Oxford
Oxford, situated in the heart of England, is a bustling city renowned for its prestigious university and rich academic history. With a population of approximately 150,000, it stands as one of the most populous cities in the region.
The most popular cars in Oxford
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Oxford, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Oxford residents with its reliability and efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
It is worth mentioning that Oxford exhibits a notable preference for eco-friendly vehicles, aligning with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Electric and hybrid cars have gained popularity among Oxford's environmentally conscious population, contributing to a greener automotive landscape.
Vehicle numbers in Oxford
Oxford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 100,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This substantial figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the necessity for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Oxford
Oxford is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Notable areas include OX1 (City Centre, Jericho, and Osney), OX2 (North Oxford, Summertown, and Wolvercote), OX3 (Headington, Marston, and Risinghurst), and OX4 (Cowley, Iffley, and Littlemore). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Oxford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Oxford residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to ensure their cherished vehicles remain in optimal condition. Whether it's regular maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess a deep understanding of Oxford's unique automotive requirements.
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.
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.