My car (Kia Forte 2012) ran out of brake fluid, and I didn’t notice, I filled it up but it needed a brake bleeding. I took it to a mechanic for the brake bleeding, but he said that I had a broken ABS Module that I needed to replace urgently, or I would left without brakes at any moment. The ABS module is over 1k the part alone (not considering manual labor) and I can’t afford that atm. The mechanic made it seem like I needed to replace this part ASAP and not use my car, but I’ve been using my car and the brakes are working fine. I’ve been monitoring the brake fluid level for 2 weeks and it hasn’t leaked. Do I really need to replace the ABS Module or can I drive with it “broken” if I’m constantly aware of the brake fluid being full?
First, you should never refill brake fluid without first addressing the cause of the leak (unless you’re diagnosing the leak obviously). If the abs module is the leak then yes, that needs to be replaced.
Second, you would have had to lose a lot of fluid to break an ABS module. They are generally just there until they are needed. Water in the brake fluid can corrode them but if you don’t have a dash light I would get a second opinion before you replace it, it sounds like they’re trying to rip you off.
Third, as to your original question, ABS is only important in bad road conditions or emergencies 99% of the time you won’t notice it not working. If it’s not leaking then just remember that you won’t have as much control braking in those conditions. I wouldn’t call it safe but you won’t lose your brakes out of nowhere if it isn’t leaking.
Thanks for your input!