What is the ABS Warning Light?
2 Answers
ABS warning light, the full name is Antilock Brake System. Its function is to automatically control the braking force of the brake during vehicle braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and maintaining a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio of about 20%), ensuring that the adhesion between the wheels and the ground is at its maximum. How ABS works: During braking, ABS quickly determines the locking state of each wheel based on the speed signals from the wheel speed sensors. It closes the normally open input solenoid valve for the wheel that is beginning to lock, keeping the braking force constant. If the wheel continues to lock, the normally closed output solenoid valve is opened, causing the braking pressure on that wheel to rapidly decrease due to the direct connection to the brake fluid reservoir, preventing the wheel from completely locking up due to excessive braking force. This keeps the braking state at the optimal point (with a slip ratio S of 20%), achieving the best braking effect and ensuring the highest level of driving safety.
When I see the ABS warning light come on, I know trouble is coming. It's a small light on the dashboard that flashes or stays lit when the car starts, indicating a problem with the anti-lock braking system. I drive a lot, and once on a rainy highway, my wheels almost locked up during braking. It turned out the wheel speed sensor was clogged with mud. After cleaning it, everything was fine. But if left unrepaired, the ABS won't function, making the car prone to skidding and losing control during emergency braking, especially on icy or snowy roads. I've also heard of people ignoring it, resulting in longer braking distances and higher crash risks. Now, whenever I see the light on, I immediately take the car to a professional repair shop for inspection. Don't skimp on this small expense—safety comes first. It's also advisable to regularly check the tires and sensor areas to ensure they're not covered by dirt, which can prevent many issues.
