ABS Warning Light: Is It Safe to Drive and Is It an MOT Fail?
Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent
If the ABS warning light comes on by itself, the AA and RAC say most cars are still safe to drive carefully, because your normal brakes should still work. The anti-lock system is not working, though, so get it checked soon. And yes, an ABS warning light showing a fault is an MOT fail.
If the ABS light comes on together with the red brake warning light, stop as soon as it is safe. Both the AA and RAC say this could mean a problem with the braking system itself.
What the ABS warning light means
ABS stands for anti-lock braking system. The AA explains that it detects when a wheel is about to lock during hard braking. It then quickly releases and reapplies the brake so the tyres keep gripping the road.
The RAC says it comes on when the system detects a fault. The AA says it means the anti-lock system “isn’t activated”. On some cars, the AA notes, this can affect stability control and traction control too.
It is normal for the light to come on briefly when you switch on the ignition, then go out. The RAC says warning lights often do this. A light that stays on, or comes on while you drive, needs looking at.
Is it safe to drive with the ABS light on?
ABS light on its own: The AA says it is safe for most vehicles, as long as there are no noises coming from the wheels. The RAC says you “should still have normal, unassisted braking”.
That means the brakes will still slow the car, but the wheels could lock and skid under hard braking. The AA warns that braking distances may increase, especially in wet or icy weather. So:
- Leave a bigger gap to the car in front
- Brake earlier and more gently
- Take extra care in rain, ice and on loose surfaces
- Get the fault checked as soon as you can
ABS light with the brake warning light: Stop. The RAC says this “could indicate that the brake system is failing”. Do not drive on until it has been checked. Our brake warning light guide explains what that light can mean.
Noises from the wheels: If the ABS light is on and you hear grinding, scraping or knocking from a wheel, do not carry on. The AA’s “safe to drive” advice only applies when there are no noises. If you are hearing noises when you brake, read our post on brake pad warning signs.
Warning light on? We come to you.
Send a photo of the dashboard and your reg. We will tell you if it looks safe to drive and what it needs.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
Is an ABS warning light an MOT fail?
Yes. The DVSA’s MOT inspection manual lists these ABS defects, and every one is a major defect:
- The ABS warning device not working
- The warning device showing a system malfunction
- Wheel speed sensors missing or damaged
- Wiring damaged
- Other components missing or damaged
- The ABS system obviously removed
GOV.UK says a car fails its MOT if the result lists any “major” or “dangerous” problems. So an ABS light that stays on means a fail. A bulb that does not light up at all when you switch on can also fail, because the tester cannot see the warning working.
The manual also says removing or disabling ABS is not allowed on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2010.
If your MOT is coming up, our pre-MOT check guide covers what to look at beforehand.
Common causes of an ABS fault
The ABS uses sensors at the wheels, a control module and a hydraulic pump, according to the AA. A fault in any part of that system can bring on the light.
The parts the MOT tester checks give a good idea of where problems tend to be:
- Wheel speed sensors, which tell the system how fast each wheel is turning
- Wiring to the sensors
- Other ABS components, such as the control module or pump
The light alone does not tell you which part is at fault. A proper diagnostic check is the way to find out.
How we can help
We are a mobile mechanic based in Aylesham, and we come to your home or workplace. We cover Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Folkestone and the villages around them.
If your ABS light is on, we can come out and run a fault-finding check to read the fault codes and look at the sensors and wiring. We will then tell you what it needs before any work starts. We can also do a pre-MOT check so you know where you stand before the test.
Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job and its difficulty, and parts are extra. We agree the price with you on WhatsApp first. You can also book an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
Do my brakes still work if the ABS light is on?
According to the RAC, yes. You should still have normal braking, but without the anti-lock function. The wheels could lock under hard braking.
Will my car fail its MOT with the ABS light on?
Yes. The MOT inspection manual lists an ABS warning light showing a malfunction as a major defect, and major defects are a fail.
Can I just disconnect the ABS?
No. The manual says removing or disabling ABS is not allowed on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2010, and a removed system is a major defect.
Should I worry if the ABS and brake lights are both on?
Yes. Stop as soon as it is safe. The AA and RAC both say not to drive on with both lights lit.
Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.
Warning light on? We come to you.
Message us on WhatsApp with your reg and postcode for a price before any work starts.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
