Can You Drive with a Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor?
2 Answers
You can continue driving with a faulty wheel speed sensor, but only at low speeds for short distances. It is recommended that the owner drive to the nearest repair shop for servicing. The wheel speed sensor is primarily used to measure the rotational speed of a vehicle's wheels, and the detected frequency signal is directly transmitted to the ABS computer. A malfunctioning wheel speed sensor can directly affect the vehicle's safety systems (such as ESP, ABS, etc.), leading to a decrease in the vehicle's stability. The car may experience sudden wheel lock-up, significantly increasing safety hazards and the likelihood of traffic accidents.
I've been driving for over 30 years and have encountered wheel speed sensor failures several times. The car can still be driven, but the ABS warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, and the speedometer may behave erratically. The most dangerous part is that the ABS anti-lock braking system will completely fail – during rainy weather when you hit the brakes, the tires can lock up completely, making the steering wheel immovable. Last time, I almost rear-ended another vehicle because of this. Although you might manage to move the car short distances, it could lose control at any moment during turns or on slippery roads. My advice is to pull over immediately and call a tow truck. Don't hesitate over the towing fee – replacing a sensor only costs around 200-300 yuan. Safety should always come first; never gamble with your own or others' lives.
