Each warning light on your dashboard is there to communicate a specific message to you. Yellow (or orange) lights, like the Check Engine Light, are letting you know there is a problem that needs to be addressed but it’s not an emergency. Lights that are “red” in color, like the brake warning light, are much different. Red lights are telling you that there is something critical going on and if you continue to drive, things will only get worse. When a red-colored warning light comes on your dashboard, you should safely pull off to the side of the road and call for a tow. This is especially true for the brake warning light – it’s letting you know you need brake repair.

Your vehicle has several warning lights related to the brakes. There is the parking brake light (usually red or yellow), the light for the anti-lock braking system (typically yellow in color), and finally the brake system warning light (always red in color). In some vehicles, the parking brake light is the same one that’s used to alert you to a problem with the brakes. If your vehicle only has one “red” brake warning light for the parking brake and the brakes warning system, first check to make sure the parking brake is disengaged. If the parking brake is not on, but the brake warning light is illuminated, you need a brake repair. Call for a tow.

The brake warning light comes on when there is a major problem with the vehicle’s braking system. Perhaps there is a leak in the system that’s causing a loss of hydraulic pressure. It may also be coming on if the brake pads are worn and there isn’t enough brake fluid. Regardless of what is causing the problem, one thing is very clear – you should not drive your vehicle as it is unsafe. Instead, give our auto repair shop in Staten Island a call. We will be happy to tow you to our shop for brake repair.

What caused the brake warning light to come on?

The brake warning light is designed to come on when the system is low in brake fluid. It’s a “closed” system so any loss of fluid means there’s a problem with the brakes. Here are two of the more common reasons the light will come on:

• The brake pads are worn out which is causing the level of brake fluid to go down. When replacing the brake pads, it’s important to check the level of brake fluid and add the type of fluid recommended by the manufacturer. If we are handling the brake repair for you, our certified technicians will check the level of fluid and add it for you.
• The braking system has a leak. Any leaking of brake fluid is serious. The braking system depends on the fluid to help you stop your vehicle. If there’s no fluid in the system, you won’t be able to stop.

If the light isn’t on, but you think you are having problems with your brakes, bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection. If you are concerned about driving it, you can have your vehicle towed to our auto repair shop in Staten Island, New York. Click here to schedule an appointment for brake repair with Colonial Service Station.