ABS Misconception

Sir,

I was interested to read Mr Walsh’s letter on ABS and having now driven my own so equipped car on snow and ice, I should like to point out something which I believe is becoming a popular misconception. ABS does not necessarily make a car stop sooner. Indeed, on certain surfaces a “chock” of loose material will build up in front of locked wheels, thus bringing the car to a rapid halt. The theory of ABS is to enable one to keep control, ie steering of the car under braking.

So then, perhaps, the main thing to watch for should be sudden evasive manoeuvres, fine for the ABS driver, but should a non-ABS car try to follow suit, what may happen? I should like to take this opportunity to recommend to anyone travelling on the continent to visit any prominent motor racing circuit that they can. The reason for this is that almost all have fascinating racing car museums, in which many of the cars are very accessible. I mention this because I find that these circuit museums are missing from the book to which any interested reader may refer when visiting the continent. I am referring to Motor Museums of Europe by William Stobbs, which l can recommend as a guide to the many other car museums in Europe.

A. J. BANKS BFPO 34