What does it mean when the brake system warning light is on?
2 Answers
The reasons for the brake system warning light being on may include: ABS function failure; severely worn brake pads that have become ineffective; or brake fluid not meeting requirements. Abnormalities in the brake system can manifest as poor or failed braking, unilateral braking deviation, braking noise, brake drum overheating caused by brake drag, or parking brake failure. The methods to resolve the brake system fault indicator light are as follows: 1. Severely worn brake pads. Brake pads come in two types: those with sensor lines and those without. Those with sensor lines will automatically complete the circuit when the brake pads wear to the limit, causing the fault light to illuminate. The brake pads need to be replaced. 2. Low brake fluid level. Insufficient brake fluid will also be accompanied by noticeably reduced braking force, and in severe cases, a complete loss of braking force. The warning light will illuminate in this situation. Simply replenish the brake fluid promptly. 3. Brake system oil leakage or false alarm. This directly affects the vehicle's technical performance, leading to wastage of lubricants and fuel, power consumption, affecting the vehicle's appearance, and causing environmental pollution. The fault light will illuminate, and the issue can be resolved by replacing the gasket or oil seal.
When the brake system warning light comes on, you must not take it lightly. As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I've encountered this situation several times. Simply put, the light indicates an issue with the braking system. The most common cause is low brake fluid level, which is obvious upon checking the reservoir cap. Another possibility is worn-out brake pads, which requires replacement to resolve. It could also be due to the parking brake not being fully released or a malfunction in the ABS module. Last time when the light came on during a long drive, I immediately pulled over and found the fluid level was too low—topping it up fixed the issue. However, if the light stays on, you must get it repaired promptly, as continued driving risks brake failure, especially dangerous on highways. I recommend checking brake fluid levels and pad thickness quarterly—it doesn’t take much time. Remember, when the light comes on, prioritize pulling over to a safe spot; don’t push your luck.
