Can I drive my car with the brake warning light on?
Seeing the brake warning light illuminate on your dashboard can be alarming. As the owner of Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I want to help you understand what this warning means and whether it’s safe to continue driving your vehicle. Let’s dive into the details to ensure your safety and the health of your car.
What Does the Brake Warning Light Mean?
The brake warning light is a critical indicator on your dashboard. It is designed to alert you to potential issues with your vehicle’s braking system. This light can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Low brake fluid levels.
- A malfunction in the brake system, such as a faulty brake sensor.
- The parking brake being engaged or not fully released.
- Worn brake pads or other brake component issues.
Regardless of the cause, the brake warning light should never be ignored, as it signals a potential safety hazard.
Is It Safe to Drive with the Brake Warning Light On?
In most cases, driving with the brake warning light on is not safe. Here’s why:
- Compromised Braking Ability: If the light is on due to low brake fluid or a malfunction, your braking system may not function properly, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Potential for Further Damage: Continuing to drive with a brake issue can lead to more extensive and costly repairs.
- Safety Risks: A faulty braking system puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk.
However, if the light is on because the parking brake is engaged, releasing the brake should resolve the issue. If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, it’s time to take action.
What Should You Do If the Brake Warning Light Comes On?
Here are the steps you should take if your brake warning light illuminates:
- Pull Over Safely: If you’re driving, find a safe place to pull over and stop the vehicle.
- Check the Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on, proceed to the next step.
- Inspect Brake Fluid Levels: Open the hood and check the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid is low, it may indicate a leak or worn brake pads.
- Call for Assistance: If you’re unsure of the cause or the light persists, contact a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for professional help.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the brake warning light stays on after you’ve checked the basics, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing brake systems to ensure your car is safe to drive. Don’t take chances with your safety—schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Driving with the brake warning light on is a risk you shouldn’t take lightly. While it may be a minor issue like a partially engaged parking brake, it could also indicate a serious problem with your braking system. Always prioritize safety by addressing the issue promptly. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you keep your car in top condition and ensure your peace of mind on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to drive with brake light on?
If the dashboard light remains on, it's telling you that thre is a brake system problem that could prevent you from stopping your vehicle. Turn off the engine and arrange to have the vehicle transported to your trusted mechanic.
Can you still drive with a brake pad warning light?
Continuing to drive for too long with the brake pad warning light on will mean that you run out of brake pad material and risk damaging the rotors. Along with this, having no brake pad material left will mean that the car will not stop as quickly, which can seriously increase your risk of a collision.
How to tell if brake fluid is low?
Brake Pedal Problems - Pay attention to how it feels when you press down on the brake pedal. If it feels firmer than usual, your brake fluid may be dirty or contaminated. If it feels soft or like you're stepping in quicksand, you're probably low on fluid.
What two reasons would cause your brake system warning light to come on?
The simplest (and oldest) light on your dashboard – the one most people refer to when they mention a brake system warning light – is the BRAKE light. When this light comes on, it means one of two things. Either the hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) in the master cylinder is low, or the parking brake is engaged.
Why is my brake light on but brakes work fine?
Why is the brake light on while driving? When your brake light comes on, your car is letting you know that either your vehicle is low on brake fluid, the emergency brake is activated, there's trouble within the ABS unit, or there's a problem with the sensors.
How serious is a brake light?
When your car's brake warning light comes on, it tells you something is wrong with the braking system; it can't be put off or ignored until later—the price for doing so could very expensive and very dangerous.
How long can I drive with the brake warning light?
Drive your vehicle as little as possible after the brake system warning light comes on. Contact a brake specialist to diagnose and repair the issue.
Is a brake warning light serious?
What does it mean if your brake warning light is on? Typically, your brake system warning light being on means your parking brake is engaged, but if you're still seeing the red (or orange) warning on your dash while the parking brake is disengaged, you will need to get your brakes inspected as soon as possible.
How to fix brake warning light?
How Do You Fix a Brake Light Warning?
- Pull Over Safely.
- Restart the Vehicle and/or Dashboard.
- Replace the Brake Pads.
- Check the Brake Fluid.
- Check or Replace the Bulbs.
- Stop the vehicle and check the Parking Brake.
- Take Your Car to an Auto Shop.
- Recent Articles.
How urgent is a brake light?
Worn brake pads can also cause the emergency brake light to turn on, signalling it is time for a replacement. Ignoring this can further damage to the rotors and calipers, making it essential to seek professional brake service. The master cylinder is the heart of your vehicle's braking system.
