What does it mean when the car shows a brake light malfunction?
2 Answers
Automobile brake light malfunction means the following: 1. It may be due to severely worn brake pads: Brake pads are divided into two types, those with sensor lines and those without. Brake pads with sensor lines will automatically complete the circuit when worn to the limit, triggering the warning light. Brake pads without sensor lines do not provide automatic warnings but will produce a "metal-on-metal" hissing sound to indicate the need for replacement. 2. It may be due to low brake fluid level: Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the vehicle's braking system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the force applied is transmitted by the master cylinder piston through the brake fluid to the wheel cylinders at each wheel, causing the brake pads to contact the wheels and stop the vehicle. Insufficient brake fluid will also be accompanied by noticeably reduced braking force, and in severe cases, a complete loss of braking power may occur. This situation can be resolved by promptly replenishing the brake fluid.
When the brake light failure warning illuminates on my car's dashboard, it means the brake lights are not functioning. This is particularly critical because brake lights are the signal to the following vehicle that you are slowing down. If they fail, the risk of rear-end collisions increases significantly. I remember once driving on the highway when this light suddenly came on. I immediately pulled over to check and found that one of the brake light bulbs had burned out. Replacing it with a new one fixed the issue. However, the causes aren't limited to this—it could also be a blown fuse, aged wiring causing a short circuit, or a worn-out brake switch, all of which can trigger the warning. If you encounter this problem, don't delay. It's best to find a safe place to stop and inspect immediately. If you can replace the bulb yourself, go ahead; otherwise, head to a repair shop. I've made it a habit to periodically press the brake pedal and have a friend check if all the lights are working—prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to safety, as there's no such thing as a small matter when it comes to safety.