Question

To stop in an emergency situation where your car does not have ABS brakes, you should ________.

1) Apply gradual pressure to the brake pedal
2) Pump the brake pedal rapidly
3) Turn off the engine
4) Apply the handbrake

Answer 1

In a car without ABS brakes, you should pump the brake pedal rapidly to effectively utilize static and kinetic friction for optimal stopping power and to maintain control of the vehicle.

Step-by-step explanation:

To stop in an emergency situation where your car does not have ABS brakes, you should pump the brake pedal rapidly. This technique is known as threshold braking and it helps maintain control over the vehicle while maximizing braking efficiency. When you pump the brakes, you alternatively apply and release pressure on the brake pedal. This action allows the wheels to regain traction in between each pump, which is crucial when you're trying to stop on a surface where grip may be compromised. Without ABS, hard or steady pressure can lock the wheels, leading to a skid. Pumping the brake pedal utilizes the principles of static and kinetic friction to stop the car effectively. Static friction is what keeps the car stationary when it's not moving, and is generally stronger than kinetic friction, which occurs when the car is sliding. By pumping the brakes, you're aiming to keep the tires at the threshold between rolling (static friction) and skidding (kinetic friction) for optimal stopping power.