How Wheel Speed Live Data Can Improve Safety

By Carista Team

How Wheel Speed Live Data Can Improve Safety

What does road safety involve? It’s more than just putting on your seatbelt, turning on all necessary lights, and paying attention to road conditions and other drivers. Regular visits to the mechanic and fault code diagnostics are also key components.

Regarding vehicle safety, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is crucial in helping drivers maintain control during sudden stops. A key component of this system is the ABS wheel speed sensor.

But there’s one crucial step that often goes overlooked: monitoring your wheel speed data. By doing so, you can detect potential issues with your wheel speed sensors even before your car’s electronic systems flag them.

What is an ABS Wheel Speed Sensor?

An ABS wheel speed sensor is an electronic device that monitors the rotational speed of each wheel in your vehicle. It sends this data to the ABS control module, which then adjusts the braking pressure to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This prevents skidding and helps maintain steering control, especially in slippery conditions.

 A detailed diagram showing the components of an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) wheel speed sensor setup. The image includes a wheel hub with a brake rotor, an ABS wheel speed sensor, and an ABS reluctor ring. The ABS wheel speed sensor is positioned close to the reluctor ring, which has toothed edges that rotate as the wheel turns. A cable from the ABS sensor is shown leading to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).

How Do ABS Wheel Speed Sensors Work?

ABS wheel speed sensors are typically located on each wheel, either mounted on the wheel hub, brake rotor, or differential. They operate using one of two main technologies: magnetic inductive (passive) sensors or Hall effect (active) sensors.

  • Magnetic Inductive Sensors: These sensors work by detecting the magnetic field changes caused by a toothed wheel (called a tone ring) attached to the wheel. As the wheel rotates, the teeth pass by the sensor, causing fluctuations in the magnetic field, which the sensor detects and converts into an electrical signal representing the wheel’s speed.

  • Hall Effect Sensors: These sensors use a semiconductor device that reacts to magnetic fields. They detect changes in the magnetic field as the wheel turns and produce a digital signal (on/off pulses) that corresponds to the wheel speed.

 

Why Are ABS Wheel Speed Sensors Important?

ABS wheel speed sensors are vital for several reasons:

  1. Safety: By preventing wheel lock-up, the ABS system enhances vehicle control during emergency braking situations, reducing the risk of accidents.

  2. Efficiency: ABS improves braking efficiency by applying the optimal amount of braking force needed, which can also reduce wear and tear on your brake components.

  3. Advanced Features: Modern vehicles use data from ABS sensors for other safety systems like traction control and electronic stability control (ESC). These systems rely on accurate wheel speed data to function properly, providing an extra layer of safety.

  4. Diagnostics: ABS sensors are also integral to vehicle diagnostics. When one fails, the ABS warning light illuminates, indicating a potential issue. Using an OBD2 scanner, like Carista, can help you identify which sensor is malfunctioning, aiding in quick repairs.

 

Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Speed Sensor

When a wheel speed sensor fails, the ABS system may not work correctly. Some common symptoms of a bad wheel speed sensor include:

  1. ABS Warning Light: The most noticeable symptom is the ABS warning light on the dashboard. This light indicates a problem with the ABS system, which could be due to a faulty wheel speed sensor.

  2. Inconsistent Braking: If you notice that your vehicle's braking performance is inconsistent, such as sudden skidding or jerky braking, it could be due to a malfunctioning sensor.

  3. Noisy Brakes: A failing wheel speed sensor may cause unusual noises from the brakes, especially during sudden stops.

  4. Decreased Stability Control: Some vehicles integrate ABS with the stability control system. A bad sensor can affect the stability control, leading to a less stable ride.

  5. Speedometer Issues: In some cases, a bad wheel speed sensor can cause the speedometer to malfunction, showing incorrect speeds or fluctuating readings.

     

 

Learn more:  ABS Warning Light: What It Means and How to Fix It

How to Check ABS Wheel Speed Sensors with Carista OBD2 Scanner

Using the Carista OBD2 scanner, you can easily check the functionality of your ABS wheel speed sensors by accessing live data. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  1. Check car compatibility

  2. Connect the Carista OBD2 Scanner: Plug the Carista OBD2 scanner into your vehicle's OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard near the driver's seat.

  3. Launch the Carista App: Open the Carista app on your smartphone or tablet from the App Store or Google Play and connect it to the scanner via Bluetooth.

  4. Access Live Data: Once connected, navigate to the "Live Data" section in the app. Select the ''Wheel speed live data'' tool for more info.

  5. Monitor Wheel Speed Data: The app will display the speed readings for each wheel. Compare the values to see if any of the sensors are reporting significantly different speeds than the others. If three sensors show similar values and one is significantly off, this indicates a potential issue with that sensor.

  6. Identify the Faulty Sensor: By knowing which sensor is giving incorrect readings, you can identify the faulty sensor and take appropriate action, such as replacing it or checking the wiring for damage.

  7. Clear ABS Codes (if applicable): If you’ve identified and fixed the issue, you can use the Carista scanner to clear any stored ABS fault codes, turning off the ABS warning light.

Smartphone screen displaying the Carista app's 'Wheel speed live data' feature, showing the wheel speed readings of all four wheels as 0 km/h with a 'Diagnose' button below.

 

 

Conclusion

Regularly checking your ABS wheel speed sensors can prevent serious safety issues and ensure your vehicle remains in optimal working condition. By using the Carista OBD2 scanner, drivers can easily access and monitor the speed data of each wheel, quickly identifying any sensor problems. Addressing these issues promptly will help maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content regarding OBD2 tools, diagnostics, and related automotive issues, the specifics of each vehicle may vary.

**Always consult your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines and consider seeking professional assistance when dealing with complex or critical diagnostic issues.