Can You Drive with the ABS Light On?
4 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.
Last time when my car was being repaired, the technician told me that the ABS light on indicates a fault code in the system, commonly due to a damaged wheel speed sensor or control module. The car can still be driven, but don't expect the ABS to function properly. Once during a heavy rainstorm, I encountered the ABS light on and deliberately tested an emergency brake—the wheels indeed locked up, and the car skidded straight. This incident made me realize three key points to pay extra attention to when driving with the light on: brake pressure must be applied gently and released slowly; lane changes require turning on the turn signal at least five seconds in advance; and downhill mountain roads especially require shifting to a lower gear. If this issue occurs in winter, it's even more dangerous—driving on icy roads without ABS is practically playing with fate. I recommend using an OBD scanner to read the fault code as soon as possible. Minor issues like replacing a sensor yourself may only cost around a hundred bucks, but major problems require professional auto repair services.
The ABS light coming on requires specific analysis. If it's an occasional fault, driving the car to a testing station is usually fine; but if it stays lit continuously, it may affect braking safety. I remember last year when my wheel bearing failed causing the light to come on - driving slowly to a repair shop 3 kilometers away went smoothly, though the brakes felt stiff. The key when the light is on is to avoid emergency situations: steer clear of routes requiring sudden braking like highway ramps, and maintain ample following distance. Regular maintenance matters too - gravel roads can easily damage sensor wiring, and water exposure increases short-circuit risks. When getting tires repaired, it's best to ask the mechanic to clean the sensor magnetic rings while at it - these are lessons from experience.
