If the brakes lock during a sudden stop on a non-ABS system, what is the risk?

• A. Loss of steering control
• B. The tires squeal loudly
• C. The car accelerates unexpectedly
• D. The horn sounds

Answer: (A)

Locking the wheels during hard braking on a non-ABS vehicle stops the tires from rotating and makes them slide instead of grip the road. Steering relies on the tires rolling and maintaining traction, so when the wheels lock, turning the wheel doesn’t change the car’s direction. The result is a loss of steering control and an increased chance of a straight skid, which is the main danger of brake lock-up without ABS. ABS would normally help by keeping the wheels turning and modulating braking to preserve steerability. Squealing can happen when tires lose grip, but it doesn’t by itself describe the loss of steering; acceleration isn’t caused by braking, and the horn isn’t related to this braking event.