What is an Anti-Lock Brake Wheel Sensor?
The ABS wheel sensor is part of your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. It’s located near the tires and monitors your vehicle’s wheel speed. This critical sensor works with the electronic control module to keep your wheels from locking up when you brake. When brake lock-up occurs this system releases the brakes in milliseconds and then reapplies the brakes in a way that decelerates the car more quickly than the average driver could ever do.
Ask your service advisor to check the Anti-Lock Braking system during any routine brake service or if you suspect you may have a problem. If your ABS warning light comes on, or if you feel unusual pulsations in the brake pedal during emergency stops or normal stops please ask to have the sensors checked right away. If the ABS wheel sensor is found to be non-functional or only partially functional, your anti-lock braking system will not protect you in an emergency. Ignoring a faulty ABS wheel sensor could potentially lead to bigger problems with the electronic control module or other parts of the system.
From a safety standpoint, a broken ABS wheel sensor will decrease your ability to stop in an emergency. This system is critical for safety and vehicle control in evasive maneuvers or slick road conditions. Make every effort to maintain this system regularly to ensure its operation is still working as it was designed. There is no environmental impact from an ABS wheel sensor replacement.
