What Causes the Brake Light on the Car Dashboard to Stay On?

[FelixDella]

Reasons why the brake light on the car dashboard stays on: 1. Severe wear of brake pads; 2. Insufficient brake fluid; 3. Faulty brake switch. The car dashboard is a device that reflects the working conditions of various vehicle systems, including: 1. Fuel indicator light: When lit, it indicates that the fuel is almost depleted; 2. Washer fluid indicator light: The light turns on when the washer fluid level is low, prompting the owner to refill it in time; 3. Battery indicator light: The light turns on when the ignition is switched on and turns off after the engine starts; 4. Front and rear fog light indicators: Both lights turn on when the fog lights are activated; 5. Turn signal indicator: The corresponding indicator light flashes at a certain frequency when the turn signal is on.

[LeEmilio]

With decades of experience in driving and auto repair, I've encountered numerous cases where the dashboard brake warning light stays on. This usually occurs due to low brake fluid levels, as the sensor detects insufficient hydraulic pressure and illuminates the warning light. Possible causes include minor leaks in the braking system (such as aging hoses or damaged caliper seals causing fluid leakage) or normal fluid depletion without timely replenishment. Additionally, faulty brake light switches or poor electrical connections can trigger the light, and ABS module malfunctions may also activate this warning. Never ignore this warning light as it may indicate compromised braking performance, especially dangerous during high-speed driving. Safety first – pull over immediately, check the brake fluid reservoir level under the hood, and add appropriate DOT 4 brake fluid if low. However, it's best to visit a professional repair shop promptly for comprehensive inspection to prevent deeper issues. I typically recommend inspecting the braking system every 20,000 kilometers as preventive maintenance against such failures.

[KennedyDella]

When I first started driving, the brake light suddenly came on, which really freaked me out. Later, I learned that this light usually indicates low brake fluid, and the reservoir is typically easy to check in the engine bay. If the fluid level is normal, it might be a faulty trigger switch or a short circuit in the wiring harness. I once experienced a fluid leak because the seals in the braking system wore out over time and started dripping. Remember, if the light comes on, don’t force the car to keep going—find a safe spot to stop and check. Topping up the fluid is simple, but make sure there’s no leak, or repairs can be a hassle. Now, I’ve made it a habit to check the fluid level at the end of each season. A bottle of brake fluid costs just a few bucks and saves a lot of trouble. Ignoring it long-term can wear out the brake discs and compromise safe driving.

[DelAlejandro]

The brake light staying on is mainly caused by low brake fluid level, triggering an alert when the hydraulic sensor detects insufficient fluid. It could also be due to a faulty sensor, wiring issues, or ABS system abnormalities. Check the brake fluid reservoir level and top up with standard brake fluid if low. If the level is normal, professional tools are needed to test the switch and circuit. Prompt repair is essential to avoid the risk of brake failure.

[VonNolan]

When I first bought my car, the brake light was always on, which made me nervous. I asked a mechanic, and he said it was mostly caused by insufficient brake fluid, as the system sensor monitors the fluid level and triggers a warning when it's low. There might be a slight leak in the brake lines or normal consumption without timely replenishment. Later, I learned to open the hood myself, locate the transparent fluid reservoir to check the level, and top it up with DOT 4 fluid if it's low. However, be aware that if there's a severe leak, the brakes may become soft and dangerous, so don't delay—get it fixed immediately. Learning some basic knowledge during the novice period can save a lot of hassle.