Why is the handbrake light always on?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the handbrake light is always on: 1. The handbrake is not fully released: the handbrake is not truly in the released position; 2. Low brake fluid: insufficient brake fluid, with the fluid level below the safety line; 3. Brake pull: if the handbrake light is on and accompanied by brake pull, it is caused by uneven brake pad wear or uneven force from the brake caliper. This situation should be repaired promptly, otherwise it may endanger driving safety. The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, functions to provide resistance when parking to prevent the car from rolling, whether it's the handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locking the drive shaft or rear wheels.
Last time the handbrake light on my car kept staying on, it was so annoying. It's mainly because the handbrake wasn't fully released or the brake fluid was low—that light on the dashboard is warning you about these hazards. Once when I parked, the lever got stuck and didn't reset, so the light came on; another time, the system automatically alerted me when the fluid level was too low. Remember, driving with that light on is dangerous—it could mean reduced braking performance, and if emergency braking fails, you're in big trouble. My advice: after parking, try pulling and releasing the handbrake lever a few times to see if the light goes off; then pop the hood and check if the brake fluid level in the transparent reservoir is between the two lines—top it up with the right type if it's low. If that doesn't fix it, it's probably a faulty sensor or wiring issue—get it to a repair shop ASAP. Also, have the mechanic check your braking system during routine maintenance to avoid major trouble.