There are a number of reasons why your braking warning light may be on. Some of the reasons are normal while others imply that there may be a problem. For example, if you typically put your parking brake on before turning your engine off, the light will be on the next time you start your engine. It's just a reminder. On the other hand, if you notice it coming on when you're pressing the pedal to stop, that could mean that there's leak somewhere in your braking system (or, the fluid may simply be low).
It's not always obvious why the sensor comes on. But, figuring out the cause can help prevent major problems in the future. Below, I'll describe a few other factors that can cause it to turn on.
Brake Fluid Leaks
This type of leak is often more serious than it seems initially. If enough fluid leaks out, your brakes can actually fail, leading to an accident. The problem is that the leak can occur in several places, making it difficult to locate. For example, the issue may be in the hoses, lines, calipers, drums, or even the master cylinder. What's worse, if a leak is particularly bad, the fluid can hit the shoes and pads. When that happens, they need to be replaced.
Circuit Failure
Braking systems work through circuits. They're distributed in a couple of different ways, depending on the type of vehicle you're driving. For example, the circuits on front-wheel drive cars are distributed diagonally (right-front and rear-left). Rear-wheel drives divide them by allocating one circuit to the front and the other to the rear. If a leak develops in any circuit, it results in a pressure variance. That sends a signal to a differential switch that turns the warning light on.
Anti-Lock Braking Sensor
Cars with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) usually come with a separate ABS sensor. It will turn on briefly when you start your car's engine. If it comes on while you're driving, there's a problem. Most cars that have an ABS system will turn the entire system off if an error is identified. You'll still be able to use your normal brakes, of course. But, you should take your vehicle into a shop to have a technician look for the cause of the issue.
Fixing The Problem Quickly
Braking issues are significant and can make a car dangerous to drive if they're not resolved. If you notice either your ABS sensor or your normal brake warning light coming on while you're driving, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Even if the cause is just low fluid levels, there may be severe leaks in the system. Replacing the fluid would only be a temporary fix. Your safety on the road is worth the time and money.
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