HOMECategories in Auto RepairDiagnosing Car ProblemsHow to React if Your Car's Brake Light Comes On
How to React if Your Car's Brake Light Comes On
Written by lifang  
January 11, 2008 15:50

Introduction

There are only two things that can cause the brake light on the dashboard to go on: Either you're driving with the hand brake on or you are low on brake fluid.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Brake Fluids

Steps

1

Step One

Check out your brake situation as soon as you can if the brake light goes on. You don't need to stop driving immediately. 2

Step Two

Turn the engine off and open the hood. 3

Step Three

To find the brake fluid reservoir (also called the "brake master cylinder"), look for a round black rubber cap about 2 to 4 inches in diameter that covers a plastic container. Imagine where your foot would be if it went all the way through the car toward the engine past your brake pedal. This is where you will almost always find the brake master cylinder. 4

Step Four

Check the fine print on the rubber cap. It should say, "Use only DOT 4 (or 5 or 3) brake fluid." 5

Step Five

Remove the cap. If the cap is dusty or dirty, wipe it off with a rag so no dirt particles fall into the reservoir. 6

Step Six

Check what kind of brake fluid your car requires. This is indicated on the rubber brake reservoir cap and in the owner's manual. DOT 5 is the highest grade available right now and can be used in any system. If your car requires DOT 4, do not use DOT 3 or a lower-grade fluid. DOT stands for Department of Transportation. 7

Step Seven

Fill the reservoir with brake fluid up to the "full" line. If there is no "full" indicator, fill it to the top. 8

Step Eight

Put the cap back on and wipe up any spills. 9

Step Nine

Turn the car on and the light should be off. 10

Step Ten

Wait, you're not done yet! Now call your mechanic and make an appointment for a four-wheel brake inspection to find out why the brake fluid was so low. 11

Step Eleven

Make an appointment for a brake check immediately if the light goes off but the pedal sinks to the floor.

Tips & Warnings

  • The brake reservoir cap may say, "Only use brake fluid from a sealed container." This does not mean you must purchase a new bottle of brake fluid every time you want to add brake fluid. It's reminding you not to leave the bottle of brake fluid out in the open with the cap off, because particles of dust and dirt may get into the bottle, and dirt will cause problems with your braking system.
  • Brake fluid is highly corrosive. Take care not to spill any on your clothes, and wash your hands if you get any on your skin.
  • Try not to spill any brake fluid on the paint of your car, as it will mess up your paint job if you don't immediately wipe it off.