This is an honest shop with quality work and great, trustworthy employees. Law Enforcement friendly, which is a major plus. It is hard to find a reliable place for vehicles now and days so skip the stress and take your vehicles here.
I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.
I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.
My experience at Cottman was awesome! The waiting lounge was very clean and looked great. The front desk staff was kind and personable. My wheels got aligned very quickly and they did a great job for an awesome price! The owner is extremely professional and quite handsome as well.
Great customer service!! The staff was very attentive. A issue arose while they were working on my vehicle, and the mechanics diagnosed it and where back on track in no time. What I liked the most was that they kept me in the loop while they tried to find a resolution.
