ABS Speed Sensor Replacement
The Importance of ABS Speed Sensor Replacement
The fact of the matter is that driving a car is a dangerous activity. As such, car manufacturers have created systems to help protect the drivers and passengers commuting in cars. One of those very important improvements to car safety is anti-lock brake systems or ABS.
For most of us, the ABS in our vehicles goes completely unnoticed. It’s simply there to help keep us safe, and ideally, we never have to use it. However, it’s still important to know what it is, and how it functions, especially because at times, it requires service and replacement.
What Is ABS?
ABS stands for anti-lock brake systems. ABS systems help prevent the wheel from locking up during a braking incident. This allows the driver to steer towards safety. As this is occurring, you may feel your brake pedal vibrating, or pushing back. That is completely normal.
How ABS Speed Sensor Works
There are different sensors all over your vehicle. Anti-lock braking systems rely on sensors to detect when the wheels of your car begin to lock up during a serious braking incident. Once the sensors detect this, the ABS controller rapidly applies and releases pressure on the brakes to keep them from locking up and skidding.
When the ABS prevents your car’s wheels from skidding, you are able to maintain better traction and steer towards safety. This is especially helpful in bad weather, or when coming to an aggressive stop while traveling at high speeds.
Tips for Using ABS
- Monitor the status of your tires: ABS works most effectively when your tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
- Improvise without ABS: If your car is not equipped with ABS, or the ABS is not working, pump your brakes instead of slamming them when your car begins to skid
- Monitor the status of your ABS: issues arise with your vehicles ABS over time, such as air or dirt in the brake fluid
Maintain Your Anti-Lock Brake System
The ABS in your car relies on a series of Hall effect sensors. They look like a toothed ring and are affixed to the wheels or axles on your car.
There are two types of ABS systems, three and four-channel systems. Four-channel systems are the most modern and rely on sensors and controllers affixed to each wheel. With a four-channel ABS system, each wheel is monitored independently.
It’s important to monitor the status of your ABS sensors because if one fails, the entire ABS system will default to a non-operational status. This means that you will be driving without anti-lock controls.
If an ABS sensor fails, your vehicle will notify you every time your vehicle starts with a warning light on your dashboard. If you see an ABS warning light, it’s very important to bring your car in for sensor repair.
The ABS Speed Sensor Replacement Process
Replacing ABS sensors is a relatively simple and quick fix. Despite the simplicity of sensor repair, however, the process could have massive impacts on the safety of you and your passengers.
- The car is lifted to expose the undercarriage
- The tires are removed from the vehicle
- The defective ABS sensor(s) is located and replaced with a new one
- The tires are reinstalled and the vehicle is lowered
- A diagnostic check is performed on the entire ABS system
- The vehicle is tested on the road
ABS and Prieto Automotive
Every single vehicle we buy or sell is thoroughly inspected for functionality and safety. If you purchase a vehicle from us, you can rest assured that the ABS on your vehicle is functioning properly.