Brake Warning Light On: What to Check First
Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent
A red brake warning light usually means one of three things: the handbrake is still on, the brake fluid is low, or the car has found a fault in the braking system. First check the handbrake is fully released. If the light stays on, treat it as a brake fault and do not keep driving until it has been checked.
What the brake warning light looks like
On most cars it is a red circle with brackets either side. Inside is an exclamation mark, the word BRAKE or a letter P. Your handbook will show the exact symbol for your car.
Red lights matter. The RAC’s advice is that you should not drive if you see a red warning light, and should pull over as soon as it is safe.
Some cars also have a separate, usually amber, brake pad wear light. That one is a different warning and we cover it in our guide to brake pad warning signs.
Check 1: is the handbrake fully off?
This is the most common reason the light is on, and the easiest to fix. The same light is used for the parking brake on many cars. Mazda’s owner’s manual, for example, says the light comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off once it is released.
- Lever handbrake: push it right down. A lever that is a click or two up can keep the light on.
- Electronic parking brake: press or pull the switch to release it, following your handbook.
If the light goes out, that was the cause. If it stays on with the handbrake released, move on to the next check.
On cars with an electronic parking brake there is often a separate fault light for that system. If that shows, the parking brake may not hold the car. Park on level ground, leave it in gear or in P, and get it looked at.
Warning light on? We come to you.
Send a photo of the dashboard and your reg. We will tell you if it looks safe to drive and what it needs.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
Check 2: is the brake fluid low?
With the car parked safely on level ground and the engine off, open the bonnet and find the brake fluid reservoir. It is a small see-through pot with MIN and MAX marks. Your handbook shows where it is on your car.
Look at the level through the side of the pot. You do not need to open the cap to check it.
What you see tells you a lot:
- Between MIN and MAX: the fluid level is probably not the cause. A sensor or electronic fault is more likely.
- At or below MIN: this needs checking. Mazda’s manual explains that the level normally drops slowly as the pads wear. It also says a low level could mean worn brake linings or a leak, and that a low level is dangerous.
- Well below MIN or not visible: do not drive the car.
Topping up only hides the problem. A level that has dropped points to worn brake pads or a leak, and both need checking.
Is it safe to drive with the brake warning light on?
If the light stays on after you release the handbrake, no. Pull over somewhere safe, keep your speed low and avoid braking hard on the way.
Mazda’s manual is clear on this: do not drive with the brake system warning light on, and park the car in a safe place straight away. As well as low fluid, it says the light can mean a fault in the brake system itself, such as the electronic brake force distribution system.
Get it checked before driving again if you notice any of these as well:
- The pedal feels soft or sinks towards the floor (see our guide to a spongy brake pedal).
- The car pulls to one side under braking.
- You can see fluid on the inside of a wheel or on the ground.
- The ABS light is on at the same time (see our guide to the ABS warning light).
Will it fail the MOT?
It can. The DVSA’s MOT inspection manual lists a brake fluid warning light that is lit or not working as a defect. Low brake fluid is a defect too, rated more seriously the lower it is. If the fluid cannot be seen at all, that is a dangerous defect.
On cars with an electronic parking brake, a warning light showing a fault with it is a major defect, which means a fail.
What it costs to fix
There is no single price, because the light has several possible causes. It might be a handbrake switch, a fluid level sensor, worn brake pads, or a leak from a pipe or calliper. Each needs different parts and time, and this varies a lot between cars.
The first step is finding the cause. That way you only pay for what the car actually needs.
How we can help
We are a mobile mechanic, so we come to your home or workplace in Aylesham, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Folkestone and the villages around them. See all the areas we cover.
- We do fault finding, so we can find out why your brake warning light is on and tell you what it needs.
- We replace brake pads and brake discs.
- For other causes, such as a fluid leak or an electronic parking brake fault, we can come out, diagnose the cause and then tell you what it needs.
Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job and how difficult it is. Parts are extra. We agree the price with you on WhatsApp before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my brake light on when the handbrake is off?
The most likely causes are low brake fluid, a faulty handbrake or fluid level switch, or a fault in the braking system. Check the fluid level first, then get it checked.
Can I just top up the brake fluid?
Topping up does not fix the reason the level dropped. Worn pads or a leak are the usual causes, so the brakes need inspecting.
Is the brake warning light the same as the brake pad light?
Not always. Many cars have a separate pad wear light. Your handbook shows which symbol is which.
Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.
Warning light on? We come to you.
Message us on WhatsApp with your reg and postcode for a price before any work starts.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
