ABS or No ABS?

[dudealex]

what is difference having ABS on Versa and what if not??i just thought it since its a light car do you think its needed??

[proxim2020]

If you have the ability to take the option, take it. ABS is a valuable option no matter the vehicle (heavy or light, auto or manual trans). The ABS system helps bring the vehicle to a stop faster and safely. When you have to slam on the brakes and the wheels lock, the possibility of losing control and sliding into an immobile object is imminent. When the ABS kicks in, you have more control over the direction the vehicle will take if need be since the wheels haven't locked completely. If you ever get into an emergency situation on wet or loose pavement, this will be a life saver. You shouldn’t experience the ABS turning on a regular basis. Maybe braking hard for a red light or on RR tracks, but in an emergency, you’ll be happy you have it. Just remember this. A $250 upgrade would be less than a few thousand in replacing airbags.

[NextBMD]

Bro--ABSStands for ABSolutely get it.We chose the "S" over the SL just b/c we could not get an "SL" in our area with ABS. True the salesman mislead us a bit...but I would rather have ABS than any of the extras the SL has. That way I can live a little longer, make some more $$$ and buy and SL with ABS later Either way-wait it out and get your ABS. It is practically criminal car companies don't make it standard on everything.

[Ever Victorious]

If it were available at the time I purchased, I would have jumped all over it. I've had ABS on all 3 of my last vehicles and in every single one I have avoided at least one accident because it worked.

[dudealex]

Thanks for all you guys suggestions~!!!! it really convinced me to get it on.do you guys know how much does it cost to add it on in Canada??

[fritzlovesmary]

hi there - i believe it is standard on all models sold in canada.

fritz

[proxim2020]

Thanks for all you guys suggestions~!!!! it really convinced me to get it on.do you guys know how much does it cost to add it on in Canada??

If you purchase the S, you will need to purchase the ABS package. That will cost you $500. If you purchase the SL, it's a standard feature. You guys also have to pay a $125 premium for paint and $1150 in frieght charges which sucks.

[toby]

If it were available at the time I purchased, I would have jumped all over it. I've had ABS on all 3 of my last vehicles and in every single one I have avoided at least one accident because it worked.

I have an SL, obviously without ABS, and I have had cars with and without ABS, having it never once saving me from a near collision. Proper following distances, in addition to paying attention to road conditions and your speed should be observed at all times, ABS or no. If you're an idiot driver, ABS won't make you a smart driver, and it irritates me to no end that people think ABS is so all-fired life saving. Before ABS, people got along quite well, thanks, and percentage wise, I'd bet more people die in accidents today than they did then, or even back when people didn't have seatbelts as standard equipment. Anyway, I was just wondering, in regard to the above post, how you know ABS saved you in those occasions? You're somehow certain that without ABS in those same circumstances, you'd have had an accident? I don't think so...

[nissan_blood]

ABS scares the **** out of me on the ice

[Ever Victorious]

ABS scares the **** out of me on the ice

You're from Louisiana. How do you know what ice even is?

I have an SL, obviously without ABS, and I have had cars with and without ABS, having it never once saving me from a near collision. Proper following distances, in addition to paying attention to road conditions and your speed should be observed at all times, ABS or no. If you're an idiot driver, ABS won't make you a smart driver, and it irritates me to no end that people think ABS is so all-fired life saving. Before ABS, people got along quite well, thanks, and percentage wise, I'd bet more people die in accidents today than they did then, or even back when people didn't have seatbelts as standard equipment. Anyway, I was just wondering, in regard to the above post, how you know ABS saved you in those occasions? You're somehow certain that without ABS in those same circumstances, you'd have had an accident? I don't think so...

1) did we say that proper braking technique wasn't effective? NO2) did we say that ABS "saves lives"? NO3) did we say that ABS makes you a "smarter driver"? NO

you are just making up stuff in your own head.

You can be as smart of a driver as you want, but when the idiot next to you removes your proper following distance... suddenly... you may need to brake hard. ABS can help you CONTROL your vehicle in those situations.

