Seeing a brake warning light on your dashboard can be worrying, especially if it appears while you are driving. Depending on the vehicle, the light may indicate that the parking brake is engaged, the brake fluid is low, or there is a problem with the braking system.
It is not a warning you should ignore. Understanding what the light means can help you decide whether you can continue driving or need to stop and get the car checked.
What does the brake warning light mean?
The traditional brake warning light is often shown as a red circle with an exclamation mark or the word “BRAKE”. However, dashboard symbols vary between vehicle manufacturers.
The light can come on for several reasons, including:
- The parking brake is still engaged
- Low brake fluid
- Worn brake components
- A problem within the braking system
- A fault with the brake system sensor
- A hydraulic brake problem
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual can help you identify the exact warning symbol used on your car.
Check the parking brake first
If the brake warning light appears immediately after starting the vehicle, check whether the handbrake or electronic parking brake has been released completely.
Sometimes the warning light disappears once the parking brake is properly released.
If the light remains on after releasing it, do not assume that the parking brake is the only problem.
What if the brake warning light comes on while driving?
Take the warning seriously.
If the car feels normal and the light appears unexpectedly, find a safe place to stop and check the situation. If the brake pedal feels unusually soft, the vehicle is difficult to stop, or braking performance has changed, avoid continuing to drive.
A braking problem can become dangerous very quickly.
If you are unsure whether the vehicle is safe to drive, arrange for professional assistance rather than taking the risk of driving to a workshop.
Can low brake fluid cause the warning light?
Yes. On some vehicles, the brake warning light can indicate that the brake fluid level is too low.
Low brake fluid can have different causes. Brake pad wear can contribute to a lower fluid level, but a leak in the braking system can also cause the level to drop.
Simply adding more fluid without finding out why the level is low is not always the right solution.
If you notice a low brake fluid level, have the braking system inspected.
Brake warning light vs ABS warning light
These two dashboard warnings are not necessarily the same.
The brake warning light generally relates to the vehicle’s main braking system, parking brake or brake fluid level, depending on the vehicle.
The ABS warning light relates specifically to the anti-lock braking system.
If both the brake warning light and ABS warning light appear together, the vehicle should be checked promptly because there may be a more significant braking-system fault.
What if the light comes on with no other symptoms?
It is still worth investigating.
A car may continue to feel normal even when a warning light indicates an issue. Some problems develop gradually before the driver notices a change in braking performance.
Check that the parking brake is fully released. If the warning remains on, arrange an inspection rather than simply ignoring the dashboard warning.
Can worn brake pads cause a brake warning light?
They can contribute to warning messages or brake-related symptoms, depending on the vehicle.
Some vehicles have brake pad wear sensors that alert the driver when the pads are becoming worn. Other vehicles rely on physical inspection and may not provide a specific warning for brake pad wear.
If you hear squealing or grinding while braking, notice reduced braking performance or see a brake-related warning, have the pads, discs and other brake components inspected.
What should you do before a long trip?
A brake warning light is particularly important to deal with before travelling long distances.
Before a major journey, check:
- Brake fluid level
- Brake pad condition
- Brake disc condition
- Parking brake operation
- Brake pedal feel
- Any warning lights on the dashboard
If the brake warning light is already illuminated, resolve the problem before setting off on a long trip.
Getting help when a brake problem affects your journey
A brake problem can leave you unable to continue safely, particularly if it happens away from home or during a busy journey.
Travo.ng can help with relevant travel, transport and mobility arrangements when a vehicle problem disrupts your plans. If your vehicle needs professional attention, prioritise getting it inspected rather than continuing to drive with questionable brakes.
A brake warning light is there to get your attention. Checking the cause early can help prevent a minor maintenance issue from becoming a much more serious problem.
