Black plate (46,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 20119-46 Driving and OperatingABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpthe driver steer around the obstaclewhile braking hard.As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.Using ABSDo not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You might hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate, but this isnormal.Braking in EmergenciesABS allows the driver to steer andbrake at the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.Parking BrakeSet the parking brake by holdingthe regular brake pedal down, thenpushing down the parking brakepedal.If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.See Brake System Warning Light onpage 5‑21.Notice: Driving with the parkingbrake on can overheat the brakesystem and cause prematurewear or damage to brake systemparts. Make sure that the parkingbrake is fully released and thebrake warning light is off beforedriving.To release the parking brake, holdthe regular brake pedal down, thenpush down momentarily on theparking brake pedal until you feelthe pedal release. Slowly pull yourfoot up off the parking brake pedal.If the parking brake is not releasedwhen you begin to drive, the brakesystem warning light will flash and achime will sound warning you thatthe parking brake is still on.If you are towing a trailer andare parking on a hill, see DrivingCharacteristics and Towing Tips onpage 9‑71.
