It is a well known fact that if wheels lock under panic braking, then steering control and directional stability is lost, and maximum braking efficiency is not achieved.  Maximum braking efficiency available at each wheel occurs just before the wheel locks.  On a non-ABS system, wheel lock can be avoided by rapid application and release of the brake pedal as practiced by highly skilled drivers who can overcome panic during emergency braking.  This is the basis of the operation of the ABS system.  The brakes are applied and released in extremely quick succession much faster than the most skillful driver.

Acura’s ABS system is sensed electronically at each wheel and reacts several times per second depending on the circumstances at the time of braking. To determine whether or not the wheels are in danger of locking, the ABS system monitors the speeds at which the wheels rotate. When the ABS system senses that one wheel’s resistance to lock-up is lower than the others, it reduces the hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper of that wheel. This allows the wheel on the point of locking to regain traction, and once again rotate at the same speed as the other wheels.  When this occurs the driver will feel a kick back in the brake pedal.  When driving a vehicle with ABS, it is important NOT to pump the pedal.  Let the computer and sensors do all the work for you.