Dashboard lights can be quite confusing – there are so many of them. This is often true of the ABS warning light; a dashboard light that lets you know the anti-lock braking system is not working properly. This light might come on and then go off a little while later or the next time you start your vehicle. What does it mean? We will tell you all about it in this blog post.
The ABS warning light is part of an important safety feature known as the anti-lock braking system. Most cars today come equipped with the ABS feature that is designed to help you stop your vehicle safely when slam on the brakes or the road is slippery. The system is really quite sophisticated. The wheels are equipped with speed sensors that send signals to a controller. The computer system within the controller is looking for abnormalities in deceleration, like when you have to apply the brakes fast and hard. When the speed sensor sends the signal of a rapid deceleration, the controller goes into play and reduces brake pressure until the sensors identify acceleration. This allows your tires and vehicles to slow down at the same rate so the wheels don’t lock up and you can continue to steer. If you’ve every applied the brakes hard, you may have noticed a “pulsing” sensation. That’s the ABS at work.
The anti-lock braking system and ABS warning light
Have questions about the ABS warning light? We have answers to some of the frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the ABS warning light?
A. Your vehicle’s computer does a power-on self-test every time you turn the key in the ignition. During the self-test, you will see that all the lights on your dashboard go on and then off. If the computer finds a problem with any of the systems in your vehicle, the light will remain on to alert you to a problem. In the case of the ABS warning light, it’s letting you know the anti-lock braking system is not working. While you will still be able to brake and stop your car, you won’t have the benefit of the anti-lock feature in the event you have to stop quickly.
Q. The ABS light came on while I was driving, now what?
A. If the anti-lock braking system warning light comes on while you are driving, it’s telling you that the ABS isn’t operating. You are still able to apply the brakes and stop. You just won’t have the benefit of the anti-lock feature. In most instances, the ABS warning light will go off the next time you start your vehicle. If it doesn’t, make an appointment to have it checked at our auto repair shop located in Staten Island, New York. The certified technicians at Colonial Service Station will complete some diagnostic testing to identify and fix the problem with your ABS.
Q. Can I safely drive my vehicle while the ABS warning light is on?
A. Yes. However, as mentioned previously, the anti-lock braking feature will not be available to you. This could pose a safety hazard if you have to stop quickly to avoid an accident. Also important to note is this – If the ABS warning light is on and you also notice that the brake warning light is on, there is a serious problem with your vehicle’s braking system. Safely stop your vehicle and have your vehicle towed to our shop in Staten Island, NY.
Helpful tips on driving with anti-lock brakes
Feeling that pulsing sensation when you apply the brakes can be somewhat scary, especially if you don’t know what or why it’s happening. The National Safety Council has some helpful tips for driving with ABS. You can click here to download and read their information sheet “Tips for Driving with ABS (Anti-Lock Brake Systems).”
If you are concerned about your vehicle’s braking system in any way, we can check it for you. During a brake inspection we will go through all the parts of the system and will let you know if we find something that needs to be replaced or repaired. Schedule an appointment for brake repair with Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, New York today.