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Pre-collision or AEB warning: what it means and what to do

Car with crash lines, or PCS, AEB or FCW

Keep an eye on itNot urgent. Check it, and book a look if it stays on.

Automatic emergency braking isn't available, often because the camera or radar is blocked by dirt, rain or a sticker. Clean the windscreen in front of the mirror and the badge or grille sensor. If it stays on, get it checked. From 1 November 2026 this light must be off to pass a WOF.

What it means

Automatic emergency braking uses a camera behind the windscreen and often a radar in the front badge. When they can't see properly, or there's a fault, the system switches off.

Can I keep driving?

Yes, but without automatic emergency braking. Drive with extra care.

What to do now

  1. Clean the windscreen area in front of the rear-view mirror.
  2. Clean the front badge or grille where the radar sits.
  3. If the light stays on after a drive in clear weather, book a check. A replaced windscreen often needs the camera recalibrated.

Common causes

  • Dirt, rain or a sticker blocking the camera or radar
  • A windscreen replaced without recalibration
  • Minor front-end damage moving the radar
  • A system fault

Shops near you that can check this

Closest first. Your location stays on your phone.

Car Lab

Auckland CBD

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

M Tech

Henderson

Mechanics

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

AZ Autos

Papatoetoe

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

AB Autos

Panmure

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

Fredco

Kingsland

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

VIRLTD

Onehunga

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

See all mechanics in this suburb

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with the pre-collision or aeb warning on?

Yes, but without automatic emergency braking. Drive with extra care.

What does the pre-collision or aeb warning mean?

Automatic emergency braking isn't available, often because the camera or radar is blocked by dirt, rain or a sticker. Clean the windscreen in front of the mirror and the badge or grille sensor. If it stays on, get it checked. From 1 November 2026 this light must be off to pass a WOF.

What should I do when the pre-collision or aeb warning comes on?

Clean the windscreen area in front of the rear-view mirror. Clean the front badge or grille where the radar sits. If the light stays on after a drive in clear weather, book a check. A replaced windscreen often needs the camera recalibrated.

Need a tow? Call now

If anyone is hurt or you're in danger, call 111 first. Get off the road and wait behind the barrier.

Call AA Roadservice 0800 500 222

Members and non-members can call. Have your location and rego ready.

Other numbers to try

  • Your insurer's roadside line. Many policies include a free tow, and it's on your policy card or app.
  • Your car maker's roadside assistance, if the car is new enough.
  • A local tow company. Search "tow truck" with your suburb, and ask the price before you agree.

Need it fixed after? Find a shop near you and call them.

Book

What for?

Free to book. The shop texts to confirm, and gives you a written quote before any work.