What is the first thing you should check if your brake dashboard light is on?
Seeing your brake dashboard light illuminate can be alarming, but it doesn’t always mean there’s a major issue. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve guided countless drivers through understanding and addressing this common concern. In this article, we’ll walk you through the first thing you should check when your brake light comes on and provide tips to ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive.
Understanding the Brake Dashboard Light
The brake dashboard light is part of your vehicle’s warning system, designed to alert you to potential issues with your braking system. It can indicate anything from a minor problem, like a parking brake left engaged, to a more serious issue, such as low brake fluid or worn brake components. Addressing the light promptly is crucial for your safety and the health of your vehicle.
Step 1: Check if the Parking Brake is Engaged
The first and simplest thing to check when your brake light comes on is whether your parking brake is still engaged. Many drivers accidentally leave the parking brake partially or fully engaged, which triggers the brake light on the dashboard. Here’s how to check:
- Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and turn off the engine.
- Locate the parking brake lever or pedal, depending on your vehicle model.
- Release the parking brake completely and restart your car to see if the light turns off.
If the light goes off after releasing the parking brake, the issue is resolved. However, if the light remains on, further investigation is needed.
Other Potential Causes to Consider
If the parking brake isn’t the issue, the brake light could be signaling other problems. Here are some common causes:
- Low Brake Fluid: Check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark, it could trigger the light. Top it off with the correct type of brake fluid, but be cautious—low fluid might indicate a leak or worn brake pads.
- Worn Brake Pads: Some vehicles have sensors that detect when brake pads are too thin. If the pads are worn, the light may come on as a warning.
- ABS System Issues: In some cars, the brake light may also indicate a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This typically requires professional diagnostics.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve checked the parking brake and brake fluid but the light remains on, it’s time to consult a professional mechanic. Driving with a persistent brake warning light can be dangerous, as it may indicate a critical issue with your braking system. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing brake systems to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
Final Thoughts
While the brake dashboard light can be concerning, addressing it promptly can prevent more significant problems down the road. Start by checking the parking brake and brake fluid, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if the issue persists. At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. Stay safe and drive with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What should you do if the brake system warning comes on?
Drive the car to a parking area or onto the shoulder of the road as safely as possible and gradually press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a stop. Once safely stopped and out of the traffic flow, make arrangements to transport the vehicle to your favorite repair shop.
What does it mean when the brake light comes on on the dashboard?
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.
Why is my brake light on but brakes work fine?
Usually a brake light being on means your brakes are extremely close to their life cycle and need to be replace. Just behind the friction material there are 2 poles the stick out farther than the rest of the pad. Over time of braking, these poles become exposed and eventually make contact with the rotor.
Can I drive my car with the brake warning light on?
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT = BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM
Any brake system problem has to be regarded as a major safety issue and your car should not be driven until the problem has been resolved by a mechanic.
When the brake warning light stays on what should you check first?
To check it, first, find the master cylinder (also called brake fluid reservoir) (pictured below). It is usually white or yellow plastic and located on the driver's side. Then, check the fluid level. There should be minimum and maximum markings on the side of the reservoir to show the optimal range of fluid.
Can I drive my car if the brake light is on?
If you've just started your car and notice that the brake system warning light is on, don't run the risk of driving the vehicle. First, check to make sure that the parking brake is completely disengaged. Some cars have a common warning light for the brake system and the parking brake.
How to know if brake fluid is low?
Brake Lights - If you see the letters ABS pop up on your instrument cluster, chances are you're low on brake fluid. This light lets you know that there's an issue with your anti-lock braking system. If the parking brake is disengaged but you still see the word BRAKE, that's another sign that your fluid levels are low.
Can I drive with brake light on dashboard?
It's best to drive your vehicle as little as possible when the brake warning light comes on and contact a brake specialist to diagnose and repair the issue. If you can't drive the car to the repair shop, a mobile brake repair service can come to you to diagnose and repair the issue.
What are the two things that could be wrong if the brake light is on?
The most common reasons your brake light is on: The Parking Brake is engaged. Brake Fluid is low or leaking. Worn brake pads.
