The brakes are the most important safety feature on your car, it stands to reason that you might be a bit concerned when a brake light fuse symbol on dashboard shows up. Because when your dashboard brake light illuminates, it’s a sign that something’s wrong with your brake system.
In this article, we’ll be discussing this light in detail. Let’s get started.
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What Does The Brake Light Fuse Symbol On Dashboard Means?
In most cars, the dashboard brake light is the light on the dashboard with an exclamation point (“!”) inside of a circle. In some cars, it’s a light that has the words “BRAKE” spelled out. Whenever it turns on, it’s usually a sign that something’s wrong with your brakes.
When your brake light comes on, your car is letting you know that either your vehicle is low on brake fluid, the emergency brake is activated, there’s trouble within the ABS unit, or there’s a problem with the sensors.
What Are The Causes Of The Brake Light Symbol On The Dashboard?
There are many reasons why your brake warning light is on while driving such as:
1. An Engaged Parking Brake:-
This is the most common reason your brake light comes on while driving. If the parking brake is still active, the parking brake sensor will prompt the brake warning light to turn on. This usually happens when you don’t fully disengage the vehicle parking brake, and the solution is to simply disengage it completely. Most vehicles have a sensor that confirms whether the parking brake is engaged or not. If the parking brake is still activated even in the slightest, the sensor will prompt the brake light to notify you it’s still engaged.
If you leave it as it is, you’ll be driving around with active parking brakes. These increased temperatures can also speed up brake fluid degradation, affecting the efficiency of your braking system. and doing so will not only overheat your brakes but accelerate brake shoe and brake pad wear.
2. Low Brake Fluid Levels:-
A sensor in the brake master cylinder monitors the brake fluid level in the system. If levels are below the minimum threshold, the sensor will trigger the brake light fuse symbol on dashboard to illuminate.
3. Defective Sensors:-
Throughout your vehicle, there are many sensors linked to the brake system, such as the sensor in your parking brake, master cylinder, or the ABS. When they malfunction, they could trigger your dashboard brake light to turn on.
4. Worn Out Brake Pads:-
Worn brake pads can also cause a drop in brake fluid level as the caliper pistons have to reach further to contact the rotor, which can also trigger your brake warning light. This can also be down to the sensor wire on your brake pads.
5. Anti Lock Braking System Malfunction:-
Problems with the antilock brake system can trigger both the brake warning light and ABS light if it has one to turn on. Causes can range from an electrical malfunction to something as simple as a dirty wheel speed sensor.
Hence, these are some causes of the brake light fuse symbol on dashboard showing up.
What To Do If The Brake Light Symbol Comes On While Driving?
If you’re driving and the brake light comes on. Don’t panic. Find an area to pull over safely and turn off your engine. After a few minutes, You need to check your brake fluid, topping it off if it appears low. Restart your vehicle and check to see if the light has turned off. If the brake fluid level is normal and the light has not turned off, seek immediate help from an automotive professional.
Your brakes are the only thing between you and your safety on the road. Any time your vehicle is having brake troubles, you should seek assistance from a brake professional immediately. A Certified Technician will confirm the condition of your brakes and present the best possible options for repair.
Here Are Some FAQS:-
1. How Do Brakes Work?
When you depress the brake pedal, the force from your foot is converted into hydraulic pressure by the master cylinder and pushed through the brake lines. The brake hydraulic pressure is conducted through the brake fluid, engaging the brake mechanisms. The exact braking mechanism can vary based on your car.
It could either be brake calipers that clamp the brake pads onto the rotors (in disc brakes) or wheel cylinders pushing brake shoes on brake drums (in drum brakes).
2. How Do I Verify If The Brake Light Is Working?
When you turn on the vehicle ignition before you start the engine, each dashboard light should light up for a few seconds. This is designed to help you verify that each warning light is operational before you start your journey. If some don’t illuminate, it means there’s likely a problem.
3. How Can I Check If The Rear Brake Lights Are Working?
For checking if your rear brake lights are working or not reverse your vehicle close to a wall and press the brakes. You should see a red glow on the wall. If there’s no glow, you might have a problem with the brake light switch or a blown fuse. If there’s a problem with either of these, get them fixed ASAP as it can affect your road safety.
Conclusion:-
We hope the above-mentioned information about the brake light fuse symbol on dashboard will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll definitely try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.