What should you never do with antilock brakes?

When dealing with antilock brakes (ABS), the correct approach is to avoid pumping the brakes. Unlike traditional braking systems, where pumping the brakes can help regain control during skidding, antilock brakes are designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking.

When you pump the brakes on a vehicle equipped with ABS, you can interfere with the system's operation. ABS is engineered to rapidly modulate brake pressure to maximize stopping power while maintaining traction, so applying constant pressure is key. Holding the brake down smoothly during an emergency stop activates the ABS and enables the system to function correctly, allowing for effective stopping without loss of steering control.

Conversely, the other actions—holding, releasing, or even accelerating—can be appropriate under certain circumstances when driving with antilock braking systems. Holding the brakes down allows the ABS to do its job, while releasing the brakes is sometimes necessary to regain control in certain situations. Proper acceleration may be needed under specific conditions to avoid skidding. Thus, the imperative is to refrain from pumping the brakes, enabling the antilock brake system to effectively enhance safety during sudden stops.