Can the car still be driven when the ABS light is on?
2 Answers
When the ABS light is on, the car can still be driven. However, the illuminated ABS warning light indicates that the ABS system may not function properly, posing a risk of wheel lock-up during emergency braking. While this doesn't render the vehicle undrivable and has minimal impact on normal driving, it's important to pay attention to braking intensity to prevent skidding or loss of control due to wheel lock-up. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is designed to automatically regulate braking force during deceleration, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining optimal traction between tires and road surface by keeping wheels in a rolling-sliding state. The ABS system primarily consists of wheel speed sensors, electronic control unit, ABS modulator valves, ABS warning light, and hydraulic control circuits.
Last time my car's ABS light came on, to be honest, it's no small matter. ABS is the system that prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking. If the light is on, it means the system might have failed, which implies that during sudden braking, the car could easily skid or lose control. It might sound like you can still drive a short distance, but don't take it lightly—especially in rainy or snowy conditions when the roads are slippery, the risk doubles. I remember once when the light came on, I still drove to work and almost rear-ended someone. Luckily, no accident happened. That was a big lesson! My advice is to immediately slow down, pull over to a safe spot, check if the brake pedal feels abnormally stiff when pressed, and then quickly contact a professional auto repair shop for inspection. Driving long-term with the ABS light on can cause faster wear and tear on parts like brake pads and wheel speed sensors, leading to more expensive repairs and endangering both you and pedestrians. In short, safety comes first—don't risk it to save time. Get it fixed as soon as possible.
