>
> GM makes the most "brain dead" ABS system on the market for use with their
> "mainstream" models. It uses the cheapest and fewest wheel sensors,
> relatively crude brake modulators and the simplest braking algorithm. The
> reason they pulled ABS as standard was two-fold: 1) Cost and 2) It only
> worked well if you just hammered the brake pedal to the floor and kept it
> there (letting the ABS system totally control the braking). They had a lot
> of problems with drivers pumping the brakes (as they were taught to do),
> which caused the ABS system to modulate braking on top of the user
> modulating it... very bad. There were accidents (and legal actions) caused
> by this so it's no wonder GM no longer supplies it as standard equipment.
> On the other hand, I've heard the ABS systems on Cadillacs and Corvettes
> are quite excellent. Amazing, huh?
>   
I was under the impression that "pumping" the brake pedal was always a 
bad idea. If you don't have ABS and you can't threshold brake (which is 
most likely) you lock it up unless/until you need to steer. Just 
randomly pumping it sounds like it will just extend your stopping 
distance and given all those shocks of going into and out of a skid it 
seems like there would be a larger chance of getting sideways.

I guess it all boils down to knowing your vehicle. When you buy an 
airplane you get "checked out" on it as a rule and this is for people 
who know their stuff. Perhaps a similar idea would be a good thing for 
cars. You buy it then the dealer/certified person takes you for a 20 
minute drive with some emergency stops and cornering in it. As well as 
telling you how to turn your fog lights off when there is no actual fog.
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