What does it mean when my car's amber anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light comes on and stays on when the engine has started? I am worried this means some sort of impediment to the braking system, which could lead to total loss of braking. ABS was developed by Bosch, together with Daimler and was first introduced in a production car in 1978.

ABS, as its name suggests, prevents the wheels from locking up. If wheels lock, the car skids and the driver loses control.

You must send your car to a workshop as soon as possible.

The warning light, however, does not mean the brakes might fail completely. You will still have normal braking performance, but in an emergency, the anti-lock function may not work.

Shreejit Changaroth