Snow and ABS Brakes

[climber-420]

So the other night here in Asheville we got snow. Of course I took the truck out. I have driven in the snow before, just not with 4WD. While in 4, and going slow, I hit the brakes and they locked up on me. I didn't think that would happen. Now let me re-phrase that,I put light pressure and the brakes made a noise like the ABS was trying to kick in, but I ended up sliding a bit. What is going on? Do I need to get new brakes, have them checked. Need some help. Thanks.

 

[Martyn]

You should feel and hear a shuddering from the brakes as the ABS engages.

It's still possible to slide while the ABS is engaged.

 

[charlieaarons]

2 possibilities:
1) Larger than stock tires could confuse the ABS computer
2) Some ABS systems are designed to either turn off or switch to a less aggressive program when a diff is locked.

Charlie

 

[climber-420]

e-locker wasn't on. but i do have larger tires. thanks for the comments.

 

[shawkins]

Were you in low range? I think ABS is automatically turned off in low range. Also, I don't think the ABS will engage if your going below a certain MPH (10 or 8MPH I think).

 

[Overland Hadley]

It's still possible to slide while the ABS is engaged.

Sometimes a long way in snow, and or icy conditions. I once slid almost a block down a hill with the ABS chattering away.

 

[Martyn]

Sometimes a long way in snow, and or icy conditions. I once slid almost a block down a hill with the ABS chattering away.

Yes it's a wonderful feeling

I slid down a hill, with studded snows, ABS on full blast, with a car spun out across the road at the bottom of the hill.

Thank god for snowbanks. I decided to "park" my car in one.

 

[mountainpete]

Maybe it's just the fact that my driveway is literally covered in an inch of ice right now due to the darn frozen drains here, but it seems pretty normal to me. You tried to stop on a sheet of ice and the ABS didn't kick in because you weren't going fast enough. Happened to me today. More then once.

Pete

 

[Martyn]

We have a Subaru, Jeep , and Prius. On all of them the ABS works below 10 MPH. So is that unusual?

 

[Overland Hadley]

We have a Subaru, Jeep , and Prius. On all of them the ABS works below 10 MPH. So is that unusual?

I had an Acura that the ABS did not work at slow speeds. Maybe it was more common on early ABS models.

 

[mountainpete]

We have a Subaru, Jeep , and Prius. On all of them the ABS works below 10 MPH. So is that unusual?

My 08 Impreza's ABS doesn't kick in below 5 mph-ish. At least that's what it appears so far with only one tank full of driving on it. I also have Blizzaks on it which stick quite well.

My wife's 2005 CRV kicks in at pretty much any speed. My 1998 Audi A4 (which is up for sale!) doesn't kick in at slow speeds.

Pete

 

[climber-420]

Were you in low range? I think ABS is automatically turned off in low range. Also, I don't think the ABS will engage if your going below a certain MPH (10 or 8MPH I think).

No, I was in 4hi. It's funny that everyone is saying that it doesn't normally kick in unless your going 10mph, or over. I guess I should drive faster when we have snow and ice, that way I will be able to stop next time:smiley_drive:

 

[Applejack]

So the other night here in Asheville we got snow. Of course I took the truck out. I have driven in the snow before, just not with 4WD. While in 4, and going slow, I hit the brakes and they locked up on me. I didn't think that would happen. Now let me re-phrase that,I put light pressure and the brakes made a noise like the ABS was trying to kick in, but I ended up sliding a bit. What is going on? Do I need to get new brakes, have them checked. Need some help. Thanks.

If there were an ABS problem your ABS light should have come on and stayed on. I *think* that the light also comes on while ABS is activated but, should go off when it is not engaged.
It is also important to note that ABS was only designed to help the driver control the vehicle under hard braking by allowing more steering input while the wheels momentarily spin. It doesn't necessarily help you stop. If it's super-duper slick you'll still slide even with ABS pumping away.