The ABS light flashing on your dashboard can be a cause for concern. No one likes to see warning lights, especially when they accompany the engine light. You might begin to calculate the potential four-digit expenses that could accompany a trip to the workshop. However, my own experience with this situation turned out quite differently than expected. When I finally brought my car in for repairs, I discovered that the root of the problem was rodents gnawing on the internal wiring.
The initial diagnosis. When I arrived at the workshop, the mechanic performed a quick inspection and cautioned me that I might need to replace the entire ABS system —a major expense for my 2005 Seat Ibiza TDI 1.9. This realization made me reconsider, as the cost of replacement approached the market value of the vehicle itself.
However, the situation changes when considering the price of a second-hand or scrapped ABS system. While you can technically drive without a fully operational ABS, it’s a risky situation. Compromising emergency braking can lead to dangerous scenarios, especially if you find yourself in a critical situation where the car’s braking assistance could have made a difference.
<img alt="Distracted driving causes most accidents" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/7f30d7/sten-rademaker-uzuzvjevkni-unsplash/375_142.jpeg"/>The real problem. After nearly a week in the workshop and a thorough inspection, the mechanic discovered the true cause of the ABS light— rodents had chewed through the ABS system cables and other wiring connected to the engine. This was not the result of normal wear and tear but a case of nature interfering with my car’s functionality.
For a rat, the act of gnawing on various materials is a natural behavior. Their teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, requiring them to chew on objects to keep their teeth manageable. Unfortunately for me, they chose to make my car their playground.
Unexpected, but in a way, relieved. What initially appeared to be a serious issue with the braking system was resolved by simply repairing the damaged cables. The cost of repairs came to around 120 euros—a much more manageable sum compared to the full ABS replacement the mechanic had first suggested. Once the cables were repaired, the dashboard warning indicators turned off, much to my relief.
The background issue. However, the real challenge now lay not with the car but rather in the garage where I park. The private garage , located in a residential building, is home to several parked vehicles. Days before the incident, I had even witnessed a rat dart out from beneath my car to a hole adjacent to my parking space.
<img alt="Car maintenance in summer is crucial" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/68f853/steering-wheel-2209953_1920/375_142.jpeg"/>With this background, the workshop advised me to take preventive measures. They suggested spraying deterrents in the engine compartment or placing camphor balls in the car, especially useful if the vehicle sits unused for extended periods. Following their advice, I purchased a spray as a temporary solution until the hole in the garage could be properly addressed.
And now what. The immediate priority is to seal the hole through which the rats are entering because any preventive measures will be ineffective if the source remains. Thankfully, it appears that garage insurance will cover my workshop expenses, which is fortunate. We are also working with the community to tackle the rodent issue. Though changing garages crossed my mind, current economic conditions aren’t conducive to making such a decision lightly. We’ll have to see how everything unfolds.
In conclusion, while the initial panic over the ABS light and engine warning could have resulted in significant expenses, a unique problem led to a relatively minor repair. It serves as a valuable reminder to be vigilant not just about car maintenance but also about the environment in which we keep our vehicles.
Cover image | Michael Fusert and Svetozar Cenisev
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