Can You Continue Driving with a Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor?
3 Answers
You can continue driving with a faulty wheel speed sensor, but it is advisable to drive at a relatively slow speed to the nearest auto repair shop for maintenance or replacement. Below is some extended information about wheel speed sensors: 1. Function: The wheel speed sensor is used to detect wheel speed during the anti-lock braking process of a car. To ensure the normal operation of the ABS system and obtain vehicle operating parameters, a qualified wheel speed sensor is necessary. This system uses a wheel speed sensor detection device to convert signals through A/D conversion, plot curves, and determine whether the wheel speed sensor is qualified based on the data. 2. Impact of Damage: If the wheel speed sensor is faulty, the ABS warning light will illuminate. Additionally, you may experience unstable engine idle, reduced acceleration performance, momentary pauses or stalling when starting or decelerating to a stop while driving, and deviations in the speed displayed on the dashboard.
If the wheel speed sensor is broken, I absolutely believe you should not continue driving. Based on my years of experience in auto repair, this component monitors wheel rotation speed. If it fails, the ABS anti-lock braking system may stop working, making it easy for tires to lock up during emergency braking—especially dangerous in rain or snow, potentially causing the vehicle to skid out of control. The ECU may also falsely trigger other warning lights, disrupting normal driving. Although the engine may still run, you must consider highway emergencies—even light braking could lead to an accident. I recommend pulling over immediately and calling a tow truck to a repair shop. Regular maintenance should include checking these electronic components and keeping wiring clean to prevent sudden failures. Don’t gamble with safety to save a few hundred bucks in repair costs.
Safety first is my driving motto. A faulty wheel speed sensor can disable the vehicle's stability system, and non-functional ABS means tires may skid or drift during emergency braking, significantly increasing risks on slippery roads. This may also trigger false judgments, affecting cruise control or automatic parking functions. Continuing to drive could lead to insurance claim rejections in case of accidents, and traffic police may impose penalties. I believe you should immediately turn off the engine, check the manual, and find a professional repair shop nearby. Pay attention to these electronic components during regular maintenance, use diagnostic tools to test signals – prevention is better than cure. Never handle such issues carelessly.