Yeah, ABS CAN make you take longer to stop. But have you ever tried maneuvering during high speed emergency braking? I have. Several times, both with ABS and without. Funny how I've never lost control of the car with ABS, but yet without, I've ended up doing 270 degree spins on the freeway, or ending up off the road.

If you would like specific examples of how ABS has helped me AVOID accidents, I'd be glad to tell you. Other than that... rather than making blanket statements that "ABS is the devil" (see? I can make up stuff you didn't say, too!), and insulting everyone who likes ABS and basically calling them stupid (which, actually, you DID say... even if you didn't intend it that way), why don't you try reasonably presenting your argument?

Otherwise, listen to your mommy: can't say anything nice? Don't type.

[ilusha55]

I have an SL, obviously without ABS, and I have had cars with and without ABS, having it never once saving me from a near collision. Proper following distances, in addition to paying attention to road conditions and your speed should be observed at all times, ABS or no. If you're an idiot driver, ABS won't make you a smart driver, and it irritates me to no end that people think ABS is so all-fired life saving. Before ABS, people got along quite well, thanks, and percentage wise, I'd bet more people die in accidents today than they did then, or even back when people didn't have seatbelts as standard equipment. Anyway, I was just wondering, in regard to the above post, how you know ABS saved you in those occasions? You're somehow certain that without ABS in those same circumstances, you'd have had an accident? I don't think so...

you just listened to the wrong person on the TV, watching you making such a statement

[Althalus]

This is a stumbling block on buying the versa SL (I would get the S if it had the CVT) as well.

I really want the convience package, but with all the rain and **** we get sometimes ( I live in GA) it's probably best to go with the ABS...

I think it's really rather crazy that A) it's not standard and B) getting bascially any other option excludes ABS, it seems silly to me.

[campersand]

I think it's really rather crazy that A) it's not standard and B) getting bascially any other option excludes ABS, it seems silly to me.

Tell me about it, I live in the NW where it rains more than it doesn't, and I'm having to wait 2 months to get one with ABS. Lame.

[Althalus]

I admitedly don't know much about cars, but maybe it's possible to install ABS after buying the Versa? Or maybe it's just not a good idea..

[proxim2020]

I have an SL, obviously without ABS, and I have had cars with and without ABS, having it never once saving me from a near collision. Proper following distances, in addition to paying attention to road conditions and your speed should be observed at all times, ABS or no. If you're an idiot driver, ABS won't make you a smart driver, and it irritates me to no end that people think ABS is so all-fired life saving. Before ABS, people got along quite well, thanks, and percentage wise, I'd bet more people die in accidents today than they did then, or even back when people didn't have seatbelts as standard equipment. Anyway, I was just wondering, in regard to the above post, how you know ABS saved you in those occasions? You're somehow certain that without ABS in those same circumstances, you'd have had an accident? I don't think so...

ABS is a safety feature and a safety feature only. It should only be use for panic situations only. And yes, watching your speed and monitoring road conditions will help prevent panic situations, but no one can predict when one will occur. ABS is not only for driving, but for pedetrians on the side of the road also. I constantly see kids running from behind ice cream trucks, chasing balls/toys that have rolled into the street, and people running across the street with disregard to any oncomming traffic. Slowing down can help, but this can be instantaneous at slow speeds. When you have to slam on your brakes in one of these tight situations, you're either going to slide into the kid or give the kid a fighting chance. Although it may not work everytime, I'd rather give that fighting chance to myself, my passengers, and pedertrians.

[nissan_blood]

You're from Louisiana. How do you know what ice even is?

Just moved here not that long ago was raised in Oklahoma. Why you trying to attack people? Makes you feel good about your self in some special way? Understandable I guess, But next time you feel the need to lash out just go masterbate and save your self some typing

[Ever Victorious]

Just moved here not that long ago was raised in Oklahoma. Why you trying to attack people? Makes you feel good about your self in some special way? Understandable I guess, But next time you feel the need to lash out just go masterbate and save your self some typing

Hmm... this just proves my point more of "it's not what you say, but how you say it"... my original post was just a joke about how it's too hot in Louisiana for ice.

