The vehicle might have the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.

If the vehicle has ABS, this warning light comes on briefly when the vehicle is started.

The warning light is on the instrument panel cluster. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS:

A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.

Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let antilock work. A slight brake pedal pulsation might be felt or some noise might be heard, but this is normal.