What are Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)?

Today, most new vehicles are equipped with an anti-lock braking system or offer it as an option, and many car shoppers consider anti-lock brakes a must when they make a vehicle purchase. Designed to give the driver control over the vehicle while coming to a rapid stop, anti-lock brakes employ precisely calculated, rapid pumping action to prevent wheels from locking up during a sudden stop. Anti-lock brake technology marks such a significant breakthrough in the automobile industry that in a 2006 report published by www.cars.com, anti-lock braking technology was rated the #1 automobile innovation in recent years and was credited it for paving the way for roll mitigation and stability control technology.

Let us examine for a moment what happens to a vehicle without ABS as sudden pressure is applied to the brake. The wheel is capable of coming to a stop quicker than the vehicle itself, resulting in a skid as the wheel locks but the vehicle continues to move. When a vehicle skids, there is little traction and the driver has minimal or no control over the direction the vehicle will go.

Anti-lock brakes employ computer controlled speed sensors which detect sudden deceleration and activate right before the point when the wheels would otherwise lock up. By rapidly releasing and reapplying pressure to the brake system in quick intervals, the ABS system allows the tires to decelerate at the same rate as the vehicle, preventing skidding and allowing the driver to steer away from obstacles while braking if necessary. Without ABS, a vehicle in the same situation could lose traction, leaving the driver at the mercy of the out of control vehicle and anything in its path.

Several studies have raised doubt regarding whether the presence of ABS actually prevents accidents, and some experts suggest that drivers being unaware of how to correctly utilize the system contributes to the findings. When you rapidly compress the brake pedal in a vehicle with anti-lock brakes, it is normal to feel a pulsing or vibrating from the pedal, and possibly some noise. In vehicles with ABS, brakes should never be pumped with the foot. In an emergency stopping situation, hold constant pressure on the brake pedal while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel to control the direction of the vehicle, allowing the ABS to do the job for which they are designed.

In purchasing a vehicle with ABS, note that all ABS systems are not the same. While some systems include a speed sensor and valve for each of the four wheels, others may have just one valve and sensor for both rear wheels. Consult the owner's manual for information about the type of ABS system with which a particular vehicle is equipped.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars in Austin. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

How to Get the Perfect Abs in Record Time

Wow, you just saw a commercial with the man and woman with the perfect abs. You assume that it took them years to achieve this goal. Not so. Abdominals can be built in a few weeks. This large muscle group is extremely responsive to exercise and is easily turned quite tight and attractive. They say that your abdominals are built in the kitchen and not the gym. This is quite true.

I have helped many people build a remarkable set of abs in record time and without fail the most difficult part was not doing the exercises. The most difficult part was removing the layer of fat that covered the attractive new six pack. That is whats meant by abs are made in the kitchen and not the gym.

Most people, even the "fatty's" among us have an attractive set of abs. The problem is the thick skin covering them is too full of fat cells to allow the details and definition show through. Imagine putting a mountain bike on the ground and putting a thin curtain across it. Once the curtain settles, the details of the mountain bike will show quite clearly, theres the peddle, theres the shape of the wheel, theres the steering column. Now imagine the same scenario, but instead of a thin curtain, we place across the mountain bike, a bed mattress and try and identify parts of the bike... can't do it. Cant see a thing. The mattress shows no shapes through. All you see is the mattress.

This same scenario can be applied to showing off your abs. If your skin is thin, your ab muscles show through proudly. If your skin is thick, like the mattress, the muscle is invisible. No hints of abdominals show through even though, you most likely already have nice abdominals.

So what we are doing is two things. We are going to limit your calorie intake if you are overweight and we are going to hit your abs with crunches and sit ups in an effort to enlarge the muscle group. This is how to get the perfect abs in record time.

If you would like to get a six pack in 23 days or less, buy The "Abs In 23 Days" training program. You can learn more about this award winning, abdominal pumping, fat stripping product by clicking HERE.

Tighter Abs – The Simple and Forgotten Stomach Vacuum!

I’m talking about the Transverse Abdominal Muscle. This is part of your midsection that runs horizontally across the abdominal wall underneath your internal and external oblique muscles. The TVS (Transverse Abdominis) muscle is responsible for pulling the abdominal wall inward and therefore forcing expiration.

The next important part of the Transverse Abdominal muscle is that it acts as a personal weight belt to stabilize your spine and pelvis region. The stronger your TV muscles are puts you at a much smaller risk of having lower back pain and will help you on heavy lifts such as squats.

Why else should I strengthen my Transverse Abdominis muscle?

Well, for the point of this article, Tighter Abs! When this muscle is stronger it holds everything else in. This can easily trim 2-4 inches off of your waistline in a matter of only 2-3 weeks.

How to train this muscle

The main exercise you must learn is called the Stomach Vacuum. To perform this you actually pull your belly button up and in toward your spine as far as you can go. While doing this don’t forget to breathe. This exercise can be done standing, laying on your back, laying on your stomach, seated or kneeling position.

Variations and Workouts

The basic workout calls for 3 sets holding in the full stomach vacuum for 20 seconds each set. Increase this up to 60 seconds as it strengthens.

The passive workout calls for tying a string around the midsection (right around the belly button) in a tighter almost full stomach vacuum position. You can leave this on anywhere from 10 minutes to all day. It serves as a constant reminder every time it tightens that you need to pull it back in.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to do there are no more excuses for the distended belly, you can do these exercises during work or sitting at a computer! Stay motivated and best of luck!

Brought to you by Patrick Flaven owner of TopBodybuilder.com

http://www.TopBodybuilder.com – Web Guide for Bodybuilders and serious minded athletes.