How can you identify if your vehicle has antilock brakes?

To identify whether your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), looking for a yellow ABS warning light on the dashboard is a reliable method. This light typically illuminates when the ignition is turned on, indicating that the ABS system is operational and has passed its self-check. If the light stays on after the engine starts, it suggests there may be an issue with the ABS that should be addressed.

While the manufacturer's label can sometimes provide information about the braking system, it may not always explicitly indicate whether ABS is installed. Testing the brakes during a routine stop is not a definitive way to determine the presence of antilock brakes, as this could lead to unsafe driving conditions and does not specifically indicate whether the ABS is functioning. Inspecting the wheel assembly for additional modules may require technical knowledge and tools that are not readily available for every driver, making it less practical as a straightforward identification method compared to the dashboard indicator.

Thus, observing the dashboard for a yellow ABS light is the most effective and straightforward way for drivers to confirm the presence of antilock brakes in their vehicles.