Seeing your ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light come on can be alarming, especially if you're not sure what it means. While your brakes may still appear to work normally at first, that glowing dashboard icon is a sign that part of your vehicle’s safety system is no longer functioning properly. Driving with the ABS light on can be more dangerous than many drivers realize—especially in poor road conditions.
What the ABS System Does
Your ABS is designed to prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking. When a vehicle skids, the tires lose traction, and steering control is reduced. ABS uses sensors and a control module to monitor wheel speed and rapidly pulse the brakes, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while stopping.
The system is especially useful on wet, icy, or gravel roads where sudden braking can cause a loss of control. ABS doesn’t reduce stopping distance in every situation, but it does give you the ability to steer and avoid hazards while braking hard.
What the ABS Light Means
When the ABS warning light comes on, it indicates that the system has detected a malfunction. Common causes include a failed wheel speed sensor, damaged wiring, a bad ABS module, or low brake fluid levels. In some cases, debris or rust buildup can interfere with sensor readings.
While the regular braking system usually still works when the ABS light is on, the anti-lock feature is disabled. That means you’re more likely to skid and lose control if you brake suddenly or on a slippery surface.
How ABS Failure Affects Safety
The biggest risk when driving with the ABS light on is reduced braking stability. If your wheels lock up during a panic stop, you may not be able to steer around obstacles. On dry pavement, the difference may be minimal, but in rain or snow, it could mean the difference between a near miss and a collision.
Without ABS, your car reverts to a basic braking system. You’ll need to rely on pumping the brakes manually in slippery conditions—something many drivers are not trained to do correctly. This creates added risk in emergency situations, especially if you’re used to the added safety net that ABS provides.
Diagnosing and Fixing ABS Issues
The first step in resolving an ABS warning light is a diagnostic scan. Modern vehicles store error codes in the ABS control module, which help pinpoint the source of the problem. A technician will use a scan tool to retrieve these codes and begin inspecting the relevant parts.
Depending on the cause, the fix might be as simple as cleaning a wheel speed sensor or replacing a worn sensor wire. In other cases, a damaged ABS pump or control module might need replacement. Brake fluid levels and condition are also checked, as contaminated or low fluid can trigger warnings and affect braking performance.
You Should Never Ignore the Warning Light
Many drivers assume the ABS light isn’t urgent because the brakes still seem to work. But ignoring it can leave you vulnerable when you need your braking system most. Even worse, continued driving with a malfunctioning ABS can sometimes lead to additional warning lights or damage to related components.
It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may disable other safety features, like traction control or stability control, when ABS isn’t working properly. This increases the risk in slippery or emergency conditions, making prompt repair even more important.
DAS Auto Werks – ABS and Brake Safety Specialists in Tampa, FL
At DAS Auto Werks in Tampa, we take your safety seriously. If your ABS light is on, don’t take chances on the road. Our team uses advanced diagnostics to quickly identify the problem and restore your brake system’s full functionality. Whether it's a sensor issue or a deeper system fault, we’ll get your car back to safe driving condition.
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DAS Auto Werks today for reliable brake and ABS service you can count on.
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To keep your Bavarian beauty running smoothly, you'll want to make sure that you always entrust the repairs to a mechanic who offers particular expertise in German car care. Here are six services provided by a shop that specializes in German auto repair in Tampa. German Brake Repair in Tampa There's no system in your vehicle more important to your safety than your brakes. When you suddenly cross paths with a reckless driver, you need to be able to trust your brakes to work perfectly. Signs of brake trouble include squealing, grinding, veering, leaking brake fluid, and an illuminated ABS light. Check Engine Light Diagnostics and Repair When your check engine light turns on, it doesn't automatically indicate that your engine is on the verge of failing. But it's still smart to play it safe and get to the shop for computerized diagnostics so any developing problems can be remedied before they worsen and become more costly to address. AC Repair When the heat turns scorching, it's crucial that your AC works like it should. If your AC isn't reliably blowing cold air, then you'll want to entrust the repairs to a mechanic who provides expertise with AC service. German Transmission Repair in Tampa Because transmission issues are notorious for badly worsening in a hurry, it's important to get to the shop at the first indication of trouble, such as slipping gears, leaking transmission fluid, or difficulty putting your car in gear. Suspension Repair A healthy suspension provides smooth and safe handling. You'll want to keep an eye out for signs of suspension trouble such as excessively bouncy driving, leaky shocks, and a nose-diving sensation when braking. Cooling System Repair It's important to keep your cooling system healthy so that overheating doesn't lead to major engine problems. Symptoms of a cooling system problem include smoking, coolant leaks, and a temperature gauge in the red zone. If you need German auto repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable specialist. For German auto repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . DAS Autowerks specializes in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to make an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!
