Symptoms
- Light flashes only while driving, especially accelerating
- Often happens on wet roads, gravel, snow, or when accelerating hard
- Car may feel a slight pulsing or power reduction during the flash
Likely causes
- CommonNormal system response to wheel slip on a slippery surfaceThis is the system working as intended, cutting power or applying brakes to a spinning wheel.
- CommonWorn or wrong tires for conditionsBald or all-season tires slip more easily in rain or snow, triggering the system more often.
- PossibleAggressive acceleration from a stopFlooring the gas can spin a wheel and trigger the system even on dry pavement.
- Less commonFailing wheel speed sensor causing false slip readingsWorth checking if the light blinks on dry, grippy roads with gentle driving.
What to do
- Note the road conditions when the light blinks; wet, icy, gravel, or snowy roads are expected triggers.
- Ease off the accelerator if the light blinks frequently, since it means a wheel is losing traction.
- Check tire tread depth and condition if this happens often even in mild conditions.
- If it blinks on dry pavement during normal, gentle driving, that's unusual and worth investigating.
- Have wheel speed sensors checked if the light triggers without any real wheel slip happening.
- Replace worn tires if tread is low, since that's a common and safety-relevant cause.
Tools and parts
- Tire tread depth gauge (or a penny)
Replacement tiresSearch: “tire size for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic only if the light blinks on dry roads during normal driving, which points to a sensor issue rather than real wheel slip.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.