Brake System Warning Car Dashboard Light
Brake System: Indicates one of three possible conditions: parking brake is on; problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low, or ABS problem. Check brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.
Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorized Dealer Mechanic to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Driving with the brake system warning light illuminated is dangerous. It indicates that your brakes may not work at all or that they could completely fail at any time. If this light remains illuminated, after checking that the parking brake is fully released, have the brakes inspected immediately.
WHY IS MY BRAKE LIGHT TURNED ON?
Few things can put you in a tizzy like seeing your brake warning light illuminate. When your car’s brake warning light illuminates, it indicates that something is wrong with the braking system; it cannot be postponed or ignored until later—the cost of doing so may be costly and deadly.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT Indicates PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM
Almost every vehicle, truck, or SUV has a set of warning lights on the dashboard’s instrument cluster. A braking system warning light, for example, illuminates and alerts you when anything is wrong with your brake system.
You wouldn’t intentionally drive a car without brakes, yet some drivers do the exact opposite by disregarding what the dashboard brake warning light is attempting to tell them. Any problem with the braking system should be treated as a significant safety concern, and your vehicle should not be driven until the problem has been addressed by a technician.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW THAT I’VE STARTED MY CAR AND THE BRAKE LIGHT IS ON?
If you’ve just started your automobile and find that the braking system warning light is on, don’t drive it.
First, ensure that the parking brake is fully deactivated. Some vehicles feature a warning light for both the braking system and the parking brake. Examine your parking brake and make sure it is fully disengaged by pulling on the release mechanism. If the dashboard light stays on, it indicates that there is a problem with the braking system that may prohibit you from stopping your car. Turn off the engine and make arrangements to have the car transferred to a reputable technician.
I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY BRAKE LIGHT APPEARED – WHICH ACTION SHOULD I TAKE?
If you’re driving along and the brake warning light illuminates or illuminates and remains illuminated after you press the brake pedal, don’t panic—your vehicle has two separate brake hydraulic systems connecting the brake pedal to the wheels, so even if one system fails, you’ll be able to safely bring your vehicle to a stop. Be careful that if just one hydraulic system is used, it may not stop as fast.
Drive as carefully as possible to a parking lot or the shoulder of the road, then gently depress the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a halt. Once securely stopped and out of the way of traffic, make plans to transfer the car to your preferred repair shop.
BE PROACTIVE – CHECK THAT YOUR BRAKE LIGHT IS ON.
Consider the brake light on the dashboard to be your closest buddy, warning you that you may be driving a vehicle without brakes. However, the warning light cannot convey its message if it is not operational, so be proactive and ensure that it is operational. It’s simple, and you may make it a habit of doing it every time you start your vehicle.
During vehicle startup, once the ignition system is switched on and before the engine begins, all of the warning lights on the dashboard, including the brake warning light, should glow and then turn out after a few seconds. This is intended to ensure that all of the warning lights are operational—if any do not glow at this stage, it indicates that the bulb or other light source is not operational and the warning light is not functioning correctly.
There are no standardized placements for warning lights, but you may get acquainted with those on your car by consulting the owner’s handbook. Remember that if your brake warning light isn’t functioning, it can’t alert you of any risk. If it stops functioning, check your owner’s handbook to identify which bulb has to be replaced. (Some Information here is courtesy to : wagnerbrake.com)
Common Cause the brake lights turning on
Brake fluid is low, and the brake pads are worn.
Frequently, the brake warning light indicates that your car is low on braking fluid, which is caused by worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, proprietor of Las Vegas’s highly regarded Carl’s Cool Cars repair facility, describes the issue well: “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends farther to maintain the pad in contact with the rotor.” As the piston advances, the brake fluid fills this additional space within the caliper, and the level in the master cylinder gradually drops.” As a result, when the brake fluid is low, most technicians will recommend not only refilling the brake fluid but also replacing the brake pads.
Brakes are leaking.
Because of leaky brakes, the brake warning light may sometimes illuminate. Your brakes will not be able to stop the vehicle if there is no brake fluid. As a result, when the light on your dashboard lights, it is critical that you get your car examined. You don’t want to endanger yourself, your passengers, or other drivers and pedestrians.
Speed sensor failure
A device within your wheel detects the rotational speed of your tires and transmits its findings to the ABS control module. This gadget is referred to as the speed sensor, and it is a component of the ABS. If it isn’t functioning correctly, the ABS light will illuminate, and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will be rendered inoperable. When the light turns on, it may mean that the speed sensor needs to be changed or that it just needs to be cleaned, which our expert technicians can easily accomplish.
Thank you -Erwin