What should I do if the ABS warning light comes on?
The ABS warning light can be an ominous sign. What should you do if it comes on? Find out below.
What is the ABS warning light?
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps the driver steer the vehicle by restoring traction to your tires and your preventing wheels from locking up—in older vehicles, brakes have to be pumped or else they'll lock up which can cause the car to skid. The ABS warning light alerts the driver that some type of fault has occurred in the anti-lock brake system and that your wheels are in danger of locking up. The lights is usually yellow or orange, with the letters ABS in a circle and flanked by two parentheses, or sometimes just letters ABS.What should I do if the light comes on?
The short answer is: get to a mechanic as soon as possible. There are many possible triggers for this warning light, from low brake fluid or a bad speed sensor to a failing ABS pump or a faulty control unit. It could be a simple fix but it's never worth the gamble—losing control of your brakes is a sure-fire way to get in an accident.Read more about ABS warning light triggers in our article, Is it safe to drive a car with ABS light on?