Is it safe to drive your car with the brake light on?
If you’re driving along and the brake warning light comes on or it comes on and stays on after you press the brake pedal, there’s no need to panic—your vehicle has two separate brake hydraulic systems connecting the brake pedal to the wheels, so even when you have a problem with one system, you will be able to safely …
Why is my red brake light on?
A red light that flashes on and off could signal low/almost empty brake fluid, but also a serious issue with the brake’s hydraulic system. If the light comes on and stays on, you could end up with a potentially catastrophic (and costly) brake failure.
How do I turn off the brake light?
How to Reset a Brake Warning Light
- Find your vehicle’s Assembly Line Diagnostic Link port.
- Attach an OBD1 or 2 scanner to this port and turn the key in the ignition but do not start the engine.
- Press “OK” and read the code.
- Service the brakes according to the problem diagnosed by the code.
What should I do if my brake light comes on?
If you happen to be driving when the brake warning light first comes on, carefully pull over in a safe area and turn your car off. The first and easiest thing to check is your emergency brake. If the E-brake is fully released, get out of the car and check your brake fluid level.
Should you check brake fluid?
If there’s insufficient brake fluid, air is introduced into the brake lines and your vehicle doesn’t stop properly. Therefore, it’s important to keep enough brake fluid in your brake fluid reservoir. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), consult your owner’s manual before checking your brake fluid.
Can I check brake fluid hot?
You may have bad linkage or the brake fluid may be low on a more modern car. Should the engine be hot or cold when I’m checking the brake fluid? It doesn’t matter, although you might feel more comfortable if the engine is cold.