ABS Service
ABS Service at Stanley Ford Gilmer
You have probably noticed that light on your dash that says ABS. It stands for Anti-Lock Brake System, which is a system designed to keep your vehicle’s wheels from locking and skidding when you have to stop quickly or when you encounter challenging road conditions. This, like other systems in your vehicle, needs to be properly maintained to be effective. If you live in or near Longview, Tyler, or Mount Pleasant, you can get quality ABS service at Stanley Ford Gilmer.
How Does ABS Work?
This system functions because of electronic sensors and high-pressure pumps. During certain circumstances, your ABS can measure your vehicle’s wheel slip, speed, and the force you apply to the brakes. When the sensors detect a potential skid hazard, the system automatically pumps the brakes for you, and with more precision and speed than you can get as a driver.
The Importance of Your Vehicle’s ABS
Your ABS helps you keep in control of your vehicle when you suddenly stop or apply brakes on a slick surface. When the wheels are prevented from locking, you maintain good traction and steering when you stop, instead of going into a skid. Some vehicle’s anti-lock brakes may also reduce the braking distance required to come to a safe stop.
What the ABS Light Is on
Your ABS light could be on because of a routine system check, or it could mean there is a problem with the system. It could be illuminated because of any of the following reasons:
- Initial vehicle start-up (Running a routine self-check).
- Dirty tone ring.
- Bad wheel bearing.
- Corroded or broken ABS sensor.
- ABS computer module malfunction.
- Some kind of problem outside the ABS that affects the ABS sensor or module like low car battery or electrical problems.
Plan of Action When the ABS Light Is on
When your ABS light comes on, what to do depends on when it comes on:
- Amber brake light: in some vehicles an amber light serves as an ABS light.
- Brake lights and ABS light comes on: This can mean the ABS has a problem and may not be safe to drive. Brake carefully and pull off the road when it is safe, then call for a tow.
- The ABS light comes on when driving can mean your ABS has stopped working. Sometimes, this only lasts for a short while, but if the light stays on, set up an appointment for service.
- If the ABS light comes on at startup and stays on: This can mean the ABS self-check has discovered a problem. Your brakes may still function, but the Anti-Lock System may not.
- Comes on at startup and then goes off: This usually means the self-check occurred, but no problems were discovered.
If your ABS light comes on at start-up and stays on, set up an appointment with Stanley Ford Gilmer for ABS service. Once our technicians have investigated your problems, they will explain what to do with your ABS and will provide you with an estimate, so you know how to proceed.
If you need your ABS checked out, you can contact our Service Center for an appointment, or schedule service online so that you are able to return to the road safely with a fully functional ABS system.