Contents
Contents
Being aware of the status and proper functioning of your vehicle's brake light system is an essential part of safe driving.
This article offers the details on two types of brake lights - the rear brake light that notify the cars behind you when you hit the pedal, and the brake light on the dash alerts you to possible issues in the braking system.
Now read on for more details.
What are Brake Lights and Brake Warning Lights?
About Brake Lights
Brake tail lights are the lights on the rear of your vehicle, serving crucial safety purpose when of alerting drivers behind you when you apply the brakes.
Put simply, here's how the brake light system works. When you press the brake pedal, a lever attached to it pushes a switch that activates the brake lights. Electricity then flows through the wiring and fuses to illuminate the bulbs. Releasing the pedal disconnects the switch, turning the brake lights off.
About Brake Lights on Dash
Brake warning lights are the lights that appear on your dashboard. They are intended to notify you when there's a potential problem with your vehicle's braking mechanism.
The brake warning light could show up for reasons such as an engaged parking brake, worn brake pads, flaws in the Anti-lock Braking System, sensor failures, reduced brake fluid levels, or a faulty rear brake light bulb.
Now let’s discuss these common culprits and what they mean in more detail:
Why Your Brake Light on Dash Is On?
The Parking Brake is Activated
The most probable cause for your brake warning indicator appearing is a stuck parking brake. The internal mechanism for the emergency brake may have gotten stuck in the applied position.
Even if the parking brake lever doesn't feel pulled, try engaging and disengaging it. If the dashboard brake light turns off, it likely means there aren't any other issues with your brakes.
Low Brake Fluid
When your brake warning light illuminates, one possible cause is low brake fluid. The fluid level is monitored by a sensor in the master brake cylinder.
If the brake fluid level drops below the minimum threshold, the sensor activates the brake warning light. Reduced fluid indicates a leak or loss of fluid, meaning you need to top up the reservoir soon.
Worn-out Brake Pads
Your brake warning indicator may be alerting you to worn brake pads. As brake pads wear down over time, the sensors can make contact with the rotor, triggering the brake warning light.
You'll often notice worn brake pads before the light comes on. A squealing, scraping, or grinding noise from your wheels usually indicates your pads are near the end of their life.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Issues
If your ABS system experiences a fault, the brake warning light may illuminate, indicating that the system might not function as expected in certain situations.
Sensor Failure
When your brake warning light turns on, one possible culprit is a sensor failure within your vehicle's brake system. Here are two things to know:
Your car relies on sensors- The parking brake sensor, master cylinder sensor, ABS sensors, and others monitor your brakes. They make sure fluid levels are correct, that parts are moving as they should, and more.
Sensors can malfunction - If any of these sensors develops a fault, it can cause the warning light to come on. The issue may be as simple as a loose wire or as major as a failed sensor.
Brake Light Bulb Fault
A defective brake light bulb could also be the basic reasons your brake lights has come on.
Although not all automobile models have this dashboard light, when they do, it warns you that one or both rear brake lamps have malfunctioned.
Identifying the Rear Brake Lights on Your Car
Identifying Brake Lights on Your Car
Finding your vehicle's brake lights is straightforward. Typically, the brake lights are installed on the rear of the automobile and their precise placement varies by manufacturer and model type. To spot them, search for the red bulbs that illuminate once you press down on the brake pedal.
Differences Between Brake Lights and Other Lights
Brake lights, tail lights, and parking lights serve different functions. Brake lights come on only when you press the brake pedal, signaling to other vehicles that you are slowing down or stopping. Tail lights, on the other hand, remain lit as long as your headlights are switched on. Parking lights typically activate whenever you park the car, illuminating only the front and rear sides of the vehicle.
Why is there a third brake light?
The third brake light provides an essential safety function. Since many vehicles block the view of the standard brake lights, the high-mounted stop lamp helps alert following motorists that you are braking. This is especially useful at night time or when you need to brake suddenly.
Some countries allow turn signals that are also red in color, which can be confusing for other road users. By having that high brake light on the rear window or trunk, drivers behind can more easily identify your actual braking maneuver.
Why are Brake Tail Lights Important?
Alerting drivers behind
Brake lights let the following vehicles know when you apply your brakes, helping avoid rear-impact crashes. Without this visual cue, cars behind wouldn't know to slow down. Brake lights prevent many rear-end collisions.
Boosting clarity in poor visibility
Especially in bad weather with low visibility, brightly lit brake lights make it crystal clear you're slowing or stopping. The brighter glow improves drivers' ability to see your decelerating vehicle on rainy and foggy days.
Meeting legal requirements
Fully functional brake lights aren't an option - they're mandated by law. Driving with malfunctioning brake lights can lead to citations and other problems. Keeping your brake lights in tip-top shape ensures legal driving.
