Is It Safe to Drive a Car With the ABS Light On?

Generally, you can drive cautiously for a short distance with the ABS warning light on, but your car’s anti-lock braking function is disabled, so stopping distances may increase and wheels can lock under hard braking—especially on wet, icy, or loose surfaces. Stability/traction control may also be affected. Head to a repair shop soon, avoid aggressive driving, and if the red brake warning light is also illuminated, stop driving and seek assistance.

What the ABS Light Means

The ABS (anti-lock braking system) prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking by modulating brake pressure. When the ABS light turns on and stays on, the system has detected a fault and disabled anti-lock operation as a fail-safe. Conventional brakes still function, but without the pulsing, steerable braking assistance ABS provides. Many vehicles also tie traction control (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC) to ABS sensors; a fault can disable or limit those features, too.

On startup, it’s normal for the ABS light to illuminate briefly as part of a self-check and then turn off. A light that remains on, flickers while driving, or appears intermittently indicates a problem that needs diagnosis.

Can You Keep Driving?

When cautious driving is acceptable

If only the amber ABS light is on and the car otherwise drives and stops normally, it’s usually safe to continue at reduced speeds to your destination or a repair shop. Plan extra distance, brake gently, and avoid slippery routes.

When you should not continue

If the red brake warning lamp is on (or you notice a soft pedal, significantly reduced braking, grinding, or pulling to one side), do not drive—this can indicate hydraulic failure, low fluid, or a serious mechanical issue. Also avoid driving if multiple warnings appear (ABS, ESC, TCS, battery/charging) or if the pedal feel changes suddenly.

Immediate Steps to Take

If the ABS light comes on while driving, a few quick checks can improve safety and help you decide next steps.

• Reduce speed and increase following distance; avoid hard braking if possible.
• Check for a simultaneous red brake light; if it’s on, stop in a safe place and call for assistance.
• Turn the car off and back on once safely stopped; if the light clears and doesn’t return, note the incident and still schedule a check.
• Inspect for obvious issues: low brake fluid, damaged wheel-speed sensor wiring near the hubs, or debris around the tone rings.
• Drive directly to a trusted shop if the light persists.

These steps won’t restore ABS function, but they help you mitigate risk and gather information for a technician.

How ABS-Off Changes Braking Behavior

Understanding how your car behaves without ABS can help you adapt your driving until repairs are made.

• Wheels can lock under hard braking, especially on wet, icy, snowy, or gravel surfaces.
• Stopping distances may increase and steering control during emergency braking can be reduced.
• ESC and traction control may be disabled, raising the risk of skids or wheelspin.
• Some vehicles may disable cruise control or display additional traction/stability warnings.

Because these changes reduce your safety margin, it’s best to keep trips short and conditions predictable until the fault is fixed.

Common Triggers for an ABS Warning

The ABS light usually points to a sensor or electrical issue rather than failed hydraulic brakes, but prompt diagnosis is still important.

• Faulty wheel-speed sensor (very common) or damaged sensor wiring/connector.
• Cracked, corroded, or dirty tone ring/reluctor on the axle or hub.
• Failed ABS control module or internal pump/valves.
• Blown fuse or relay, or low system voltage from a weak battery/alternator.
• Contaminated or low brake fluid (may also trigger the red brake light).
• Corroded hub assemblies or wheel bearings affecting sensor readings.

Intermittent faults often point to wiring, connector corrosion, or debris on sensors/tone rings rather than a major module failure.

Basic Checks You Can Do at Home

Some simple inspections can identify obvious issues before visiting a technician.

• Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX; top up with the correct fluid if low and check for leaks.
• Look behind each wheel for frayed sensor wiring or disconnected plugs.
• Clean visible metal shavings or heavy debris near sensors/tone rings with care.
• Check fuses related to ABS/ESC; replace only with the correct amperage.
• Scan for codes with an OBD-II tool that can read ABS modules (not all generic readers can).

If the light persists after these checks, professional diagnosis is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure safe operation.

Professional Diagnosis and Typical Costs

Shops use scan tools to read ABS module fault codes, perform live data checks, and inspect wiring and brake components. Costs vary by vehicle, part quality, and region.

• Diagnostic scan and inspection: typically $75–$150.
• Wheel-speed sensor replacement: parts $40–$200 each; labor $80–$200.
• Tone ring or hub/bearing assembly: parts $20–$100 (ring) or $150–$400 (hub); labor $120–$300.
• ABS module repair/replacement: parts $300–$900+; labor $150–$300; programming may be required.
• Wiring repair (corrosion/breaks): $50–$300 depending on location and extent.
• Brake fluid service (if contaminated/low): $90–$160.
• Battery/alternator (if low voltage root cause): battery $120–$250; alternator $350–$800 installed.

Addressing sensor or wiring issues early can prevent costlier module or hub damage and restore safety systems quickly.

Legal and Inspection Notes

Rules differ by location, and ABS requirements vary by vehicle age and market.

• United Kingdom: An illuminated ABS warning where ABS is fitted is typically an MOT failure.
• United States: Many states do not automatically fail a safety inspection for an ABS light alone, but policies vary; a red brake warning generally fails.
• Canada and other regions: Requirements vary by province/country; consult local inspection standards.

Even if an ABS light doesn’t fail inspection where you live, driving without ABS reduces emergency braking performance—fixing it remains a safety priority.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Routine care can reduce ABS faults and keep stability systems reliable.

• Wash road salt and debris from wheel hubs and undercarriage in winter.
• Avoid pressure-washing directly at sensor connectors and seals.
• Replace worn wheel bearings promptly; play can disrupt sensor readings.
• Keep battery and charging system healthy; low voltage can trigger ABS faults.
• Service brake fluid on schedule to limit moisture and corrosion.

