Brake lights on - essential tips for car owners.
(Baonghean.vn) - Brake lights are a particularly important part of the safety of vehicle occupants because they signal to the driver that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping... Therefore, you need to understand how to handle them when they come on. Don't ignore them, for the sake of safety and the "health" of your vehicle.
1. The handbrake is not fully engaged.
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When the brake warning light comes on, it's best not to continue driving, as this could damage the brake pads and rotors. Most likely, this is because you forgot to release (or disengage) the parking brake. The parking brake prevents the car from rolling down a slope, or in dangerous situations where you need to stop but the foot brake isn't working, you use the parking brake.
2. Related to the anti-lock braking system (ABS)
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Many modern vehicles are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to prevent the wheels from locking up and the tires from losing traction in slippery situations; this system usually has its own warning light.
However, depending on the circumstances, the brake light may illuminate, and in most cases, the problem stems from the sensor. An automotive technician can inspect it, identify the cause, and help you find a solution.
3. Brake fluid level is low.
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On many car models, an exclamation mark "!" appearing on the gauge may indicate that the brake fluid level is low. If the exclamation mark is yellow, the braking system may still have enough fluid to function. If it turns red, the car should be taken to a repair shop as soon as possible.
The brake light illuminating when the engine is first started or when the car is restarted after stopping is most likely related to the brake fluid. The fluid level in the reservoir needs to be checked, as it is often due to the fluid being low and falling below the "Add" mark.
A low oil level causes the brake lights to illuminate as a warning when the engine starts. To fix this, let the engine cool down, then add oil up to the "Add" mark until the correct level is reached.
4. The brake light bulb is broken.
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A flashing brake light could also indicate that your brake lights are burnt out. To check, you can ask a friend to stand behind your car and see if the brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal.
The brake lights aren't the only thing to watch out for. Observing the various indicator lights on the dashboard and paying attention to the duration and intensity of the lights is also a good way to diagnose problems with your car.
