Reading time: 4 minutes
Immediate response
La brake system warning light When lit, it can simply indicate that the handbrake is on, but also a low brake fluid level or a fault in the braking system.
If it stays on after you've fully released the handbrake, don't ignore it. If the pedal feels soft, braking is less effective, or you notice a different behavior than usual, stop in a safe place and do not continue driving.
What you will learn:
- Why does the brake system warning light come on?.
- What checks can you do right away?.
- When you can continue and when you have to stop.
- What does it mean if it appears together with the ABS warning light?.
Index
What does the brake system warning light mean?
La brake system warning light It is normally red and may be represented by an exclamation point (!) or from the letter P enclosed in a circle.
When you start your car, it may light up for a few seconds during the initial check of the instrument panel. This is normal.
If it stays on while driving, the first thing to check is the parking brake.
If it is completely disengaged and the light remains on, another cause must be looked for.
Why does the brake light stay on?
The causes aren't all equally serious. Some are simple, others require immediate attention.
Handbrake not fully released
It's the simplest cause.
Sometimes, just holding the parking brake slightly on is enough to keep the light on. Release it completely and see if the warning goes away.
Low brake fluid level
Too low a level of brake fluid can make the light come on.
Don't just add fluid and drive away, though. A low level could be due to normal component wear or, in more serious cases, a leak in the system.
If the level is very low or continues to decrease, the car needs to be checked.
Before purchasing or topping up brake fluid, always check the vehicle manual for the manufacturer's specifications. DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 4 LV and DOT 5.1 should not be chosen simply because they appear equivalent.
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If you need to buy brake fluid, first check the specifications listed in your car's manual. On Amazon, you can compare products from well-known brands and choose the one compatible with your vehicle.
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Worn brake pads
As the pads wear, the fluid level in the reservoir may gradually decrease.
Some cars also have a specific warning light for brake pad wear.
For this reason it is important to check on car manual the exact meaning of the symbol that appears on your instrument panel.
Faulty sensor or switch
The light may also remain on due to a problem with the fluid level sensor or the parking brake switch.
In this case, braking may appear normal, but the cause of the warning still needs to be checked.
Braking system problem
This is a situation that should not be underestimated.
If you notice the following along with the warning light:
- brake pedal feels unusually soft or sinks;
- less effective braking;
- need to press the pedal more than normal;
- fluid leaks;
- other brake related warning lights;
don't keep driving.
Brake system warning light on: can I continue driving?
It depends on the cause, but with a red brake light It's best to avoid assumptions.
If the warning light was due to the handbrake and goes away completely after releasing it, you can normally continue.
If it stays on, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and at least check the parking brake and for any other anomalies.
If the pedal feels soft, the braking has changed, or the fluid level is very low, do not continue your journey.
In this case it is more prudent to ask for assistance.
What to check right away
When the light appears, you can perform some simple checks without disassembling anything.
First check that the handbrake is completely released.
Then look at the instrument panel and check if any other warnings have appeared along with the brake light.
When the car is stationary, you can also visually check the brake fluid level in the reservoir, following the instructions in your car's manual.
Finally, pay attention to the pedal. If it feels significantly different from normal, stop driving.
Brake light and ABS light on together
If the brake system warning light also appears together with the warning light ABS indicator light, there may be a fault affecting the anti-lock braking system or other components of the braking system.
It doesn't necessarily mean that the car has run out of brakes, but the two lights on together should not be ignored.
To better understand the possible causes, also read our guide on ABS indicator light on.
Brake light and temperature light: be careful not to confuse them
The two lights are red, but they indicate completely different problems.
The brake system warning light is about the brakes, while the temperature indicator light It normally indicates that the coolant temperature is too high.
In both cases, a red light while driving requires attention.
If you see the red thermometer symbol instead, consult our guide on temperature light on to understand what to check and when to stop the engine.
Mistakes to avoid when the brake light is on
The most dangerous mistake is to continue driving simply because, on the first attempt, “the car is still braking”.
Also avoid adding brake fluid without investigating the reason why the level has dropped.
And above all, don't wait for the braking to get worse before having a red light that keeps staying on checked.
In summary
Handbrake on: the light on is normally expected.
The light goes off when the handbrake is released: Normally you can continue.
The light stays on: Stop safely and check the cause.
Warning light on + soft pedal or abnormal braking: do not continue driving and call for assistance.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the brake light stay on when the handbrake is down?
It could be due to low brake fluid level, a sensor, the parking brake switch or a system fault.
Can I drive with the red brake light on?
If it stays on for no apparent reason, it's best to stop and check the cause. If the pedal feels soft or the braking is abnormal, stop driving.
What does it mean if the brake and ABS lights are on?
There may be a fault in the ABS or braking system. A combination of these two signals requires inspection.
Can low brake fluid cause the warning light to turn on?
Yes. On many cars, low brake fluid can trigger the brake system warning light.
Can worn pads cause the warning light to come on?
It depends on the car. Some models have a specific brake pad wear indicator; furthermore, wear can contribute to a decrease in the fluid level in the reservoir.
Conclusion
La brake system warning light It doesn't always mean there's a serious fault, but when it stays on after you release the handbrake, it deserves attention.
First, check the simple things. If the warning light is accompanied by a soft pedal, unusual braking, or a very low brake fluid level, don't risk continuing your journey.
An extra check costs little. With brakes, ignoring a signal can cost much more.
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