Can I drive my car with the brake warning light on?
The short answer is no, you should not drive your car if the brake warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. The brake warning light indicates a problem with your vehicle's brake system, and driving with this light on can be dangerous and potentially lead to further damage.
Understanding the Brake Warning Light
The brake warning light, also known as the brake system warning light or the brake fluid warning light, is designed to alert the driver to a problem with the vehicle's brake system. This light can be triggered by a variety of issues, including low brake fluid levels, a problem with the brake pads or calipers, or a leak in the brake lines.
When the brake warning light is illuminated, it's a clear sign that there is a problem with the braking system, and it's important to address the issue as soon as possible. Driving with the brake warning light on can be dangerous, as it can lead to reduced braking performance or even complete brake failure, putting you and other drivers at risk.
What to Do If the Brake Warning Light Is On
- Pull over safely: If the brake warning light comes on while you're driving, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the engine.
- Check the brake fluid level: Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. Check the fluid level and add more if it's low, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Inspect the brake system: Visually inspect the brake lines, calipers, and pads for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, it's best to have a professional mechanic inspect and repair the problem.
- Avoid driving: If the brake warning light remains on after checking the fluid level and inspecting the system, do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Instead, have it towed to a repair shop for further diagnosis and repair.
Ignoring the brake warning light and continuing to drive can lead to more serious and costly problems, such as complete brake failure or even a collision. It's always better to err on the side of caution and address any issues with the brake system as soon as possible.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
