What is brake light symbol?
As a car owner, it's essential to be aware of the various warning lights on your dashboard, particularly the brake light symbol. This article will delve into what the brake light symbol signifies, why it is crucial for your vehicle's safety, and what steps you should take if it illuminates.
What Does the Brake Light Symbol Indicate?
The brake light symbol typically resembles an exclamation mark inside a circle or a "P" with a circle around it. This symbol serves as a warning that there may be an issue with your vehicle's braking system. Here are the primary reasons why this light may come on:
- Brake Fluid Level: A low brake fluid level can trigger the brake light. This could indicate a leak or that the fluid needs to be topped off.
- Brake System Malfunction: If there is a problem with the brake system, such as worn brake pads or a malfunctioning brake booster, the light may illuminate.
- Parking Brake Engaged: The brake light may also come on if the parking brake is engaged. Always check to ensure it is fully released.
Why Is It Important to Address the Brake Light?
Ignoring the brake light can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Increased Risk of Accidents: A malfunctioning brake system can significantly impair your ability to stop your vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Further Damage: Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive and costly damage to your vehicle's braking system.
- Legal Implications: Driving with faulty brakes can lead to legal issues, especially if involved in an accident.
What Should You Do If the Brake Light Comes On?
If you notice the brake light illuminated on your dashboard, follow these steps:
- Check the Parking Brake: Ensure that the parking brake is fully released.
- Inspect Brake Fluid Level: Check the brake fluid reservoir for low fluid levels and top it off if necessary.
- Seek Professional Help: If the light remains on after checking the above, it’s crucial to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection.
Understanding the brake light symbol and its implications can help you maintain your vehicle's safety and performance. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning lights can prevent more significant issues down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to drive with one brake light?
When one of your car's brake lights goes out, your vehicle's shift lock override may turn on. Shift lock override is designed to prevent your car from shifting when mechanical dangers are detected. By driving with a broken brake light, you could run the risk of causing serious damage to your car's transmission system.
Why is my brake symbol light on?
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 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 is the brake warning symbol?
The symbol is a circle containing an exclamation mark, and the circle is surrounded on each side by what look like rounded brackets. In some vehicles, there may even be the word 'brake' under or next to this. The light may behave differently depending on the vehicle.
Why does my brake light stay on?
The most common cause for brake lights not turning off is a stuck brake pedal. If the pedal doesn't come back up all the way when you take your foot off, it will continue to apply some braking force and keep the lights on.
What triggers the brake light to come on?
The brake master cylinder contains a sensor that monitors the brake fluid level. When the fluid level falls below optimal, this sensor activates the warning light to alert you that the hydraulic system requires urgent attention.
What is the symbol for low brake fluid?
The brake fluid symbol on a car's dashboard is typically represented by an exclamation mark inside a circle, similar to an “O” with an exclamation mark in the centre. Depending on the manufacturer, this symbol is often orange or red, indicating an issue with the brake fluid level or the brake system.
Can I drive my car if the brake light is on?
If the brake warning light comes on and stays on when you start your vehicle, do not begin to drive it. Turn your car off and inspect the possible causes of the issue (we will get to those soon). If the brake warning light comes on while you are in traffic or driving, don't panic.
Can I drive with the brake fluid light on?
You can still drive, but filling up should be done as soon as possible; although, if the levels are too low, you may not be able to drive at all. Doing so could cause major damage to your brake system and even put your life in danger. How long you can drive on low brake fluid is the wrong question.
How do I fix my 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.