Fuel prices are predicted to rise during 2021, making it all the more important that your vehicle is achieving optimal gas mileage. Here are eight easy ways to boost MPGs. New Fuel Filter If your fuel filter gets all gunked up, you could see a drop in performance and fuel-efficiency. A clogged fuel filter could even prevent your car from starting. You can avoid these issues by getting a new fuel filter every 30,000 miles. Replace Air Filter It's best to get a fresh air filter every 15,000 miles so that a sufficient amount of air can easily reach your combustion chamber. This will prevent your engine from burning up more fuel to make up for a lack of air. New Spark Plugs If your spark plugs are old and fouled up, then they're more likely to repeatedly misfire. As the miles add up, this could lead to significant fuel waste. Use Fuel Additive To eliminate pollutants from your fuel injectors and intake valves, you can try using an additive. It's just important to make sure you use an additive that is compatible with your particular vehicle. Properly Inflated Tires For the simple reason that soft robber needs more power to roll forward, under-inflated tires can cause a dip in MPGs. Tight Gas Cap It's important that your gas cap remains tightly sealed so that fuel doesn't evaporate before your engine even gets the chance to run on it. Correct Fuel Grade If your car is supposed to take gas that is mid-grade or above, then you'll want to always follow this requirement. In such a situation, lower-grade gas could cause a reduction in fuel-efficiency, and engine trouble might even emerge. Correct Motor Oil You'll want to always use the type of oil that is specified for your engine. If you use different oil, the resulting friction may cause your engine to work harder, which could lead to a drop in fuel-efficiency. If you need auto maintenance to improve gas mileage, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For auto maintenance in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . DAS Autowerks also specializes in VW and Audi repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your domestic or European vehicle's repair needs!
For optimal engine performance and lifespan, you'll want to always keep up with your oil change schedule. Generally, conventional oil should be changed somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil offers superior protection and doesn't need to be changed as frequently. To see your vehicle's particular requirements for oil type and oil change mileage points, you can refer to your owner's manual or just ask somebody at the shop. Here are six reasons to always stay up to date with oil changes. Proper Lubrication The top reason to always keep up with oil changes is that it'll be much more likely that your engine's moving parts stay thoroughly lubricated and protected from damage that could be caused by friction. Eliminate Engine Gunk If you're overdue for an oil change, there's a greater chance that your oil has become sludgy because of an accumulation of contaminants. With an oil change, this polluted oil will be drained and your vehicle will be refilled with clean oil that provides your engine with superior protection. New Oil Filter A standard component of a full-service oil change is oil filter replacement. This is an important task because it makes sure that you're not driving with a gunked-up filter that could prevent oil from circulating like it should. Regulate Engine Temperature For your engine to remain at a safe operating temperature, heat has to be redistributed from the combustion chamber. Fresh oil makes it easier for heat to be properly redistributed. Optimum Engine Power Clean oil makes it easier for your engine to get the most power. This enables more efficient driving, which could even provide a boost in fuel-efficiency. Identify/Address Developing Engine Issues When you have an experienced mechanic change your oil, it's more likely that emerging engine issues will be spotted. Then, the problems can be remedied before they get worse and cost more to repair. If you need auto maintenance, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For a full-service oil change in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . DAS Autowerks also specializes in VW and Audi repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to make an appointment for any of your domestic or European vehicle's repair needs!
If you've noticed that your vehicle isn't firing up as easily as it should, then you'll want to have a mechanic take a look. By delaying, the problem could worsen to the extent that your engine won't start at all and you end up stranded. Here's a look at seven common issues that prevent cars from starting. Failing Starter The most familiar sign of a starter issue is that you turn over the key and nothing happens except for a clicking noise. Eventually, standard wear and tear can lead to the failure of the starter motor and solenoid. Bad Fuel Pump You could be dealing with a fuel pump problem if you've noticed inconsistent acceleration or sputtering at high speeds. Fuel pump trouble can prevent gas from properly making its way from the tank to the engine. Clogged Fuel Filter When a fuel filter becomes completely clogged up, the engine may not be able to receive the fuel necessary to get started up. You should replace your fuel filter about every 30,000 miles to avoid this issue. Faulty Distributor Cap If moisture gets under the distributor cap, it can prevent voltage from being successfully sent to the spark plugs. Dirty Fuel Injectors Dirty fuel injectors can prevent the combustion chamber from taking in a sufficient amount of fuel to get your car to fire up. To remedy this issue, you can try pouring a fuel additive into your gas tank. Faulty Ignition Switch For power to be effectively directed to the starter solenoid, you need a healthy ignition switch. A failing ignition switch may lead to flickering dash lights. Battery/Charging System Issue New car batteries should last for three to five years. If you've recently installed one and it has died, you may be dealing with a faulty alternator that is failing to properly charge the battery. If you need auto repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For auto repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your domestic or European vehicle's repair needs!
