It is certainly disconcerting when the electronic Advanced Braking System (ABS) in your car, for whatever reason, turns off, but you can more readily react by understanding what has happened – and what you need to do to stay safe. Indeed, most cars will still run just fine, but there are several caveats.
What Happens When ABS is Deactivated?
Basic Vehicle Operation Remains Intact
What Core Functionality permits because it will not disable those functions is for you to drive the vehicle, using the engine (gas pedal on manual or automatic cars), transmission, and basic braking system, by which I mean the ‘foot’ brake, without disabling them.Some vehicles will not allow ABS disabling if they determine that they cannot ensure that the core functions of the car (engine, transmission, braking) will continue to work while the ABS is disengaged. For engines made in the 1980s and later, that is not an issue.
Ordinary Brake: With the ABS unavailable, your vehicle uses ordinary brakes. You will be able to stop your vehicle. However, the efficiency of this system may be limited in certain operating conditions.
Changes in Braking Performance
No Anti-Lock Feature: ABS’s main point is to prevent the locking up of the wheels when braking hard, especially on slippery surfaces. Lacking ABS increases the risk of wheel lockup.
Greater Stopping Distance: Braking distances could increase in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, so you need to allow for this by increasing your stopping distance.
Driving Safely with a Deactivated ABS
Adapting Driving Habits
Braking: Apply brakes gently to avoid locking up the wheelsBraking provides another opportunity to slow cars smoothly. Gentle braking will reduce the risk of a skid on a wet or slippery road.
Greater Stopping Distance: Maintain a larger following distance from the vehicle ahead to counteract the longer stopping distance.
PLEASE SLOW DOWN: Slow down so that you have more time to stop.
Awareness of Road Conditions
Wet, Icy or Snowy Roads: Hydroplaning, snow, or ice increases the likelihood of loosing control of steering and braking. This may result in loss of vehicle control and a potential crash.
Don’t Make Sudden Movements: If you are prone to sudden jerking turning or braking, you should refrain from using the vehicle. Today’s cars have a computer chip that can guide safe steering. But, the system is slower than you or your jamoke-ass teenage offspring and causing a sudden wheel lockup can spin the vehicle. This will get you nowhere fast. Don’t jerk the wheel. Smooth movements only.
Identifying the Cause of ABS Deactivation
Common Causes
Sensor Problems: Faulty wheel speed sensors are often behind ABS deactivation. They track wheel speed, and feed the readings to the controller.
Wiring Problem: Corroded or misplaced wiring can interrupt the signal flowing between the ABS sensors and the control module.
Hydraulic Problems: Problems with the ABS hydraulics, including the valves and pumps.
Diagnostic Steps
Warning light: When the ABS warning light on the dashboard illuminates, it means that the system has registered a fault.
Professional Diagnosis: Take your car to a mechanic to be repaired. They’ll be able to solve the problem by diagnosing it with specialised car diagnostic tools.
Repair and Maintenance
Timely Repairs
Professional Services: Take your vehicle to a professional service shop to have the ABS repaired. If your car has this system, qualified mechanics have the equipment and skills to do the job.
Genuine Parts: Make sure replacement parts are neither fake nor specific to a different make.
Regular Maintenance
What should be done? Routine checks: Check your accelerator, braking and ABS system regularly as part of your car maintenance schedule.
Fluid Levels: The brake fluid level needs to be correct, and there should be no leaks. A low brake fluid level can compromise the ABS’s hydraulic elements.
Conclusion
Although a car without an active ABS might be a little disconcerting, and you’ll continue to feel it at work in the pedal, your car will still be drivable, using normal brakes. Change your driving style where necessary, be aware of the possible causes and, most importantly, get the vehicle seen to as soon as you are able, but otherwise you should find your vehicle drives safely. Most importantly, make sure you carry out your routine maintenance to keep your brakes, and ABS system, working efficiently.