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