
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) in most civilian vehicles cannot be deactivated. This system is enabled by default and remains on standby at all times unless a malfunction occurs. Whenever the vehicle shows a tendency to lock up, the ABS will intervene to prevent wheel lock. Usage instructions for the anti-lock braking system: 1. Keep the brake pedal firmly pressed to allow the ABS to function effectively; 2. The minimum following distance should not be less than 50 meters. When the speed exceeds 50 km/h, the minimum following distance should match the speed value; 3. Familiarize yourself with the ABS in advance and be prepared for and adapt to the brake pedal pulsation that occurs when the ABS is active.

A couple of days ago, my young neighbor asked me if ABS could be removed, and I immediately shook my head. The ABS anti-lock braking system is a legally mandated configuration—removing it is illegal and extremely dangerous! When the system malfunctions, you should take it to a repair shop. The technician will use a diagnostic computer to read the fault codes: it could be the wheel speed sensor clogged with mud, or perhaps aging wiring in the solenoid valve. Last time, I encountered a Tiguan where the left rear wheel sensor connector was damaged by a high-pressure water jet during car washing—replacing the new connector only cost a little over 200 yuan. Remember, when the yellow warning light comes on, slow down and drive cautiously, keeping a safe distance is the top priority.

As a mechanic with 20 years of experience, I must say ABS should never be removed! Last year, a customer secretly pulled out the ABS fuse, ended up rear-ending another car in the rain, was fully at fault and got fined. To properly fix the issue, follow these steps: First, check if the ABS light on the dashboard stays on, then use an OBD scanner to identify the specific faulty part. Common issues include metal debris interfering with the wheel speed sensor—simply remove it and spray with cleaner. If there's abnormal noise from the hydraulic unit, it's likely the entire assembly needs replacement. Don't believe the online 'power reset trick,' as it can cause power steering failure.

Our decade-old Volkswagen had its ABS light come on last time, which was quite a scare. My husband checked and found that the right front wheel sensor wires were chewed through by a rat. We spent 500 at the dealership to replace the wiring harness. Ladies, take note: when the light comes on, the brake pedal might pulsate—don’t panic, just brake normally. Check the four wheel sensors monthly to ensure they’re clean, especially after rain or snow; use a toothbrush to clean the magnetic ring gaps. It’s recommended to have a mechanic test the brake fluid’s water content every two years, as excess can corrode the ABS pump.


