What does it mean when the EPB light comes on in the car?
3 Answers
It is very likely that there is a malfunction with the electronic parking brake. Below is an introduction to the EPB light: Introduction: The full English name of EPB is Electrical Park Brake, which is the electronic parking brake system, also known as the electronic handbrake by car owners. Function: EPB controls the parking brake through electronic circuits, functioning similarly to a mechanical lever handbrake. When starting the car, there is no need to manually turn off the electronic handbrake; it will automatically disengage when the accelerator is pressed to start. The electronic handbrake has two motors at the rear wheels. After pressing the button behind the gear lever, the electronic handbrake motors can clamp the brake pads, preventing the vehicle from rolling.
I saw the EPB light on my car come on, and my heart skipped a beat because it's the warning light for the electronic parking brake, usually indicating that the parking system hasn't properly locked the wheels. Common causes include low battery voltage affecting the normal operation of the electronic module, just like how a phone acts up when it's out of power; sensor malfunctions, such as false alarms due to moisture on rainy days; or worn brake components, like brake pads that are too thin and need replacement. The last time I encountered this issue, it was after a long drive when the battery died, and a simple recharge fixed it. However, in severe cases, the car might roll downhill or experience brake failure, which is extremely dangerous. I recommend immediately finding a flat spot to park, manually confirming if the parking brake is secure, checking the dashboard for any other warning lights, and quickly restarting the car to see if the light turns off. If it stays on, head to a repair shop immediately for diagnostics—don't risk safety to save money. Safe driving comes first, so make it a routine to check the system status before starting your car.
When the EPB light comes on, I immediately become alert, as it indicates a potential fault in the electronic parking brake, which could cause the wheels to not lock securely on slopes and lead to an accident. Common scenarios include electrical short circuits in the system, aging or loose wiring connections, or dust accumulation on the brake discs affecting sensor sensitivity. My routine when the light appears is to pull over, attempt restarting the car twice to see if the issue resolves, while checking for unusual noises or any looseness in the parking brake. If the problem persists, I avoid driving further to prevent accidents and directly contact a repair shop for professional diagnostic tools. Previously, ignoring the light led to increased tire wear, costing me a hefty sum. For safety, I regularly clean the brake area and ensure the battery is fully charged to minimize such unexpected issues.
