How to completely disable ABS in Assetto Corsa: 5 proven methods

Assetto Corsa - one of the most realistic car simulators, where the system ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) plays a key role in management. However, many drivers, especially those who seek maximum control over the car, prefer to disable this system for a cleaner driving experience. Unlike in real cars, where turning off ABS can be dangerous, in the virtual world of the simulator it is a matter of personal preference and driving style.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to deactivate ABS in Assetto Corsa - from standard game settings to editing configuration files and using mods. You'll learn how to disable ABS for a specific car, all cars at once, and how to set up alternative braking systems for a more realistic experience. We will pay special attention to the nuances that even experienced players often miss, for example, the effect of disabled ABS on the physics of the car in different weather conditions.

It is important to understand that disabling ABS radically changes the behavior of the car when braking. Without this system, the wheels will lock when you press the pedal hard, which will require you to be more careful with the brakes. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first practice on low-grip trails (such as rain or gravel) to feel the difference.

1. Disabling ABS through the game settings menu

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in settings Assetto Corsa. This method is suitable for most standard cars and does not require editing files or installing mods. Here's how to do it:

1. Launch the game and select the mode Free Practice (Free Practice) or any other where car settings are available.
2. Select your car and track, then click Drive (Go).
3. In the main race menu, find the button Setup (Settings) - usually located in the upper right corner of the screen.
4. Go to the tab Electronics (Electronics).
5. Find the parameter ABS and set its value to 0 or Off.
6. Save your settings and go racing.

Please note that in some vehicles the ABS setting may be hidden or disabled. This is typical for racing cars (for example, Ferrari 488 GT3 or Porsche 911 RSR), where ABS is an integral part of the safety system. In such cases, you will have to use alternative methods, which we will discuss below.

⚠️ Attention: In multiplayer races (online), some servers may prohibit disabling ABS through the settings. Before entering, check the server rules to avoid disqualification.

Make sure that the car supports manual ABS switch-off|Check the server rules (for online)|Save the current settings in a separate profile|Practice on an empty track before the race-->

2. Editing car settings files (INI files)

If ABS is not disabled through the game menu, you can manually edit the car's configuration files. This method requires basic knowledge of word processing and folder structure. Assetto Corsa. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Car settings files are stored in the folder: Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\content\cars\<car_name>\

You need to find a file with the extension .ini, it is usually called car.ini or setup.ini. Open it with Notepad++ or any other code editor. Find a section [ABS] or [ELECTRONICS] and change the parameters:

[ABS]
ENABLED=0 ; 0 - disabled, 1 - enabled
LEVEL=0 ; Help level (0-10, where 0 is complete shutdown)

After saving the file, launch the game and check the changes. If the ABS parameters are not in the file, you can add them manually. However, be careful: incorrect edits can lead to glitches in the car's physics.

Parameter	Meaning	Description
ENABLED	0	Complete disabling of ABS
LEVEL	0-10	ABS assistance level (0 = off, 10 = maximum assistance)
PUMPING	0 or 1	ABS "pump" emulation (1 = enabled)
FREQUENCY	5-50	ABS response frequency (relevant when LEVEL>0)

Some cars (for example, from DLC Dream Pack or Red Pack) can use encrypted settings files. In this case, manual editing is impossible, and you will have to use mods.

3. Using mods to disable ABS

If standard methods don't work, modifications come to the rescue. Community Assetto Corsa created many mods that allow you to flexibly customize car electronics, including ABS. Here are the most popular solutions:

• 🔧 Content Manager — content manager with advanced settings. Allows you to disable ABS for all vehicles globally via the interface.
• 📁 Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) - a mod that, among other things, gives access to hidden physics settings, including ABS.
• 🚗 Realism Mods - Realism packages (for example, Assetto Corsa Realism Mod), which often include options to fine-tune the assistants.
• 🔄 ABS Toggle App - a separate application that allows you to switch ABS directly during the race using hot keys.

Installing mods usually involves copying files into the game folder. For example, for Content Manager you need:

1. Download the latest version from the official website acstuff.ru.
2. Unpack the archive into the root folder Assetto Corsa.
3. Launch the game via Content Manager.exe.
4. In the car settings, find the tab Assists and turn off ABS.

⚠️ Attention: Using mods online may be prohibited. Always check the server rules before connecting. Some anti-cheats (for example, Server Side Anticheat) block modified files.

Through the game menu|Editing INI files|Using mods|Do not disable ABS-->

4. Disabling ABS for specific conditions (weather, type of track)

B Assetto Corsa ABS behavior may depend on external conditions: type of surface, weather or even tire temperature. For example, on a wet road ABS works more aggressively, but on dry asphalt its influence is less noticeable. To disable ABS selectively, you can use the following techniques:

• 🌧️ Dynamic shutdown: Some mods (eg. WeatherFX) allow you to link ABS settings to weather conditions. For example, you can set ABS to turn off automatically when it rains.
• 🏁 Route profiles: B Content Manager You can create separate settings profiles for each trace. This way you can turn off ABS only on gravel sections or in specific corners.
• 🔥 Temperature triggers: Using scripts (for example, Lua for CSP) you can program the ABS to turn off when the tires reach a certain temperature.

