What does it mean when a car displays ABS?
2 Answers
When a car displays ABS, it means the Anti-lock Braking System is activated. The reasons for the ABS light turning on are: 1. Air in the system pipelines; 2. Computer system malfunction; 3. Faulty vehicle speed sensor; 4. Broken ABS wiring harness. The functions of the ABS system are: 1. To prevent loss of vehicle control, increase braking distance, and improve vehicle safety; 2. To enhance the overall braking performance of the vehicle; 3. To prevent wheel lock-up during braking; 4. To ensure the driver can control the direction during braking and prevent rear axle skidding. The ABS system consists of an ABS pump, wheel speed sensors, and a brake switch. Its working principle is: during emergency braking, the highly sensitive wheel speed sensors installed on each wheel detect wheel lock-up, and the computer controls the pressure regulator to release pressure from the wheel's brake cylinder, preventing wheel lock-up.
When the ABS light on the car is illuminated, it means there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. I've seen many vehicles where the brakes become unstable when this happens, such as wheels easily locking up and losing control on slippery roads. Common causes include wheel speed sensors being clogged with mud, short circuits in the wiring, or unstable battery voltage, all of which can trigger false fault reports by the system. If you notice the light is on, don’t delay—get it checked by a professional shop as soon as possible. Regularly cleaning the sensors under the chassis during car washes can help prevent such issues. Ignoring it for a long time may increase braking distance and raise the risk of accidents. I recommend checking the dashboard every time before driving to ensure everything is normal.
