{"id":1520,"date":"2024-04-29T16:55:48","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T15:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/2017\/02\/28\/abs-light-what-to-do-when-it-comes-on\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T11:48:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T11:48:22","slug":"abs-light-what-to-do-when-it-comes-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/abs-light-what-to-do-when-it-comes-on","title":{"rendered":"ABS Light (What To Do When It Comes On)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever get that sinking feeling when your car skids on a wet road? Fear not, fellow drivers! This blog is all about ABS, or Anti-lock Braking Systems. We’ll delve into how ABS works, why it’s a lifesaver (literally!), and explore the latest advancements in this crucial safety technology. Buckle up and get ready to learn how to stay in control, even in slippery situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is an Anti-Lock Brake System?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people know their car has ABS but don\u2019t know what it actually does or is for. In essence, it is an electronically controlled system which helps to stop a car\u2019s wheels from locking up by automatically releasing the brakes fractionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ABS stands for anti-locking braking system. The system is designed to prevent the car’s wheels from locking up and help maintain grip under hard braking conditions. This system is important because if your wheels do lock up, you are left with virtually no control over the car’s steering and are at a high risk of skidding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti-locking braking systems were first used as anti-skid systems for aircraft. It wasn\u2019t until the 1970s that manufacturers such as Ford and Chrysler proved that it could also be used in cars. It soon started to become mainstream as the safety benefits of such a system became clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2004, it has been a standard safety feature of all modern cars sold in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does it Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re wondering what does ABS do, well it’s a part of a car’s overall stability control system, which is known as electronic stability control (ESC). The ABS specifically monitors the car wheels and will only react under heavy braking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each car wheel has an ABS sensor attached to it which can\ndetect if a wheel is about to lock up and stop moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the sensors detect a wheel locking, it will send a message to the engine control unit (ECU). This triggers the ECU to momentarily release the brake on that wheel. The ECU intermittently releases the brakes on each wheel, hundreds of times a second, until the wheel is no longer at risk of locking up so you can maintain control of your vehicle. When the anti-locking brake system is active, you may feel a pulsation from the brake pedal when you press it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you start your car, the ABS light will come on automatically. This is because your car always checks the ABS system on starting; if there\u2019s no problem the light will go off. If the light stays on, it\u2019s a sign that there\u2019s a problem with your car\u2019s ABS system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When are Anti-Lock Brakes Most Effective?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ABS is most effective when you brake promptly and firmly.\nThis is because ABS has been designed to kick in when the wheel has started to\nlock up and skid. At this point, the car cannot be steered and the driver has\nno control over the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quick release of the brake prevents the wheel from locking up to help you keep control of the vehicle. It stops the car from skidding and allows the driver to remain in control of the steering, which means the driver should still manage to avoid the obstacle that they braked for in the first instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is also worth remembering that ABS works best on stable surfaces. Icy, snowy or gravel surfaces can reduce the effectiveness of ABS. In fact, some ardent off-roaders will purposefully switch off the ABS as it can reduce the wheel’s ability to grip on to more rugged terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Benefits of ABS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n