As soon as you notice a symptom of engine trouble, you'll want to be proactive about addressing it. If you delay, the issue could soon escalate and necessitate repairs that are much more expensive than should've been necessary. At DAS Autowerks, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and repairing engine problems. Come and see us if you notice any of the following indications of an engine problem. The Check Engine Light Although an illuminated check engine light doesn't necessarily mean that you're on the cusp of an automotive disaster, it's still best to visit the shop for computerized diagnostics so that any emerging issues can be identified and addressed. Common reasons the check engine light turns on include problems with catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, MAF sensors, spark plugs, and ignition coils. Common Symptoms of Engine Trouble If you notice any abnormal sounds coming from your engine, then you'll want to further investigate. A knocking noise may arise due to a variety of problems, including bad rod bearings. A lean air/fuel mixture can also cause knocking. If your oil level has become extremely low, then you may hear a tapping noise that arises from insufficient lubrication. With an inadequate amount of oil, your engine's moving parts can become prone to serious damage caused by metal-on-metal contact. Power loss is another sign of engine trouble. You don't necessarily need to be concerned if your old vehicle that has a ton of miles has lost a small amount of power over the years. But a sudden and major power loss is a sign of a significant problem, like worn-out pistons. You'll also want to be mindful of discolored exhaust smoke, which can provide clues about underlying engine issues. Black smoke suggests that too much fuel is burning up. Blue-tinted smoke is a sign of an oil leak. With white smoke, coolant may be leaking internally. Engine Repair in Tampa, FL When you need auto repair in Tampa, contact DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . Our local mechanics specialize in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!
For your vehicle to continue driving smoothly and safely, your suspension needs to remain in excellent condition. At the first indication of suspension trouble, you'll want to get to the shop for an inspection. Here are seven signs of suspension trouble. Doesn't Pass the Bounce Test A simple test can help you get a better sense of whether your suspension is in rough shape. To begin, make sure your vehicle is safely parked and isn't liable to roll. After that, go to the front end and press down on it with all of your power. Rock it twice and then let go. Next, go around back and repeat this step on the rear end. When you release, your vehicle shouldn't rock more than two or three times on its own. But if it continues to rock beyond this amount, then you've got a sign of suspension trouble and will want to have a mechanic take a look. Brake Issues A bad suspension can cause your vehicle to take longer to come to a full stop after you've initiated the braking process. With a faulty suspension, it may also feel like your car is nose-diving when you hit the brakes. Appears Low in One Corner With a bad spring, your vehicle may sit lower in the affected corner. This problem will also probably cause your car to make clunking sounds when you drive over bumps. Bald Spots on Tires Tire tread may wear down unevenly due to a faulty suspension. This could then lead to bald spots forming on your tires. Leaking/Visible Damage You'll probably need your shocks to be replaced if you can see that oil has started to leak out onto them. If other visible damage is present, it should be inspected by the mechanic. Bouncy Driving If your vehicle begins bouncing heavily whenever you hit a little bump on the road, then suspension trouble is likely brewing. Drifting Your suspension may be failing if it seems like your vehicle is drifting when you take a sharp turn at an appropriate speed. If you need auto repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For suspension repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . DAS Autowerks specializes in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!
Summer is in full swing, the country has reopened, and the open road is calling your name. But before you hop on the highway, it's important to be sure that your vehicle is prepared for long drives under scorching sun. At DAS Autowerks, our reputable mechanics are experts at completing any type of maintenance that is needed before you hit the road. Road Trip Auto Maintenance Tasks Prior to departure, you'll want to make sure that your vehicle is ready to keep you as safe as possible during your journey. When you bring your vehicle to us for brake service, we'll inspect your brakes, lubricate parts as necessary, and install new pads if needed. If we discover any major brake trouble, we'll explain the problem and then give you an accurate estimate for the repair costs. Before leaving, you'll also want to check tire pressure, which typically is supposed to be at a point between 30 and 35 psi, though it's worth checking your tires to see their exact pressure guideline. When driving with correct tire pressure, there'll be significantly less risk of a blowout putting you in a frightening situation. A quick and easy safety precaution is to change out old wiper blades. If a summertime thunderstorm suddenly starts pouring rain, your new wiper blades will provide a safer field of vision through your windshield. It's also smart to complete maintenance tasks that will help your vehicle keep the heat in check. When you bring your car to us for AC service, we'll check over all AC components to make sure they're functioning properly. When the heat turns sweltering, a healthy AC system will play a crucial role in keeping your family in a good mood. Cooling system service will also help your vehicle with keeping the heat in check. Coolant is generally supposed to be exchanged every 30,000 miles, but you can check your owner's manual to see your car's exact mileage requirement. By driving with the proper amount of clean coolant, there'll be much less risk of overheating causing serious engine damage, such as a cracked block. German Auto Maintenance in Tampa, FL If you need auto maintenance before your adventure, contact DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064 . At our nearby auto shop, we specialize in German auto care, but also provide top-quality service for domestic vehicles. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!