Can You Drive with the ABS Light On?
2 Answers
You can drive with the ABS light on. When the ABS light illuminates during normal driving, it indicates that the ABS computer has detected a system fault, possibly due to a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor on one of the tires. The ABS computer cannot monitor the driving conditions of each wheel and compare their slippage levels. The function of ABS is to automatically control the braking force during vehicle braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and maintaining a rolling-sliding state to ensure maximum traction between the wheels and the road surface. When a wheel is about to reach the next lock-up point, the brake fluid pressure causes the system to cycle repeatedly, acting 60 to 120 times per second, equivalent to continuous braking and releasing.
My old Buick had the ABS light on last time, so I specifically went to the repair shop to ask the mechanic. He said that when the ABS system fails, the basic brakes can still be used, and the car can still move, but it's risky in emergency situations. A malfunctioning anti-lock braking system means the wheels may lock up during hard braking, significantly increasing the risk of the car skidding out of control. Especially on wet and slippery roads in rainy conditions, the braking distance without ABS assistance can increase by more than 10 meters. I'm a cautious driver, so after the light came on, I kept my speed under 60 mph and left double the usual braking distance. Later, the inspection found that the right front wheel sensor was clogged with mud, and it returned to normal after cleaning. For long-distance driving, it's essential to ensure that the brake pads and brake fluid are in good condition; otherwise, it's easy to fail to stop the car in time.
