What Does the ABS Warning Light Mean?

It’s best never to ignore any warning lights that your vehicle turns on. They are there for a reason. When the ABS light comes on, it is often due to an issue in the anti-lock brake system. It could mean a blown fuse, strange signals from the wheel sensors, or low brake fluid. Whatever the reasoning, it’s best to get the vehicle into the auto shop.

When you are driving, your vehicle is constantly checking itself for issues. The sensors throughout the vehicle do their best to make sure everything is working as it should. One of the monitoring systems are attached to the ABS, or anti-lock brake system. If that system isn’t working right, your vehicle may not operate well in slippery conditions.

Computers within your vehicle will send signals to various parts of the vehicle and when something abnormal comes back, the light in the car may come on to warn you that something is up. When the ABS light comes on, find somewhere safe to pull over, stop the vehicle, and turn it off. You can then start the car again, which will ask the computers to recheck the sensors in the car again. If the light comes on again, you know there’s something wrong and you will want a technician to check the vehicle over and diagnose the issue.

While it is okay to drive your vehicle when the ABS light is on, unless there are other brake warning lights as well, you have to understand that you may not have braking help if you go into a skid. If you feel a loss in any braking power, you should take the vehicle directly to an auto repair shop.

Even if you feel the car is safe to drive, you still want to address the ABS light issue sooner rather than later. You don’t want it to cause other issues in your vehicle down the road. When you see that light and need repair or maintenance, give our auto shop a call and we can get you in as soon as possible to take a look at the issue.