Though the weather could not be more perfect today, we still have to remember it’s January in Maine, and we’re bound to get snow again. One of the scarier aspects of driving on ice and snow is trying to brake safely, especially if you have anti-lock brakes. The same could be said on a nice day like today, when snow is melting all over the roads and there’s a likely chance you could hydroplane.

The National Safety Council has the following tips on how properly and safely brake in wet or snowy conditions with ABS:

• Keep your foot on the brake. Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake while steering to enable four-wheel ABS to work properly. Avoid pumping the brake, even if the brake pedal is pulsating.

• Practice driving with ABS. Accustom yourself with the sounds and signals that the ABS is working.

• Don’t be alarmed if you hear mechanical noises or feel slight pedal pulsations while applying the brake in an ABS-equipped vehicle; that means the ABS is working!