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Brake warning lights on your dashboard are early alerts that something may be wrong with your braking system. Ignoring these lights can lead to serious mechanical failures or even accidents. Understanding what each symbol means helps you take quick, informed action (FixMyCar, 2023).
Common Brake Warning Lights and Their Meanings
Common Brake Warning Lights and Their Meanings
Red Brake Warning Light
Red Brake Warning Light
Symbol: A circle with an exclamation point or "P" inside, often with parentheses.
What it means:
Low brake fluid level
Parking brake is engaged
Hydraulic system failure
Hydraulic system failure
Action: Check fluid level and ensure the parking brake is fully released. If light stays on, get a professional inspection immediately.
ABS Warning Light
ABS Warning Light
Symbol: Letters "ABS" in a circle, often yellow or amber.
What it means:
A problem with the Anti-lock Braking System
Faulty wheel speed sensor, control module, or wiring issue
Faulty wheel speed sensor, control module, or wiring issue
Action: Normal braking may still work, but ABS function is disabled. Have the system scanned and repaired.
Brake Pad Wear Indicator
Brake Pad Wear Indicator
Symbol: Two small circles with dashed lines around them (like brake pads squeezing a disc).
What it means:
Brake pads are worn down to their minimum thickness
Brake pads are worn down to their minimum thickness
Action: Replace brake pads immediately to avoid rotor damage and reduced braking efficiency
Electronic Parking Brake Light
Electronic Parking Brake Light
Symbol: A “P” inside a circle with parentheses or a square
What it means:
Electronic handbrake fault
Failed to engage/disengage properly
Failed to engage/disengage properly
Action: Try resetting the system or consult a technician. This may also affect hill-start assist and automatic hold.
What to Do If a Brake Light Comes On?
What to Do If a Brake Light Comes On?
Pull over safely and check the parking brake.
Open the hood and inspect the brake fluid level.
If everything appears normal, drive cautiously to a mechanic.
If the pedal feels soft, low, or unresponsive, do not drive—call for towing.
Real-World Example
Real-World Example
A driver ignored a red brake warning light for a week. When the brake fluid finally dropped too low due to a hidden leak, the brakes failed during traffic, resulting in a collision. Early inspection could have prevented it.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Brake warning lights are critical safety alerts—never ignore them.
Red = urgent, Yellow = system malfunction, Orange = wear warning.
Acting early can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
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References
References
FixMyCar. (2023, July 28). Why Is My Traction Control Light On? And What To Do About It. Retrieved from https://www.fixmycar.io/blog/traction-control-light-on
Les Schwab Tire Centers. (n.d.). What Does a Brake Light on Dashboard Mean?. Retrieved from https://www.lesschwab.com/blog/brake-light-on-dashboard-what-does-it-mean
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023, September 14). Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/anti-lock-braking-systems-abs
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