Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual: Antilock Brake System (ABS)

The vehicle might have the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.

If the vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the instrument panel comes
on briefly when the
vehicle is started.

When the engine is started, or when the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.

Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.

If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.