What should you do if you hear a grinding noise when ABS is activated?

When the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) activates, experiencing a grinding noise can be quite common and is usually part of the system's design. ABS is engineered to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. During this process, the system rapidly modulates brake pressure, which may cause unusual sounds or sensations, including grinding.

This noise does not necessarily indicate a malfunction as long as the brakes are operating as intended. The other options may lead to unnecessary actions. Stopping the vehicle immediately could put you and others at risk if you're in a situation where you still need to brake or steer. Having a mechanic check it may be prudent if the noise persists beyond normal operation, but if it is clearly linked to the activation of ABS, that may not be necessary. Reducing speed while maintaining awareness is generally wise, but doing so in response to normal ABS functionality can create confusion and might not be the best reaction.

Therefore, recognizing that the grinding noise can be a normal part of the ABS working prevents unnecessary stress and ensures safe driving practices.