Final answer:
To stop a car on a slippery surface with anti-lock brakes, apply firm and continuous pressure on the brake pedal. This ensures the ABS system can maintain traction and prevent wheel lock-up.
Step-by-step explanation:
When stopping your car on a slippery surface and your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), you should apply firm and continuous pressure on the brake pedal. It is not necessary to pump the brake pedal rapidly because ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up and to maintain traction with the road. Releasing the brake pedal and steering into the skid is a technique used without ABS, and turning off the ABS is not advised as it defeats the purpose of the safety feature.
The subject at hand involves understanding the relationship between static and kinetic friction. Static friction is the force that holds the car stationary, and kinetic friction occurs when the car is moving. Easing off the brake pedal minimizes the kinetic friction as the car transitions to a stop where static friction takes over. The importance of maintaining traction, especially on slippery surfaces, highlights why firm and continuous pressure on the brakes is recommended.