Brakes on wet roads and ABS
How to use the brakes correctly on wet roads and understand what ABS actually does.
On a wet road, even good brakes are less effective than on dry asphalt. At the same time, ABS can make the pedal feel different from what many drivers expect. That is why you need to understand both the technology and the driving technique.
What you need to know
- ABS prevents the wheels from locking, but it does not always shorten stopping distance on every surface.
- Water on the road reduces grip and increases the need for speed adjustment.
- Hard braking with ABS can create vibration in the pedal, and that is normal.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency stop on wet asphalt | Brake firmly and keep the steering calm. | Releasing the brake because the pedal vibration feels wrong. |
| Long braking phase in rain | Start earlier and keep more distance. | Waiting until the same point as in dry weather. |
| Rain combined with poor tyres | Reduce speed significantly and avoid sudden manoeuvres. | Trusting ABS when the tyres are really the problem. |
Common mistakes
- Thinking ABS removes the need for a safety margin.
- Pumping the brake yourself in a car with ABS.
- Underestimating how much the tyres and your speed matter for braking performance.
How to practice
Read this together with The braking system , ABS - anti-lock braking system and Aquaplaning .