If an ABS warning Light comes on while driving your vehicle, it’s because something has happened to a component of the ABS system that it will no longer work. The good news is that when the ABS light comes on, your regular brakes will still work, but the ABS functionality has been disabled. Knowing how to safely drive with an ABS warning light is important. This article explains the dos and don’ts of driving with ABS Light on, and it explains how to safely get the vehicle repaired and back on the road.
What the ABS Warning Light Signifies
The ABS warning (usually a yellow or amber light) is likely to be illuminated when the vehicle suffers a fault with its anti-lock brake system, which is a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, thereby maximising vehicle stability and control of the steering. We are then told:
ABS System Deactivated: Pressing the brake can put you at risk of more disastrous injuries; the light comes on when the car’s computer reports failure of the anti-lock braking system, which means the standard braking system continues to work, just not the new anti-lock feature.
You may experience longer stopping distances and reduced control of your vehicle during emergency braking, especially on slippery surfaces if you do not have ABS.
Key Safety Measures While the ABS Warning Light is On
If the ABS warning light is lit while you are driving, take care. Here is how to drive your car home safely until it can be brought into the garage:
Maintain Safe Following Distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you for longer stopping distances/gapping.
Smooth Braking Methods: Utilise the brakes softly and smoothly. Never slam on your brakes or brake exceptionally hard, both may lead to wheel lock-up and loss of control over your automobile.
Go At Slow Speeds: Lower your speed of driving to enhance vehicle control. The lower the driving speed, the better is the response and lesser your chances of skidding towards the side of your lane.
No sharp turns or jerky manoeuvers: sudden turning or lane-changes can unbalance the car, especially without ABS, and all manoeuvers should be carried out gradually.
Beware of Road Conditions: Be extra careful when travelling on slippery or uneven surfaces! Wet, icy or gravel roads can compound the dangers of driving without ABS.
Plan your route: Take the most straight, simple path to the repair shop; avoid high-traffic but low-complexity. These minor adaptations create more bandwidth for the minor adjustments we need to make while driving with faulty ABS.
Steps to Take Upon Reaching the Repair Shop
When you arrive at the repair workshop, the technicians will do several steps to sort out the ABS problem:
Diagnostic Scan Come out and scan it. The diagnostic setting will check for codes from the ABS. The codes give the technicians the exact component or reason the light is on.
Component Inspection: Check for defects or damage to all ABS components (sensors, wiring, control module).
System Testing: The technician will test different parts of the ABS to see if they function properly and identify any parts that are not working properly.
Repair or Replace: Based on their findings, technicians will recommend a repair or a replacement. Wiring problems will need to be fixed, sensors will have to be swapped out, and trouble with the ABS control unit addressed.
Calibrating System: Once the repair is made, the ABS component will need to be recalibrated to work properly and in conjunction with your vehicle’s braking system.
Conclusion
Understand, however, that driving with the ABS warning light on is more demanding than without it, and you should slow down, drive more defensively, double your following distance, break smoothly and drive at slower speeds. Consider your route and road conditions, too, as this will keep you safer. In the meantime, if you take your vehicle to a mechanic, the ABS technician will diagnose the problem and rectify the situation completely, and your ABS system will be just fine. If you follow these tips, you will be able to protect your safety – and your vehicle – until the ABS is repaired.
