If a warning light flashes up on your dashboard, it is easy to ignore – after all, warning lights tend to lead to costly repairs. However, warning lights are there for a reason: to make you aware of potential dangers, so that you can get your vehicle fixed without causing further damage. We take a look at those silent heroes, the brake warning lights: when they come on, why they come on, and what you should do. After all – nobody wants to drive without brakes!
When it Comes On
In many vehicles, all of the lights come on when you first start the engine, just to let you know that they are all working. If your brake system warning light comes on after you have released the handbrake, it is an indication that your brake fluid is low, or a warning that you may need to replace your brakes in the near future.
Why it Comes On
Your brake fluid light coming on is rarely fixed by a simple top-up. Brake lights can come on for a number of reasons:
your brake fluid is low from normal use: your brake fluid may need to be drained and replaced every couple of years – this can be a complex job and it is worth checking with a garage. It’s not as simple as simply topping up!
your brake fluid is low because your brake pads are worn: your brake warning light coming on is often an indicator that your brakes need to be replaced in the near future. As your brake pads wear away, the brake piston needs to reach further to keep contact between the rotor and the brake pad. This extra space is filled by brake fluid, making your brake fluid levels lower.
you have a leak: if you are leaking brake fluid, you have a potentially serious problem as you will eventually be unable to use the brakes.
your sensors are faulty: it is possible that your speed sensor is faulty, or that there is a fault in the electrics. This could mean that your brakes and brake fluid levels are in fact fine. Either way, you need to get it checked out.
What to Do
If your brake light comes on when driving, park up safely as soon as possible. Use your owner’s manual to find out how to check your brake fluid, or take your vehicle to the nearest garage. If there is not a garage nearby, call a breakdown service.
It is not worth risking your life, and the lives of others, by ignoring the warning signs. If your brake light comes on, find a local garage immediately.