
The main reasons for brake system failure include: the handbrake may not be released or not fully engaged, so first check the handbrake's condition; insufficient or missing brake fluid level, inspect the brake fluid reservoir level; abnormal brake system performance, manifested as poor braking or failure, unilateral braking pull, braking noise, delayed braking due to overheating, or parking brake failure, which may affect braking performance and driving safety. It is advisable to send the vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible. The functions of the brake system are: to ensure the vehicle decelerates or stops as required by the driver; to ensure the vehicle is reliably parked; to safeguard the safety of the vehicle and the driver. Components of the brake system: Energy supply device. Components that supply, regulate the energy required for braking and improve the state of the transmission medium; Control device. Components that generate braking action and control braking effects; Transmission device. Components that transmit braking energy to the brakes, such as the master cylinder and wheel cylinder; Brake. Components that generate resistance to the vehicle's movement or tendency to move.

It was really scary when the brake failure icon popped up on the dashboard while driving today. Based on my experience, the most common cause is excessive brake pad wear, especially for cars that haven't had their brake pads replaced after driving 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Low brake fluid level can also trigger the warning, which can be caused by oil leaks in the pipelines or natural consumption. Additionally, the sensors in the brake system are very sensitive; poor contact or aging wiring can cause false alarms. Last time, I encountered an issue with the brake booster pump—the pedal became extremely hard to press. In such cases, don't force it; stop the car immediately. If the ABS warning light is also on, it might be because the wheel speed sensor is covered in mud. If you see this warning light, slow down immediately, pull over to check the brake fluid reservoir level, and never force your way to the repair shop.

Don't panic when the brake warning light comes on. Last time I helped my neighbor check his car, the most common issue was the handbrake not being fully released, which would display a circle with an exclamation mark on the dashboard. The brake pad wear indicator line touching the brake disc can also trigger an error, especially in German cars which are particularly sensitive. Brake fluid that hasn't been changed for too long tends to absorb moisture and deteriorate, and exceeding the water content threshold will trigger the alarm. Owners who have modified their brake calipers need to be extra cautious, as improperly sealed brake fluid lines can lead to leaks. I've also seen cases where the sensor connector got wet, as high-pressure water jets used during car washing can cause short circuits when spraying the wheel hubs. Don't underestimate tire pressure issues; severe underinflation in one tire can affect braking performance and also trigger a warning.

Brake system warnings can range from minor to serious. I've summarized several key points. Low brake fluid level in the reservoir is the primary check point, with special attention needed for leaks at the master cylinder and wheel cylinder connections. Brake pads thinner than 3mm will typically trigger warnings, and excessive wear on rear drum brakes in certain models can also activate alerts. Sticking cables in electronic parking brakes are most easily overlooked, especially after rainy days. When brake pedal travel becomes longer or feels soft, it may indicate air ingress causing hydraulic pressure loss. Vehicles with auto-hold function will alert if sensor failures make the system perceive brake failure.

Just dealt with this type of fault last month. The red brake icon on the dashboard mainly indicates three categories of issues: basic component problems like worn-out brake pads or leaking fluid lines; electronic faults such as failed wheel speed sensors or damaged wiring harnesses; system abnormalities like unstable voltage in the ABS pump. For older cars, pay special attention to the moisture content in the brake fluid—replace it if the tester shows over 3%. After heavy rain, some cars may display temporary faults, usually due to wheel speed sensors being interfered with by accumulated water; driving for a while to dry it out should resolve the issue. However, if both the yellow ABS light and red brake light come on simultaneously, immediate inspection of the brake module is mandatory.

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I pay special attention to brake warnings. Insufficient hydraulic pressure is the main cause, so it's crucial to check the sealing of the brake master cylinder. Overheated and warped brake discs can cause the sensor to continuously trigger alarms, which is common after long downhill drives. For modified brakes, if the steel braided hoses aren't installed properly, they're prone to fluid leakage on bumpy roads. Cars with automatic braking systems are more complex—dirty millimeter-wave radar can misjudge brake failure. The most hidden issue I've encountered was a blown fuse causing an open circuit in the brake light system. A reminder: there are two types of brake warning lights—red means stop immediately for repairs, while yellow allows slow driving to a repair shop.