Ah, but then telling someone to go masturbate? Now THAT is class.

Hey, any mods want to delete some responses and/or lock this thread? It's gone stupid now.

[proxim2020]

I admitedly don't know much about cars, but maybe it's possible to install ABS after buying the Versa? Or maybe it's just not a good idea..

I believe it may be possible, but it will be very hard, complicated, and pricey to do aftermarket. There's tons of extra parts to add and configure. Things like wheel sensors, wiring, update the ECU (car's computer), add the mechinism for pulsating the brakes, an override switch, etc. In other words, $250 now or a few thousand later.

Plus be prepared to pay a lot more in insurance. Insurance companies do not like user installed safety features, there's a bigger chance of failure for the device because it was installed improperly. An insurance company may even go as far as not to insure the vehicle. Good luck on finding someone to install it also. A lot of companies will refuse to do the work because of the liability and potential lawsuits.

[will1911a1]

If you have the ability to take the option, take it. ABS is a valuable option no matter the vehicle (heavy or light, auto or manual trans). The ABS system helps bring the vehicle to a stop faster and safely.

ABS doesn't help you stop faster, it only helps you maintain control.

[proxim2020]

ABS doesn't help you stop faster, it only helps you maintain control.

By design, yes this is true. ABS wasn't originally designed to help you stop faster, but to help maintain control. But this does not mean that in certain situation it will not help you stop quicker.

"Do cars with ABS stop more quickly than cars without? ABS is designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking situations, not make the car stop more quickly. ABS may shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and many systems will shorten stopping distances on dry roads. On very soft surfaces, such as loose gravel or unpacked snow, an ABS system may actually lengthen stopping distances. In wet or slippery conditions, you should still make sure you drive carefully, always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions." -NHTSA

In situations where there's loose gravel, soft dirt, or light snow, not having abs works in your favor. The locking of the wheels cause the loose material creates a wedge which helps you slow down faster. In situations where have to to stop on ice or sheets of water, the distance is actually multiplied when the wheels lock. The distance is only a matter of a few feet and not 1/4 of a mile like many think.

Here's a link that should answer most questions http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/....html

Here's an entire site that should put an end to this topic.http://www.abs-education.org/

Follow these guidelines and you'll be ok.-Get it if you want it-Use it if you need it-Do not use it as a crutch, ABS is not an excuss to be a bad driver

[XterraVersa]

I know this is not a Versa, but I will offer my ice racing experience on this. ABS can double your stopping distance on ice. We were able to play around on the ice after the races one day & compaired ABS vs no ABS.

From 15 mph in a straight line with the brake pedal floored:ABS took 81 ft to stop. Straight as an arrowWith the ABS dissabled it took 44 ft to stop. The rear end started to come around near the end.

During the racing, I used ABS & no ABS. ABS allowed for faster lap times since you don't have to come to a near stop to turn.

This is on all-terrain tires with no siping at 10 psi.

[XterraVersa]

We have watched the Blizzac cars stop on a dime. If I needed to drive on ice for most of the winter, I would buy Blizzacs in a heartbeat.

[motoguy128]

ABS is a nice to have feature, but when you don't have enough room to stop or adequate traction, it's equally frustrating with or without it. It best advantage is that the car tracks straight.

Now stability control and traction control on the other hand, would be a much better feature, so long as it can be disabled. Thye don't teach this to new drivers, but in many situations, as you loose control (begin to spin) in a FWD car, you need to hit the gas, not the brakes, to regain control) Just talk to any guy that races on the dirt track in the lower classes with a FWD 4 cylinder car.

[kmil123]

Modified by kmil123 at 2:18 PM 10/2/2006

[campersand]

Wrong! my understanding is that you CANNOT get ABS with the SL package at this time. It appears our Nissan friends decided to use them in the Sentra first. Apparently when the ABS supply increases they will then be available with the Versa SL package.

There are people on this forum who have ABS on their SL's, and I have an SL coming in with ABS. They're rare, so you have to wait a while for them, but they're definitely out there. In Canada, where the starter of this thread is, ABS is standard on SL's.