What does an ABS wheel speed sensor do?

ABS sensors are responsible for monitoring the acceleration and deceleration of each wheel through an electromagnetic field generated by the wheel’s rotation. Any fluctuations in this field are recorded and sent as electric signals to the ABS control unit, which then applies precise amounts of braking force to each individual wheel to boost performance and efficiency, as well as improve safety.

Due to their proximity to the wheels and the ground, ABS sensors are constantly exposed to the elements, such as heat, dirt and moisture, as well as vibrations and the occasional bump. As a result of these conditions the ABS wheel speed sensor can malfunction and easily get damaged.

Your ABS system can’t keep you, your passengers and other drivers safe without reliable sensors, so taking the time to make sure your ABS sensors are functioning properly and in good condition is a must.

Suzuki

The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.

How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?

Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.

Good value small city cars and SUV driving

Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.

It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.

Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars

For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.

It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.

The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system

In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.

How often should an ABS wheel speed sensor need replacing?

Due to the high sensitivity and fragility of the ABS sensors, at least one is likely to fail at some point during a vehicle's lifetime making it a common repair for mechanics to carry out. Usually, you can expect to get 30,000 to 50,000 miles out of your ABS speed sensor, potentially more if you don't drive often, or if you live in an area where your car is rarely exposed to dirt, road salt, or other compounds that can cause damage to the sensors.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

In the UK, ABS has been a legal requirement on vehicles since 2004. Additionally, an ABS warning light that's permanently on will cause your car to fail its MOT.

What causes an ABS wheel speed sensor to break?

The ABS wheel speed sensor is located on the back of each brake rotor. Due to this positioning, the sensor is constantly exposed to dirt, debris, cold weather and wet conditions which can cause the wheel speed sensor to become dirty or break. These sensors are also incredibly sensitive, so even the slightest damage can cause them to malfunction and require a replacement.

What are the signs of a bad ABS wheel speed sensor?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• The ABS light comes on. The most obvious sign of a fault with the ABS system or sensor is that the ABS warning light will come on.

• Your brakes take longer to stop your car.

• Less stability under icy or wet driving conditions.

How often should you replace your ABS wheel speed sensor?

Due to the high sensitivity and fragility of the ABS sensors, at least one is likely to fail at some point during a vehicle's lifetime making it a common repair for mechanics to carry out. Usually, you can expect to get 30,000 to 50,000 miles out of your ABS speed sensor, potentially more if you don't drive often, or if you live in an area where your car is rarely exposed to dirt, road salt, or other compounds that can cause damage to the sensors.

What happens during an ABS wheel speed sensor replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Diagnostically examine the ABS system.

• If necessary, they will replace the faulty ABS sensor and re-test the component.

• If the ABS module is at fault, the mechanic will advise on the best course of action in order to have it repaired.

• Finally they will test drive and inspect the braking system.

What is the average life of an ABS wheel speed sensor?

Usually, you can expect to get 30,000 to 50,000 miles out of your ABS speed sensor, potentially more if you don't drive often, or if you live in an area where your car is rarely exposed to dirt, road salt, or other compounds that can cause damage to the sensors.

Can you drive with a broken ABS wheel speed sensor?

No, we don’t recommend driving with a bad ABS wheel speed sensor. If your wheel speed sensors are failing, the ABS system won’t know to begin working in wet or icy conditions, meaning you could lose control of your vehicle and cause a crash. When the sensor is broken, it causes the entire system to be disabled because it can’t function without the proper data. It’s very dangerous to be out on the road when you know your ABS system isn’t working, regardless of the reason.