Audi 80 Quiz
Anti-lock brake system

ABS is not a cure-all!

In this manual: Anti-lock brake system
Technical Description — 39Engines — 41Exhaust System — 13Cooling System — 28Fuel tank and fuel pump — 12Air Filter and Intake Ducts — 13Mono-Motronic Injection System — 18Digifant Injection System — 19KE-III-Jetronic Injection System — 35MPI and MPFI Injection Systems — 32Clutch — 11Transmission and Driveline — 21Suspension and Steering — 33Brake System — 41Anti-lock brake system — 8Wheels and Tires — 13Body Electrical System — 35Ignition System — 24Lighting — 14Signaling Devices — 7Instruments and Auxiliary Equipment — 54Heating and Ventilation — 7Body Components — 18Troubleshooting — 6Specifications — 13
~1min read

ABS cannot perform miracles during braking, as drivers often think; therefore a significant reduction in braking distance does not occur under all conditions.


ABS rather helps to maintain vehicle steerability during hard braking. However, the system requires a much greater steering wheel angle than usual for this. This is only one of the points that distinguish ABS from a conventional brake system:

Practice full braking with a large steering angle in an empty, spacious parking lot.

Press the brake pedal fully down. Metering of braking force is the task of ABS, not yours.

This applies to braking both in a straight line and with the steered wheels turned (cornering).

Do not be surprised by a pulsating brake pedal. When ABS operates, these pedal vibrations are completely normal.

In extreme cases you will have to take your foot off the brake even in a vehicle equipped with ABS in order to safely get out of dangerous situations while cornering.

Test yourself

A quick Audi 80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.