I was driving my 2000 C2 about a week ago in a parking lot when a parked car backing out of its spot came close to backing into me as I passed. It was a newer 7 Series BMW no less, but to the drivers credit there was a jacked-up pick-up truck parked next to him obstructing his view. When I realized that the driver of the BMW did't see me and was not going to stop I quickly applied the brakes and the car stopped instantly( you have to love PCar brakes) but my front tires locked up it the process making a loud squeal.

Driving home late tonight I approached a 3 way intersection in which the other road had a stop sign. As I approached the intersection I could see another car coming to the stop sign at a high rate of speed, and sure enough he ran the sign. Luckily, I was only traveling at about 30MPH as it was a back road and I was able to stop well short of the other car but during the panic stop my front tires locked again.

Why are my front tires locking even though my car has ABS? I have never experienced this with any of my other cars equipped with ABS. When I turn on my ignition key the ABS light comes on but it then turns off when the car is started which means the system should be functioning properly. Also, my car has Michelin Pilot Sports which are fairly new, maybe 25% worn. Any feed back would be appreciated.

 

you sure they locked completely?? Mine lock and the tires make short squeles, but I feel the pedal shocking and keep complete control over the steering.....

 

Nicolaas - I didn't feel the pedal pulsating and the squeal was very loud. I am not sure about keeping steering control because both times I stopped very quickly without needing to steer.

Maybe they didn't lock completely but it sure sounded like they did and again I have never experienced this with other ABS equipped cars. Thanks for the feed back.

 

it feels a lttle diffrent in these cars due to the weight over the back tires and the front being so light.
are all your tires the same make an model and n rating?
are they the proper sizes
tire pressure set properly?

 

Find an empty stetch of road and do a panic stop from 60 MPH or more. See if the fronts lock. Chances are they won't. If they do see your dealer.

 

All of my tires are the proper size and all are the same make and type. Also, they are all inflated to the proper pressure. Porsche recommends 36 PSI all around for my car but I keep mine at 38 PSI because I prefer the feel at this pressure, however I would seriously doubt that this small difference in PSI could be causing the front tires to lock up.