Hi. The winter months have finally arrived where I live and when I drive on snow/ice, my wheels lock up and ABS kicks in. Is it bad on my brakes to use the Anti-lock feature all the time? And by all the time, I mean everytime I drive in snow/ice ABS kicks in at some point. If so, I‘ll just have to modify my driving habits so my wheels don‘t lock up as easily. Thanks so much for your help.
It's better because the wipers don't freeze to the windshield and won't tear when turned on.
No they should help your brake pads wear smoother and less with computer controlled braking. Non anti-lock braking depends on how much pressure you put on the pedal. It is not equal like ABS is.
The anti-lock brake system only functions when the wheels lock up and the vehicle speed sensor indicates a minimum vehicle speed. You might try anticipating stops ahead of time and slowing down a little easier - but in all reality, when the roads are real icy and snow covered, the ABS system will engage at times and that's what it's designed to do.
I do not think your concern should lay at all with the fact that ABS may or may not wear out your brake pads quicker (it will not wear them out any quicker than a normal stop). Your concern should lay in the fact that you are probably overdriving the conditions. It is quite common around stop signs and stop lights for ABS to come on because other cars have melted the snow and made ice. Ultimately, your concern should be driving at a speed that gives you plenty of time to stop and steer if need be.
