What Does the ABS Light Mean?

Seeing any warning light flash on your car's dashboard is alarming, let alone the ABS light. Like many others, you should never ignore the ABS warning. Problems relating to the ABS can range from minor to serious, so it is important that you have your braking system taken care of so that you can return back to the road. 

 

What is ABS?

When you hear an auto technician talking about the ABS, they are referring to your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. Every vehicle has this technological system as an extra form of protection to prevent your wheels from locking up. When there is an issue with the ABS, a light will illuminate on your dashboard to warn you to check things out. There are a few reasons why this light comes on.

 

What Can Cause the ABS Light to Come On?

The ABS comprises various sensors that monitor how the brakes are functioning based on the speed that your wheels rotate. The ABS warning symbol can pop up for any of the following brake problems:

  • Low Brake Fluid: When you experience a brake fluid leak, it can definitely affect your brake performance. When your braking power diminishes, it will signal to the car’s computer to flick on the ABS light.
  • Blown Fuse: A blown fuse or similar electrical problem can definitely cause your ABS light to come on. Therefore, we will check your electrical system if we can’t find any errors with the braking system. 
  • Damaged Sensor: If the car’s computer detects an anomaly in the wheel speed sensors’ readings, then your ABS will come on. Over time, the speed sensor can collect dirt and stop working, causing misinformation. 
  • ABS Turned Off: It may come as a surprise, but you can actually switch the traction control system off. So if you intentionally or accidentally switch it off, the light will come on.

If you have an ABS-related problem, it is important to have it checked out by a certified professional ASAP. It is our best interest at Carmasters Automotive to keep you and your loved ones safe. Our experienced mechanics are able to pinpoint any brake problem and repair it so that you can be safer on the road. If you need ABS repair soon, we invite you to give our team a call or visit today!

Carmasters Automotive, LLC is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Carmasters (757) 456-0722 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.