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Got warning lights for ABS and brake
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issues. That's definitely one of those
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better safe than sorry moments. Hey, Tom
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here from Car Justify. Today we're
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talking about whether it's okay to keep
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driving when your ABS or brake system
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throws a fit. Spoiler, it depends, but
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I'll break it down so you can decide
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what to do without freaking out. First
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off, the ABS light stands for anti-lock
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brake system. Its job is to stop your
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wheels from locking up during hard
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braking, which helps you keep steering
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control. If the ABS light comes on, it
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means that system isn't working
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properly. But your basic brakes usually
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still do. So, your car can stop, just
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maybe not as safely in slippery
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conditions. Now, if the brake warning
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light itself is on, that's more serious.
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It might mean low brake fluid, worn
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brake pads, or even a leak somewhere in
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the system. And if you notice the brake
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pedal feels soft or goes down farther
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than usual, that's a huge red flag. You
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don't want to risk losing your brakes
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completely. Here's a quick tip. Check
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your brake fluid under the hood. If it's
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low, topping it up might get you home or
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to a shop safely. But low fluid usually
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means there's a leak or worn pads. So,
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don't just ignore it. And if your pedal
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feels weird or you hear grinding or
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squealing noises when braking, stop
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driving and get it checked ASAP. I once
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had a friend who ignored an ABS light
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for weeks. One rainy day, he slammed on
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the brakes and the wheels locked up.
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Lost control? Minor crash. Luckily, no
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one got hurt, but it was a wake-up call.
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So, don't treat ABS issues lightly,
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especially if weather or road conditions
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are tricky. Bottom line, if it's just
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the ABS light and your brakes feel
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normal, you can probably drive carefully
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to a mechanic. But if the brake light is
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on, pedal feels off, or you notice any
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odd noises, call a tow, or get it fixed
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before you hit the road again. Your
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safety is not worth the risk. All right,
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quick recap. ABS light means the
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anti-lock feature is off, but brakes
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usually work. Brake warning light means
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a bigger problem. Pedal feel and noises
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are big clues. Low fluid is a bad sign.
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Keep an eye on all of that and don't
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push your luck. If this helped you
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figure out what to do with those warning
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lights, hit like and subscribe for more
2:06
nononsense car advice and drop a comment
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if you've had any brake scares. I'd love
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to hear your stories or questions.
