What does it mean when the ABS light is on in a car?
2 Answers
When the ABS light is on in a car, it indicates a fault in the ABS system. The ABS system may stop functioning, causing the vehicle to behave as if it doesn't have an ABS system. This can result in reduced braking effectiveness, increased braking distance, and poorer handling performance during braking. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, and its functions include: 1. Maintaining directional stability; 2. Preserving steering control; 3. Reducing braking distance; 4. Decreasing tire wear. ABS only activates when the vehicle's speed exceeds a certain threshold, applying anti-lock braking pressure to wheels that tend to lock during braking. When the vehicle's speed decreases below a certain value during braking, the ABS automatically stops the anti-lock braking pressure regulation.
The ABS light coming on indicates a problem with your car's anti-lock braking system. I've encountered this several times in my decades of driving. When that yellow or orange light comes on, you need to be careful because this system helps prevent tire lock-up during braking, and now it's not functioning. Common causes include wheel sensors clogged with mud, blown fuses, or low brake fluid. Once after rainy weather when the light came on, my car nearly skidded into a guardrail. My advice is to avoid driving too fast when the light appears and get to a repair shop as soon as possible to check the system codes. The repair isn't expensive, but delaying it could lead to wheel lock-up during braking, especially on slippery roads where accidents are more likely. Regular maintenance should include cleaning around the wheel wells to prevent issues.
