What to Do When the Anti-Slip Light Comes On?
3 Answers
Here are the steps to handle when the anti-slip light comes on in a car: 1. Restart the engine: Briefly press the ESP-OFF button on the vehicle to check if the ESP was accidentally turned off. 2. Take it to a 4S shop for inspection: Have it inspected at a 4S shop, where specialized fault diagnostic equipment is used to identify the issue. After repair, use a decoder to clear the fault code, ensuring the ESP operates normally, after which the warning light will turn off. Note: During daily driving, it's best to keep the ESP function activated, especially when driving on slippery roads such as those covered in ice and snow.
It's indeed nerve-wracking when the anti-skid warning light comes on. I encountered the same situation on the highway last time. My first reaction was to hold the steering wheel steady, ease off the accelerator to slow down, and avoid sudden braking or steering. Then I gradually pulled over to check if there was any tire deflation or debris stuck in the wheels. I also checked the dashboard for other warning lights like ABS or engine malfunction indicators - if those lit up too, the situation would be more complicated. If the tires looked fine after inspection, I tried restarting the engine several times, as sometimes the system just glitches and resets itself. If the light remained on, never attempt to continue driving home on the highway - I learned this the hard way when it cost me over a thousand dollars for towing later. The safest approach is to directly contact a 4S dealership or repair shop, have the vehicle towed for inspection of the wheel speed sensor or electronic stability control module. Minor issues might cost a few hundred to fix, while major problems are just bad luck you have to accept. Safety always comes first - never push your luck.
Don't panic when the anti-skid light comes on - it usually means the vehicle stability system is activated. Once when my rear wheels slipped on wet roads, it kept flashing. In such cases, gently press the accelerator to speed up slowly and avoid sudden steering. After parking, first check if you accidentally pressed the ESP off button on the center console - many friends trigger it by mistake. Inspect whether the wheel speed sensor wiring harness connectors are loose. It's quite convenient to take a photo of your tires with your phone and send it to a mechanic for advice. If the light stays on after restarting, the wheel speed sensor might be dusty and malfunctioning - a high-pressure water wash at a car wash can often fix this. As a last resort, turn on hazard lights and drive slowly to a repair shop - the towing fee for such minor issues often exceeds the repair cost itself.
