Why is my brake warning light on?
First make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the red brake light stays on, the brake fluid is likely low, which usually means the pads are very worn or there's a leak. Check the fluid reservoir under the hood. If the pedal feels soft or sinks, stop driving and have the car towed. An amber ABS light alone means normal brakes still work, but anti-lock braking may not.
Red brake light vs amber ABS light
| Light | Usual cause | Safe to drive? |
|---|---|---|
| Red BRAKE or (!) | Parking brake on, low brake fluid, hydraulic problem | Only after you've confirmed the parking brake and the pedal feels normal; get it checked right away |
| Amber ABS | Anti-lock system fault, often a wheel speed sensor | Yes, carefully; normal braking works, but wheels can lock in a hard stop |
| Both together | Can affect brake balance | Drive gently and get it checked right away |
What to do
- Release the parking brake fully. It's the most common cause.
- Check the brake fluid reservoir, usually a translucent plastic tank near the driver's side firewall. The level should be between MIN and MAX.
- Test the pedal in a safe place. It should feel firm and stop high.
- Look for wet spots inside the wheels or on the ground behind them.
Stop driving if the pedal is soft, sinks toward the floor, or the car takes noticeably longer to stop.
What we check
Pad thickness at all four wheels, fluid level and condition, hoses, lines and calipers for leaks, and, for an ABS light, the stored codes and wheel speed sensors. You get photos of what we find.
From drivers who came to us
Upon tire rotation Derick let me know (by texting me photo proof) that my brake pads needed changing, my rear pads were almost non existent.
They addressed an issue with my brakes that the dealer had told me was just fine. They not only resolved my issue, but were quick and honest.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
Why is my brake fluid low if there's no leak?
As brake pads wear, the caliper pistons move outward and the fluid level drops. A low level often means the pads are near the end of their life. Topping it up hides that signal.
What's the difference between the brake light and the ABS light?
The red brake light warns about the main hydraulic brakes or the parking brake. The amber ABS light means the anti-lock system has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor. Brakes still work, without the anti-lock function.
Both the brake and ABS lights are on. Is that bad?
It can mean the system that balances front and rear braking is affected. Drive carefully and get it checked right away.