ABS is also known as an Anti-Lock braking system, it is a system crafted out to prevent your over-zealous usage of the break, i.e. it prevents you from applying excessive pressure to your brakes that cause the axle and wheels to stop turning completely.
ABS, like any other part of a car, is as important as the engine of the car. It prevents skidding, which is a process when your car wheels have stopped turning and your car is still on the speed. An ABS system gives you control over your car.
So, the question is, can worn brake pads cause ABS light to come on?
No, worn brake pads cannot cause ABS light to come on rather it will deplete your brake fluid which will trigger the ABS Light to come on.
In only a few cases can this be. In the proper sense, worn breaks are possible to make your ABS light come on, but 90% of the reasons your ABS light is turned on, isn’t because you have worn brake pads.
What Is A Break Pad?
A brake pad applies pressure to an automotive rotor, which is linked to the car wheel. Practically, it ensures that a car can stop or slow down. The relationship between a rotor and a wheel is that, when the rotor slows down, the wheel does the same thing.
A brake pad is a part of a disc brake that is found in automotive and some other applications which are composed of steel backing plates that ensure fiction. Having this brake pad in the moral order is the best way to describe “Safety”. A worn-out brake pad is dangerous.
Can Worn Brake Pads Cause ABS Light To Come On?
A worn brake shouldn’t lead to your ABS light turning on, though worn brake pads can give a low brake fluid warning, which also turns on your ABS light.
Ensuring your brake fluid is of the right proportion is important to ensure you don’t get have your ABS light on.
What can make ABS light Come On in Your Car?
There are various reasons why your ABS light turns on, they are:
1. Low Brake Fluid
When it involves an anti-lock braking system, brake fluid plays a big role; it ensures the breaking pressure within the Anti-lock braking system is controlled. There is a brake fluid tank more like a reservoir. It holds the fluid and prevents it from leaking off.
A brake fluid leak is likely to cause your ABS light to turn on. Aside from a leak in the brake fluid reservoir, an excessive amount of air can also lead to your ABS light turning on.
2. Faulty Speed Sensor
The moving rate and speed of a car wheel are calculated by speed sensors in which the information is transmitted to the anti-locking system. These speed sensors are engraved into every wheel’s hub.
An error with the speed sensor or ABS sensor can cause your ABS light to come up. The anti-lock braking system can detect errors and signal the ABS light to appear on the dashboard.
3. Faulty ABS Module
ABS module can get rusty and it doesn’t need to take so long before it happens. When your ABS system corrodes, it becomes incapable of getting the required information from the wheel sensor.
When you notice the ABS light turning, showing off on the dashboard, it will require the module to be replaced.
4. Worn Hydraulic Pump
To ensure the wheel of a car moves at the same pace or to prevent one from moving faster than the other, the speed sensor in the wheel is required to detect the inaccuracy which can then notify the anti-lock braking system.
Afterward, the hydraulic pump is informed of this inaccuracy to increase the brake fluid pressure. If this proceeds, the hydraulic pump tends to wear out after years of using them.
A worn-out hydraulic pump can cause the ABS light to turn out. To rectify this, the hydraulic pump needs to be replaced.
Disadvantages of Worn Brake Pads
A worn brake pad can do more damage to your car, and it is required you get them corrected as soon as you can. The following are a few disadvantages of a worn brake pad:
Slow Response When Using the Brake
Stopping your vehicle or slowing it down is one way to keep yourself away from danger while driving. The more worn out your break becomes, the slower and harder it becomes to stop the vehicle.
It will require more strength and more push to stop or slow the car, which might be dangerous on the highway.
As I’m writing this article, I will have to have my brake pad checked because I’m noticing how slow it takes to slow down. Not that it doesn’t work, there is a slight difference from before than now.
Your Car Vibrates When Using the Brake
Another way to get your car shaking without notice is to drive with a worn-out brake. When you drive with a functioning brake, it becomes easy to slow down smoothly.
When you have your car shaking or the wheel vibrating when using the brake, it means your brake is failing you and it needs to be replaced. Driving in this condition on a highway is dangerous. Ensure you attend to it as soon as possible.
Your Tires Can Also be a Victim
When trying to slow down and it is becoming harder, you can press excessively which leads to the tire working more or sliding too much with the highway, leading to the tire wearing and tearing slowly.
Once you notice this, ensure you get your brake replaced or corrected to avoid spending excessively.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Worn Brake Pads?
Price can vary between $35- $150 per axle, which includes price and labor. It solely depends on various factors which include who is doing the replacement and what quality is needed.
While considering a replacement, your brake rotor is likely to require replacement, which is likely to cost more than expected.
Conclusion
Your ABS light turning on is a bad omen; you should ensure you have it corrected as soon as you can. A worn brake pad is likely to turn on your ABS light. When your ABS light is turned on, ensure you speak to your mechanic as soon as you can. Also, always ensure your brake pads are all OK and always check your Caliper to avoid sticking caliper.