Why Ignoring Your Volkswagen ABS Warning Can Be Risky In Birmingham Traffic

Volkswagen, like most modern vehicles, relies heavily on its Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to maintain stability and control during braking, particularly in emergency situations. And when this system faces an anomaly or a malfunction, an orange or yellow light illuminates on the Volkswagen’s dashboard – the one that spells out “ABS”.

Ignoring this warning sign poses a serious safety risk for both your vehicle and you. Perhaps you’ve been putting off getting it checked, hoping it will magically disappear, especially while navigating fiddly traffic. Bring your car to our auto repair shop, Franklin Automotive, to have your ABS inspected and repaired to stop the warning light from blinking.

What is ABS, and why is it Important?

The function of the ABS system includes:

• Preventing Wheel Lock-Up: Preventing the wheel lock-up during braking is the core function of ABS. When a wheel locks during sudden braking, you lose steering control, and your Volkswagen skids, creating the risk of a road crash.
• Maintaining Steering Control: ABS helps you to steer the vehicle around obstacles even while applying maximum braking force. This makes you avoid the obstacle and ultimately accidents, ensuring both your and the Volkswagen’s safety.
• Optimizing Braking Distance: ABS doesn’t necessarily shorten braking distance in all conditions. On slippery surfaces like wet roads, ice, or gravel, ABS significantly increases available traction, ultimately reducing the stopping distance.

Why Ignoring the ABS Warning Light is a Recipe for Disaster

The system uses various sensors at each wheel predict when a wheel is about to lock. Then the rapidly and repeatedly releases and applies the brake several times per second. This type of brake modulation is known as ‘cadence braking‘. When the ABS warning light illuminates, it indicates an irregularity in the system, which could be a faulty sensor or a hydraulic modulator.

Common causes of this malfunction include faulty wheel speed sensors, low brake fluid, a faulty ABS module, hydraulic problems, and wiring issues. Ignoring this warning light can cause your Volkswagen’s engine to malfunction in many ways, such as:

Loss of ABS Functionality

The loss of anti-lock braking functionality is the most obvious risk when the ABS light is on. When the system is disabled, the wheels lock up under heavy braking, resulting in loss of steering control and potentially leading to accidents.

Increased Stopping Distance on Slippery Surfaces

In slippery, wet, or icy roads, the stopping distance of the Volkswagen increases dramatically. This proves to be fatal in situations where you need to stop quickly to avoid a collision. Without ABS, you’ll need significantly more distance to stop your Volkswagen safely, increasing the risk of collision.

Compromised Steering Control in Emergency Maneuvers

As mentioned earlier, ABS allows you to steer while braking. If you suddenly need to change lanes to avoid an accident, you could lock wheels and lose control, potentially leading to a more severe accident.

Uneven Braking

In some cases, a faulty ABS system causes uneven braking, meaning one wheel locks up before the others. This leads to the Volkswagen pulling violently to one side during braking, making it incredibly difficult to control. In heavy or moderately dense traffic, this could lead to a catastrophic accident.

Proper Inspection and Detailed Repair of ABS Malfunction at Franklin Automotive in Birmingham, Alabama

If you suddenly encounter the ABS warning light on the dashboard of your Volkswagen, do not worry. Visit our auto service shop, Franklin Automotive, in Birmingham for detailed diagnostics and proper ABS repair in Alabama. Our facility employs ASE-certified technicians who are trained experts with years of experience diagnosing and repairing Volkswagen cars. We have been working from 2880 Action Road, in Birmingham, AL, since 1992, and have 150 combined years of experience in import auto repairs.

Our shop provides high-quality, genuine parts and fluids for all your repair and service needs. We have a waiting area with WiFi and beverages, where you can wait while your car is being serviced. We also offer contactless pickup and drop-off, free key fob battery replacement, shuttle service within 10 miles, loaner cars, and free tire rotation for life on tires purchased with Tire Purchase. We operate from Birmingham and also serve its surrounding areas, including Homewood, Hoover Mountain, Brook, Pelham, Trussville, and Vestavia.