Example script for disabling ABS when tire temperature is above 80°C (for Custom Shaders Patch):

function onPhysics(t)
local tireTempFL = ac.getCarState(0, ac.TyreCoreTemperature, 0) -- front left
local tireTempFR = ac.getCarState(0, ac.TyreCoreTemperature, 1) -- front right
if (tireTempFL > 80 and tireTempFR > 80) then
ac.setABS(0, 0) -- disable ABS
else
ac.setABS(0, 1) -- turn it back on
end
end

This approach is useful for simulating realistic vehicle behavior, where ABS may disengage when the brakes overheat or the pads wear out.

5. Alternative braking systems: what to use instead of ABS

Disabling ABS is only half the battle. To effectively brake without anti-lock braking, you need to learn alternative techniques. Here's what you can use instead of ABS in Assetto Corsa:

• 🔄 Pulsating inhibition: Manual simulation of ABS by intermittently pressing the brake pedal. Requires practice, but gives better control.
• 🎯 Engine braking: Downshift before entering a corner to stabilize the vehicle. Particularly effective on rear-wheel drive vehicles.
• ⚖️ Brake balance: Setting the distribution of braking force between the axles (Brake Bias) to prevent wheel locking.
• 🛑 Handbrake: In some situations (eg on gravel), briefly using the handbrake will help stabilize the vehicle.

Disabling ABS has the most noticeable effect on front-wheel drive vehicles (e.g. Honda Civic Type R or BMW M235i), where locking the front wheels leads to loss of control. On rear-wheel drive vehicles (for example, Nissan GT-R) the effect is less critical, but requires more careful work with gas.

Vehicle type	Recommended braking technique	Difficulty of mastering
Front wheel drive	Pulse braking + engine braking	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rear wheel drive	Brake balance + handbrake	⭐⭐⭐
All-wheel drive	Combination of all techniques	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced players make mistakes when disabling ABS in Assetto Corsa. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them:

• 🔄 ABS turns off, but wheels still don't lock: Check if the mods conflict with each other. For example, CSP and Content Manager may overwrite settings.
• 🚗 The car becomes uncontrollable: Decrease Brake Bias (shift the braking force to the rear axle) and practice with reduced brake power.
• 📁 Game won't launch after editing INI files: Make sure you haven't deleted important settings (such as [CAR_0]). Always make a backup!
• 🌍 Online ABS turns on automatically: Some servers force helpers to be enabled. Use servers with settings Open Setup.

If the car behaves unstable after disabling ABS, check the following parameters in the settings:

[DAMAGE]
TIRE_WEAR=1 ; Tire wear (affects grip)
TIRE_BURST=1 ; Tire burst when locked

[PHYSICS]
ROAD_EFFECTS=1 ; Effect of coating on physics

These parameters indirectly affect the behavior of the car when braking without ABS.

Why can ABS "turn itself on" online?

Some servers use plugins that reset assistant settings for all participants. This is done to level the racing conditions. To get around this, look for servers marked "Custom Assists Allowed" or create your own private server.

7. Comparison with other simulators: how to disable ABS in iRacing, rFactor 2, Automobilista 2

Assetto Corsa not the only simulator where you can disable ABS. For comparison, here are brief instructions for other popular games:

Simulator	Method for disabling ABS	Features
iRacing	Via Garage → Car Setup → Brake Bias/ABS	ABS is only disabled for some vehicles (eg Skip Barber). In GT3 and GTP ABS is mandatory.
rFactor 2	In file .veh (analogue car.ini) or via a plugin RF2 Trackside Apps	Supports dynamic shutdown of ABS based on brake wear.
Automobilista 2	Through the car settings menu (Assists → ABS)	Has a separate slider for adjusting the ABS level (from 0 to 100%).
RaceRoom	In car settings (Electronics → ABS)	ABS is automatically switched off in period vehicles (e.g. Group C).

Unlike Assetto Corsa, where ABS can be disabled for almost any car, in iRacing and RaceRoom this often depends on the class of the car. For example, in racing series with strict regulations (e.g. GT3 or GTE) ABS may be blocked.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disable ABS on all cars in Assetto Corsa?

No, some cars (especially from DLC or racing series) have locked ABS settings. In such cases, only editing files or using mods will help.

Why does the car skid after turning off ABS?

Without ABS, the wheels lock during hard braking, resulting in loss of traction. Solution: Brake intermittently (pulsate braking) and adjust Brake Bias towards the rear axle.

How to disable ABS in VR (virtual reality)?

The method for disabling ABS does not depend on the display type (monitor or VR). Use the same methods: game menu, file editing or mods. In VR it is especially important to practice without ABS on straight sections, as wheel locking can cause discomfort.

Does turning off ABS affect lap times?

Depends on the route and driving style. On dry pavement, experienced pilots can perform better without ABS due to more precise braking control. On wet or gravel tracks, ABS often helps maintain control.

Is it possible to disable ABS only on the front wheels or only on the rear wheels?

In the standard version of the game - no. However, with the help of mods (for example, Custom Shaders Patch) you can configure selective ABS deactivation for individual axles by editing the parameters ABS_FRONT and ABS_REAR in scripts.