These practices help protect sensors, wiring, and modules—and maintain full braking performance.

Summary

You can usually drive carefully for a short distance with the ABS light on because your basic brakes still work, but anti-lock protection and related stability features may be disabled, raising risk in emergencies and on slippery roads. Slow down, leave extra space, and have the system inspected promptly. If the red brake warning is also on—or the pedal feels abnormal—stop driving and seek assistance immediately.

Is an ABS warning light serious?

This is a light that needs to be taken seriously because it is an early warning sign that your ABS needs to be inspected. There is also a brake system light that will come on if there is an issue with the braking system.

How long can you drive with an ABS light on?

You should not drive your vehicle for an extended period with the ABS light on, even though the regular brakes still function, because the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) will be disabled, increasing your risk of losing control during hard or emergency braking, especially on slippery surfaces. While you can technically drive short distances to a mechanic, you should do so with extreme caution, avoiding harsh braking and allowing extra stopping distance. If the regular brake light also illuminates with the ABS light, indicating a more serious system failure, you should stop driving immediately and arrange for the vehicle to be towed. 
Why the ABS light is on:

• The ABS light indicates a fault within the anti-lock braking system, which prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking. 
• The issue could be a faulty sensor, low brake fluid, or a malfunctioning ABS control module. 

What happens when the ABS light is on:

• Your car’s basic braking system will still work. 
• You will lose the anti-lock feature, meaning your wheels could lock up during a sudden or hard stop. 
• This can lead to a loss of vehicle control, unpredictable braking, or the risk of swerving, especially on wet or slippery roads. 

What to do when the ABS light comes on:

1. Assess the situation: If only the ABS light is on, your conventional brakes are likely still working. 
2. Drive with extreme caution: Avoid aggressive braking and anticipate longer stopping distances. 
3. Address the issue promptly: Get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible for a diagnosis and repair. 
4. Seek immediate professional help: If both the ABS light and the brake warning light are illuminated, stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed, as this indicates a critical issue with the braking system. 

What is the most common cause of the ABS light to come on?

The most common causes for an ABS light to illuminate are a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor or wheel bearing that’s preventing the sensor from reading correctly. Other frequent reasons include low brake fluid, a blown ABS fuse, damaged wiring or connectors, or a failing ABS module or hydraulic pump. 
Common Causes

• Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor: Opens in new tabSensors monitor each wheel’s speed; if one is dirty, damaged, or failing, it sends incorrect data to the computer, triggering the light. 
• Worn Wheel Bearing: Opens in new tabA bad wheel bearing can cause the “tone ring” that the sensor reads to be misaligned, leading to an error signal. 
• Low Brake Fluid: Opens in new tabThe ABS system requires sufficient brake fluid to operate. A low level, often due to a leak, can disable the system and trigger the light. 
• Blown Fuse: Opens in new tabThe ABS system has its own fuse, and a blown fuse will prevent it from working, turning the light on. 
• Damaged Wiring: Opens in new tabWires connected to the wheel speed sensors can be damaged by road debris or corrosion, leading to communication issues with the computer. 

Other Less Common Causes

• Faulty ABS Module or Hydraulic Pump: Opens in new tabThe ABS module is the system’s computer, and the pump provides hydraulic pressure. A failure in either of these critical components can trigger the light. 
• Corrosion: Opens in new tabCorrosion in fuse boxes or other electrical connectors can interfere with the system’s signals. 
• Traction Control System is Off: Opens in new tabSome vehicles have a button to turn traction control off. If this is accidentally activated, it may cause a warning light to illuminate. 

What You Should Do

1. Check Brake Fluid: Ensure the brake fluid level in the reservoir is adequate. 
2. Inspect the Fuse: Locate and check the ABS fuse in your vehicle’s fuse box for any damage. 
3. Use a Scan Tool: A diagnostic scan tool can read the specific trouble code from the ABS computer, which helps pinpoint the exact problem, whether it’s a sensor, a wire, or another component. 

How do I get my ABS light to go off?

To get your ABS light to go off, first try a simple system restart by turning the car off and on again. If that doesn’t work, check for issues like low brake fluid or a blown fuse, then consult your car’s manual for a fuse location and check the fluid reservoir. If the problem persists, you’ll need to scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to find the specific fault, which could be a dirty or faulty wheel sensor, and have the issue repaired by a professional. 
1. Restart the Vehicle 

• Turn the car off and on again: This simple reboot can sometimes reset the ABS system and clear temporary glitches, turning off the light.

2. Check for Simple Issues 

• Inspect the brake fluid level: Opens in new tabLow brake fluid can trigger the ABS light, so check the level in the reservoir and add more if it’s low.
• Check the fuses: Opens in new tabUse your car’s owner’s manual to find the ABS fuse in the fuse box and check if it’s blown. A blown fuse will need to be replaced.
• Test the battery: Opens in new tabA weak or failing battery can cause the ABS light to come on, so ensure your battery is in good condition.

3. Use a Diagnostic Tool (OBD-II Scanner) 

• Plug in an OBD-II scanner: Opens in new tabIf the simple checks don’t work, use a scanner to diagnose the specific problem with the ABS system. 
• Get an official diagnosis: Opens in new tabThe scanner will display error codes, which a mechanic can then use to identify the exact issue, such as a faulty wheel speed sensor. 

4. Seek Professional Help 

• Visit a qualified mechanic: If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, take your car to a professional for a proper diagnosis and repair. They can accurately identify and fix the problem, ensuring your ABS system functions safely.