Finster,
I think its because ABS works by sensing if the wheel is locked, if its locked it releases the brake, then once the wheel is turning reapplies the brake. Which is fine on normal wet roads, because your tyres have some grip. But on snow/ice, you have practically no grip. So when the ABS brakes again, wheels lock instantly, so it releases the brake. Hence why I was just going forward.
The theory behind cadance braking in a non-ABS car is, dip your clutch instantly, then really slam (like you want to put the pedal throught the floor) that brake pedal down, and release in a rythmic action. Fully releasing the pedal, so the wheels turn again. Because its only when they turn the get grip, and you regain steering control.
On Saturday the police instructor mentioned that ABS is not good on gravel and snow, and better braking performance on those surfaces is better without ABS, because the theory being when the wheels lock, they push up a mound of gravel or snow in front of the tyres, helping to slow the car down. But he didn't recommend disabling ABS, because in most conditions its a life saver.
I did ask him about braking on snow, funnily enough. And he didn't know what to suggest to be honest, especially with an ABS car, but said, "he would try cadance braking". But having browsed the web tonight looking for info, I've found mixed reports. One article said, "Never pump the pedal on an ABS car". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
So...I don't know.
AL
