Brake lights are often a warning light that indicates the car has stopped in order to avoid an accident. The brake lights may also be used when you’re driving at night as a signal for other drivers to stop.
If your brake lights are not working, it may mean there is something wrong with the wiring or hardware of the car. In some cases, brake fluid can leak and cause the brakes to malfunction or even fail completely.
When replacing or repairing your brakes, it’s important to make sure they operate properly before starting any work on them so that no accidents occur while you’re underway.
Contents
What Does the Brake Light Mean
The brake light is a warning signal on your car that signals to other drivers that you’re stopping. When the brakes are applied, they cause the fluid in the brake lines to expand and create pressure.
This pressure pushes against the lights, which tells other drivers that you need help.
Brake Fluid Level Is Low
If the brake fluid level is low, it means that there is not enough of the liquid to stop your car from moving. This can be caused by a number of things including worn out brake pads or a clogged braking system.
Parking Brake Is Engaged
If you see the parking brake light come on, this means that the brakes are engaged and preventing your car from moving.
Brake Pads Are Worn Out
When brake pads start to wear down, they lose their ability to stop your car quickly and effectively.
If this happens over time, it will cause poor braking performance as well as increased wear on other parts of your vehicle’s equipment such as wheels and tires.
Causes That Are Responsible for Brake Light to Come On
There are a number of different reasons why your car’s brake light might come on.
Here are the most common causes that are responsible for turning on the brake light on your cars:
Faulty Brake Pedal
One of the most common causes of brake light coming on is a faulty brake pedal.
When the pedal goes too far down, it can cause the vacuum system to collapse and release air from your brakes, which will then activate your parking lights.
Worn or Damaged Components
Other components in your braking system may also be worn out or damaged, leading to poor performance and excessive wear on your parts. These could include pads, shoes, rotors, and calipers.
If you notice any abnormalities with these parts, it’s important to bring them in for servicing as soon as possible so that you can avoid major problems down the road.
Defective Parking Brake Cable
A corroded or frayed parking brake cable can leave your car unable to stop in time when you need it to – resulting in a broken window and potentially serious injury if you hit someone while driving like this.
It’s important to regularly inspect all aspects of your parking brake system – including cables– so that any issues are identified and fixed before they become an issue.
Lack of Maintenance Schedules
If there isn’t enough regular maintenance done on our vehicles (including brakes), over time things will start going wrong including bad brakes; we recommend having them serviced at least every 6 months regardless of whether or not they give off warning signs/symptoms.
What to Do When Brake Warning Light Comes On
If you’re experiencing a brake warning light, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue. First, make sure your brakes are working properly by trying to stop the car with your foot.
If the warning light still comes on after stopping, it may be time to replace your brake pads or discs. If all else fails and the warning light keeps coming on, it may be time for a new brake system.
Safely Stop the Vehicle
If you see a brake warning light come on, it is important to safely stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
This will help to avoid any potential accidents and can save your life in the event of an emergency.
Inspect Brakes for Damage
If there is any damage done to the brakes during this process, it may be necessary for them to be replaced in order not to cause further issues down the line with stopping distances and braking performance overall. Driving with damaged brake pads isn’t a good practice.
If your brake warning light comes on, it is important to check the brakes. This could mean that there is a problem with one or more of the car’s braking systems.
If you notice any problems while driving, stop and take your vehicle to a mechanic for inspection.
Signal Traffic
If you are able, try to signal traffic before making any abrupt stops or turning maneuvers. Doing so may help prevent an accident from happening in front of your car.
Get Help from Others
If possible, get someone else to drive your car while you attend to the warning light situation.
Having another person available will make it easier for you to handle any emergency situations that may arise while driving your vehicle.
Check Engine Light
One of the most common causes of brake lights coming on is when there is a problem with the fuel system in the car – either because there is not enough fuel or because something has gone wrong with how that fuel gets delivered into the engine cylinders.
Call Your Breakdown Service
In order to get assistance getting your car off the road, you should call your breakdown service first.
They will be able to come and tow your car away so that you can continue on with your journey without any further delays or complications.
FAQs
Can You Drive with the Brake Light On?
It is dangerous to drive with the brake light on as this can cause you to lose control of the car.
Can You Just Add Brake Fluid to Your Car?
Yes, brake fluid can be added to a car.
Can I Top-up Brake Fluid Myself?
Yes, you can top up your brake fluid yourself. Use a funnel to pour the required amount of fluid into the reservoir.
Can I Drive with Low Brake Fluid?
Yes, you can drive with low brake fluid. However, doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the brake system. Always use caution when driving with low brake fluid.
Conclusion
If you have a brake light issue, it is important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. The problem with this system is that it can go out on its own and needs to be replaced at an expensive cost.
The good news is that there are some simple fixes that you can do yourself if the light goes out suddenly or starts flashing rapidly. Don’t panic, but know that having an expert take a look at your brakes will likely solve the problem for good.
Save yourself time and money by knowing how to fix these problems on your own- just make sure you act fast in case something goes wrong.