Car ABS means the Anti-Lock Brake system. ABS light sensor is one that a lot of users tend to ignore. Well, that should not be so if they read this. When the light comes on, it means that there is a problem with your anti-lock brake system. It could be one of the following faults.
How Car ABS Works
The ABS light is a simple dashboard warning typically red in color. This light is an indicator of the anti-lock brake system. The ABS warning light usually appears over an ABS light rectangle.
In times of a panic brake, it is responsible for pulsing the brakes. If you ever been in this situation, you will feel your brake pad vibrating. That’s the system trying fight against your wheels locking up. The car ABS will work hard to deactivate individual brake calipers or wheel cylinders.
In summary, the system works to determine the best control situation for you. Instead of skid uncontrollably for distance, it reduces your stopping distance.
What to Do When Your ABS Light Comes on
Now you know what you are missing out on when the car ABS is faulty, here is what to do when the ABS light comes on.
It is important to reduce your scare. So that you don’t go parking in the middle of the road or jumping out of the car because of the car ABS light came on.
However, it is important to decide to either drive to a secure destination or arrange for a tow. Either way, the ABS system should be checked ASAP. It is not the right time to go on long-distance travel.
Below are some likely faults of the car ABS
- Standard bulb check
- Low fluid
- Faulty control unit
- Bad speed sensor or wiring problem
- Failed or failing pump
- Solenoid malfunction
At least these are the likely culprits. When the car ABS is faulty, it means that your car is not communicating with the car ABS. Thus it will not be called into action if needed.
ABS Components You Can Check Yourself
Most of the solution to the car ABS system requires the use of special tools. below are some of the checks that you can do yourself.
Safely Adding Brake Fluid to an ABS System
Most of the time deficiency in the brake fluid might flag the light off. Check the main and car ABS reservoir. You should only do this if you are totally sure of the brake fluid your car uses. Likely ways of finding out might be on the cover of the ABS reservoir or on the car manual.
If you can not phantom the right fluid and you are not technically inclined to know the right fluid. Then contact a car mechanic for repairs.
Performing Other Visual ABS Inspections
Only attempt this if you have the technical level to perform the above check. If you can locate the car ABS control unit and pump, check the plug and other electric connections. Ensure that they are connected properly. Also, check that the wheel speed sensor is screwed in tightly. To check these sensors turn out the wheels using the steering. Each wheel has a sensor attached to it. These sensors send signals down to the ABS control and then to the dash.
All other tests of the wheel sensors require specialized tools. Using these tools you can test the sensors to know if they are functioning correctly.
In conclusion, car ABS is a crucial part of a car’s system that goes ignored on a daily basis. From this, you should know that it deserves your sincere attention. It can determine how safe your car is.
