What does it mean when the car's anti-skid light comes on?
3 Answers
The reason why the car's anti-skid light comes on is: there is a malfunction in the electronic stability system of the vehicle. The working principle of anti-skid is: through the ABS and ASR electronic control units, based on the signals sent by the wheel speed sensors, the slip rate of the wheels and the vehicle's driving speed are calculated and analyzed. The electronic control unit then adjusts the throttle opening and brake pressure to regulate the wheel slip rate, preventing the vehicle from skidding during driving. Situations where the anti-skid system needs to be turned off include: 1. When the vehicle is stuck in mud or off-roading; 2. When encountering uphill slippage on rainy or snowy days; 3. When snow chains are installed on the vehicle tires; 4. During aggressive driving or vehicle drifting.
With over a decade of driving experience, I know that the anti-skid warning light typically indicates the system is intervening in wheel slip situations, such as on wet roads or during sharp turns, where it automatically applies brakes to stabilize the vehicle. However, it can also signal a malfunction—like when the ABS wheel speed sensor is covered in mud or the steering angle sensor fails, sending incorrect signals. Last time, driving on a rainy mountain road, the light stayed on while the car skidded. A check at the repair shop revealed aged sensors, and replacing them fixed the issue. I recommend regularly inspecting these sensors for cleanliness during maintenance, and ensuring even tire wear can reduce the risk of triggering the system—safety comes first. If the light stays on accompanied by a drifting sensation, pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and wait for assistance rather than risking further driving.
When chatting with my mechanic friend, I often encounter similar issues. The anti-skid light usually comes on due to minor faults in the electronic control unit, such as loose sensor wiring, unstable battery voltage interfering with the system, or temporary false alarms from the ABS module. You can check tire pressure consistency yourself; if you don't have tools, simply clean the wheel speed sensors. For more serious cases like circuit short circuits or control module failures, professional computer diagnostics are needed. Daily driving tips: avoid splashing through puddles to keep components dry, and park in dry areas to prevent malfunctions. I once experienced intermittent light flashing, which turned out to be false activation caused by winter ice buildup – driving felt much more assured after repairs.