Facilitating smooth traffic flow
When every vehicle can clearly see others slowing and stopping, traffic moves through in a coordinated, in-sync manner down the road. Brake lights synchronize all the drivers for an orderly, cohesive traffic pattern.
Why Brake Tail Lights Stay On?
Have you ever noticed your brake staying on even after you release the brake pedal or turn off the vehicle? There are a few common causes for this annoying issue:
The Brake Light Switch is Faulty:
This simple switch activates the brake lights when the pedal is pressed. But if it malfunctions, your lights will stay on constantly. Usually, the problem is a faulty or out-of-adjustment switch located near the brake pedal.
The brake pedal spring may be broken:
This spring returns the pedal to the upright position when you lift your foot. If it's damaged, the pedal can't disengage the switch to turn off the lights.
Stuck Brake Pedal:
Your brake pedal could be getting stuck. Make sure the pedal fully returns to its original position. If not, the switch remains activated keeping the lights on.
Electrical System Gremlins:
Faults in the electrical circuitry can impact multiple components including brake lights. These defects can result in illuminated lights that won't switch off or lights that fail to illuminate.
Troubleshooting electrical issues can be complex. So check the simpler causes first. Inspect all connections and wiring for damage or corrosion. Tighten loose connections and replace damaged wires or connectors.
Wrong Bulb:
Installing the wrong bulb can lead to a short circuit, activating your brake lights constantly. Before replacing light bulbs, double-check the socket to confirm how many circuits it has and select the correct corresponding bulb.
Brake Light Not Working: How to Test & Replace?
How to Test Brake Light
Brake lights rely on an automobile's electrical circuitry that uses fuses and switches for protection. When one or more brake lights fail, there are 3 potential causes: a fuse for the brake light system is blown, the brake light bulbs need replacing, or the brake light switch is broken. All 3 issues are straightforward to troubleshoot.
Testing the Brake Light System Fuse
First things first - check the fuse powering your vehicle's brake lights. Your owner's manual shows you which fuse this is.
Pull that fuse and test it using a circuit tester hooked to ground. If the tester doesn't light up, the fuse needs replacing. Install a fresh fuse and test again.
If the brake lights start working by pressing the pedal, the repair is done. However, if the new fuse blows right away, there's a larger electrical fault needing an auto electrician's attention. If replacing the fuse didn't fix the lights, have a mechanic further diagnose and repair your brake light system.
Test the Brake Light Switch
To test the brake light switch, fasten a test light to one of the wires near the brake pedal then press the pedal while touching the tester to the other wire. If the bulb illuminates, the switch is fine. But if the bulb does not light, the switch may need replacing.
How to Replace Brake Light Bulb
If the brake light not working is due to a burnt out brake light bulb, simply replacing the bulb is usually enough to resolve the issue. Follow these steps to replace the brake light bulb:
Step 1: Determine the type of bulb and socket. Refer to your owner's manual for specifications or ask an auto parts associate for assistance.
Step 2: Prepare for the fix. Acquire the proper replacement bulb and any tools needed like screwdrivers or pliers.
Step 3: Gain access to the faulty light. Rear trunk or tailgate lamps are easiest, requiring no panel removal. If the light is fastened within the tail light assembly, unscrew the housing bolts and carefully detach the unit.
Step 4: Unplug and remove the malfunctioning bulb by gently twisting the socket counterclockwise. Avoid touching the new bulb with your bare hands.
Step 5: Before inserting the replacement, apply dielectric grease to protect connections from moisture and corrosion. Twist the new bulb securely into place.
Step 6: Reattach the tail light assembly housing and seal with new gaskets if needed. Screw bolts firmly but do not overtighten.
Brake Light Replacement Cost
Replacing your vehicle's brake light may cost from $100 to $200 on average. The price depends mainly on your vehicle type and the quality of the shop you select.
The price for replacing a brake light widely varies. Things like your car make and model and the mechanic you hire impact the final number. In some cases, a new bulb for $10 fixes it. But problems like frayed wires may cause a much higher bill. Your mechanic can give an accurate quote based on your vehicle.
Get New LED Brake Lights or Other Automotive Lighting at SuncentAuto
At SuncentAuto, we carefully select LED brake lights that meet stringent criteria for performance and longevity. As a manufacturer of brands like SEALIGHT, Torchbeam, Marsauto, and more, we offer LED upgrades at honest prices with free delivery.
Whether you need new brake lights, turn signals, headlights, or fog lamps, our range of LED upgrade solutions serves up an optimal balance of style, safety, and value. We stand behind our products with a 90-day refund policy and free shipping, so you can upgrade with confidence.
