The car is well-equipped with a brake system warning light to show out the many problems related to your car braking system.

The warning is an exclamation mark inside a circle or the word 'BRAKE' in red.It means that there is a problem, which needs to be fixed immediately.

Common Causes of the Brake System Warning Light

 The brake system warning light may switch on in a number of situations.

Here is a list of the most common reasons:

 Brake Fluid Level Low: The most common reason for the brake light to blink is a low brake-fluid level. This can be caused by fluid leaking out of a faulty system, or a low level resulting from worn pads that stretch the calipers outward to capture the maximum area of the rotors.

 Worn brake pads: If your car’s engine is equipped with sensors that measure the thickness of the brake pads, then you should get a ‘brake pad warning’ when the brake pads become excessively worn.

 Problem No 8 – Faulty Components of the Brake System: This warning light can be caused by a problem with the master cylinder, the calipers or the wheel cylinders. The light could also be on due to faulty sensors or damaged wiring.

 Kicked-on Parking Brake: If you have the parking brake on, even slightly on, the brake warning light will stay on. The simple fix.

 ABS Problem: Other issues with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can cause the light to come on, although most times ABS will light up specifically. Some of the reasons for an ABS Light on can also impact the main brake light.

 Electronic problems: some modern vehicles with electronic brake control module systems may exhibit software or sensor faults that cause the brake warning light to come on.

Implications of the Brake System Warning Light

 Do not ignore a brake system warning light. Here are some of the main consequences. 

 Decreased Braking Efficiency: anything that triggers the brake warning light can reduce the effectiveness of the braking system, increasing stopping distances and making control more difficult. 

 Higher Accident Risk: Failing brakes unmistakably increase accident risk, particularly in situations where maximum braking power is needed.

 Possibility of Entire Brake System Failure: Problems signaled by the break circuit light can, at worst, casuse the entire brake system to fail, a very dangerous condition. 

What to Do When the Brake System Warning Light Comes On

 If you see the warning light come on for your brake system, go through these steps:

 Parking Brake: Is it On?Make sure the parking brake, if your car has one, is completely disengaged. Many times a light can stay on because the parking brake is only slightly engaged.

  Check the Level of Brake Fluid: Open the hood and check the fluid level in the reservoir of your brake fluid. In case the fluid is at a lower level, refill with the well-recommended brake fluid of the manufacturer. In case, the fluid is at the lower minimum, it may be an indication of a leakage or a worn brake pad.

 Look for leaks: Under the car and around the wheels, check for leaks of brake fluid. If you see any, shut off the car and repair the leak right away. 

 Listen and Feel: Listen for any out-of-the-ordinary noises when braking (grinding, squealing), and feel for any changes in the brake pedal – is it spongy, or harder than usual to press?

 Check the Brakes With an OBD-II Scanner: For more advanced diagnostics, connect an OBD-II scanner to your car’s computer to read any trouble codes you have. Most auto parts stores will scan for free. 

 Get A Mechanic To Check It Out: If the light is still on after accessing the standard components, or if you detect any oddities in the brake system, take your vehicle to a mechanic, have it checked out in detail, and get it repaired! 

Preventing Brake System Issues

 Maintenance is important to prevent the problems that will trigger the warning light for the brakes:

 Make Regular Inspections: Regularly check all the important parts of your braking system to ensure that the components are working properly before they fail. Have your car regularly inspected by a qualified mechanic who can determine whether the brake pads, rotors, calipers and fluid levels are in good condition.

 Change Brake Fluid: Brake fluid should be changed to the manufacturer’s specs every two years to maintain efficiency and prevent contamination with moisture.

 Check Brake Pads: If you notice a red abnormal dirt and hear metal grinding sounds, your brake pads might need replacement before the rotors get ruined.

 Check For Leaks: Inspect the brake lines and components periodically for leaks and corrosion. 

 Keep ABS System Active: Keep the ABS system in proper working order by having it checked at each regular maintenance. 

Conclusion

 The brake system warning light is a serious light and should never be dismissed. Knowing the common reasons behind it and what it means can help you take the right actions in order to act promptly and properly should this light ever come on. Keeping your braking system in good shape through regular maintenance and timely repairs is important. That’s the only way to ensure your brakes work properly and keep you on the road safely. If the brake system light comes on, make sure to check the obvious and seek documented known solutions on the brake system to get your issue resolved.