Most vehicles have one or two warning lights on the dashboard that deal with the brakes. When you first start your vehicle, all the lights should come on as part of a bulb check that happens. These lights then go out after a few seconds. If the light does not go out, then there may be an issue. The emergency brake may be on, and to resolve it you release the brake. There may also be the possibility that you have lost brake pressure in half of the brake system. If you notice the brake light on, bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect it for what the issue might be.
There might be an issue with the brake fluid and pressure
If the light is on and the emergency brake is released, try to pull over to a stop at a safe and convenient time. If the brake system has failed completely, you will have to use the emergency brake for braking. If the light still remains illuminated, it may mean the pressure on one side of the brake system is lower than on the other. There could be a leak in one part of the brake system, which impairs the ability for it to hold pressure. The hydraulic fluid could also be low if the light remains on. Either way, the vehicle should be inspected with the brake system before you drive it again.
The functions of the Brake Warning light
The primary function of the brake warning light is to indicate that the parking brake is applied. Every time the parking brake is used, the brake warning light will come on. This serves as a reminder to disengage it when the vehicle is in motion. If you fail to disengage the brake, it could result in an issue that causes early deterioration of the brake pads and linings that are connected to the brakes. Another reason why the light would illuminate is an indication of the level of brake fluid that is present in the braking system. The brake warning light will come on in the instance of an empty or low brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If this happens, it should be checked once the warning light is illuminated. Loss of brake pressure may result in an accident if it is ignored.
Other functions the light serves
The warning light system may be designed to indicate the amount of wear on brake pads and linings. Although most brake pads have a wear indicator that can be audible when the brake pedal is applied, the warning light may remain illuminated until the brake pads are replaced. Sometimes a faulty switch on the parking brake may cause the brake warning light to come on. It is recommended to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so that we can inspect it for your safety. Having it inspected can help ensure a safe and reliable ride as you travel.
