Seeing a warning light on your dashboard can be stressful, especially when it has something to do with your brakes. Two of the most important brake-related warning lights are the ABS light and the brake warning light.
While these lights are connected to your vehicle’s braking system, they do not mean the same thing. Understanding what each light means and what to do when one comes on can help you make a safer decision.
At All About Automotive, we help drivers in Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Corbett diagnose brake and ABS warning lights and determine what repairs their vehicles need.
What Does the ABS Warning Light Mean?
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. The ABS system helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows the driver to maintain better steering control while braking.
When the ABS warning light comes on, it usually means the vehicle’s computer has detected a problem with the ABS system.
The vehicle may still have normal basic braking, but the anti-lock function may not work correctly during an emergency stop.
An ABS warning light can be caused by problems such as:
- A faulty wheel speed sensor
- Wiring or electrical problems
- An issue with the ABS control module
- Low brake fluid on some vehicles
- Other ABS system faults
Because the cause can vary, the system needs to be properly diagnosed.
What Does the Brake Warning Light Mean?
The brake warning light is usually a red light and may display the word “BRAKE,” an exclamation point, or a similar symbol.
This warning light can indicate several different problems depending on the vehicle.
For example, it may come on because:
- The parking brake is engaged
- The brake fluid level is low
- There is a problem with the hydraulic brake system
- Another brake system warning has been detected
If the light stays on after you release the parking brake, don’t ignore it.
What If Both Lights Come On?
If both the ABS light and the brake warning light come on at the same time, it is especially important to have the vehicle checked.
Multiple warning lights can indicate a problem affecting more than one part of the braking system. Your vehicle may still stop, but you should not assume that everything is working properly just because the brake pedal feels normal.
If braking performance has changed, the pedal feels soft, or the vehicle isn’t stopping normally, safely pull over and have it towed in for a brake inspection and diagnosis.
What Should You Do When a Brake Warning Light Comes On?
First, don’t panic. Pay attention to which warning light came on and whether you notice any changes in braking performance.
If the light comes on:
- Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
- Pay attention to how the brake pedal feels.
- Notice whether the vehicle is stopping normally.
- Don’t ignore a warning light that stays on.
- Schedule a professional inspection to determine the cause.
If your brakes feel unsafe, the pedal goes to the floor, the vehicle is difficult to stop, or you notice a major change in braking performance, do not continue driving the vehicle. Have it towed to a qualified repair facility.
Don’t Guess at Brake Warning Lights
A warning light is your vehicle’s way of telling you that something needs attention. Replacing a part without diagnosing the problem first can waste money and may not fix the actual issue.
A professional brake inspection can help determine whether the problem involves the brake fluid, wheel speed sensors, ABS system, hydraulic brakes, or another component.
Regular brake inspections are also an important part of preventative maintenance.
Take Brake Warning Lights Seriously
Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. If the ABS light, brake warning light, or both appear on your dashboard, don’t simply wait for the light to go away.
The problem may be minor, but it could also indicate a condition that affects your vehicle’s ability to stop safely.
Schedule a Brake Inspection at All About Automotive
If your ABS or brake warning light has come on, the team at All About Automotive can help determine why. We provide brake inspections and diagnostic services for drivers throughout Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Corbett. We’ll diagnose the warning light, explain what we find, and help you make an informed decision about the repairs your vehicle needs. Schedule an inspection today and make sure your braking system is working as it should.
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