The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up when you have to brake hard . The ABS system does this by relieving the brake pressure before the wheels start to slip . This does not make you stop sooner , but it reduces Your chance of getting into a skid increases your braking distance . If you have to emergency brake in a car equipped with ABS, you must brake hard until it stops . [ ABS - Anti-lock Braking System , Braking and Stopping < 19> Part E - Other Road Users , ACT Road Rules Manual ]