What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Stay On the Dashboard? — BLIAUTO Helps You Detect Hidden Safety Hazards

During daily driving, the dashboard indicators are like a health report for your vehicle. If any light stays on continuously, it usually signals a fault or abnormality. Among them, the brake warning light is one you should never ignore, as it relates directly to your braking system's performance — and, ultimately, your driving safety.

Today, BLIAUTO will help you understand: What are the common reasons why the brake warning light stays on, and how should you respond?

I. Common Reasons Why the Brake Light Stays On

1. Parking Brake Not Fully Released

This is the most common — and often overlooked — cause. On many vehicles, if the parking brake isn’t fully disengaged, the brake warning light will stay on.

�� How to check:

While lightly pressing the brake, ensure the handbrake lever is fully down. For vehicles with electronic parking brakes, check whether the "P" mode has been released on the center console.

2. Low Brake Fluid Level

Insufficient brake fluid can reduce hydraulic pressure in the braking system, triggering the brake warning light.

 How to check:

Open the hood and check whether the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is between the MIN and MAX lines. If it’s low, refill with the appropriate type of brake fluid.

 Note:

A drop in fluid may also indicate a leak or worn-out brake pads, so further inspection may be needed.

3. Severely Worn Brake Pads

Some vehicles are equipped with brake pad wear sensors. When the pad thickness is too low, the brake light will turn on as a warning.

 How to check:

Have a professional mechanic remove the wheels and inspect the pad thickness. It’s generally recommended to replace pads when they are less than 3mm thick.

4. Faulty Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch (also known as the brake pedal switch) is located above the brake pedal. If it fails or there’s a wiring issue, it can falsely trigger the brake warning light.

 How to check:

Press the brake pedal and check whether the rear brake lights light up. If not, the switch might be faulty.

5. ABS System Failure

In some vehicles, ABS system faults are integrated with the brake warning light. A damaged ABS module can cause the brake warning light to remain on.

 How to check:

Use an OBD diagnostic tool to read fault codes and confirm whether the issue lies with the ABS sensor or its wiring.

6. Wiring Aging or Short Circuits

Aging electrical wiring, loose connectors, or damaged sensor circuits can all lead to false warnings — especially in humid or hot environments.

 How to check:

Have a professional technician use a multimeter to test voltages and check for circuit abnormalities.

II. How to Respond When the Brake Warning Light Stays On

✅ Step 1: Determine Whether It’s a False Alarm

Restart the engine and see if the light remains on.

Check the handbrake, brake fluid level, and brake pads.

✅ Step 2: Get It Inspected Promptly

If the problem persists after a self-check, take the car to a certified repair shop.

Use an OBD scanner to read fault codes and pinpoint the issue.

✅ Step 3: Prevention is Better than Repair

Inspect the braking system every 10,000 km.

When replacing brake pads, also check brake fluid and sensor condition.

III. What Happens If You Ignore the Brake Warning Light?

Ignoring the brake light issue can result in:

 Decreased braking performance or complete failure

 ABS system failure, leading to skidding during emergency braking

 Minor issues turning into major repairs and higher costs

 Failed vehicle inspections and potential insurance claim denials

IV. BLIAUTO’s Friendly Reminder

As a professional manufacturer of automotive lighting and accessories, BLIAUTO not only focuses on safe nighttime driving, but also promotes the philosophy of “active inspection and timely maintenance.” Every signal on your dashboard is your vehicle speaking to you — don’t ignore it.

If your brake warning light stays on for an extended period, follow the steps above to diagnose the cause, or take your vehicle to a trusted repair center for a full inspection. After all, brake systems are no small matter — safe driving should always come first.

BLIAUTO | Built for Safe Illumination. Drive with Confidence.