Your car’s dashboard is a crucial communication tool, designed to give you a heads-up when something is wrong. While a variety of lights might illuminate, some are directly related to your vehicle’s braking system. Paying attention to these warning lights can prevent a serious accident or an expensive repair. Here are the top warning lights you should know.
1. The Brake System Warning Light
This is the most critical light to understand. It is a red or amber light that typically looks like a circle with an exclamation point or a “P” inside it.
- What it means: This light can signal several issues, all of which are serious. The most common cause is a low brake fluid level, which often indicates a leak. It can also illuminate if your parking brake is engaged, but if the light stays on after releasing the parking brake, it is a sign of a major problem.
- What to do: Do not drive with this light on. If the light comes on while you are driving, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. The car should be towed to a mechanic to be inspected for a fluid leak or other hydraulic system failure.
2. The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Light
This light is usually yellow or amber and shows the letters “ABS” inside a circle.
- What it means: This light indicates a problem with your Anti-lock Braking System. It does not mean your regular brakes have failed. Your standard braking system will still work, but the ABS will not function. This means that if you have to brake hard, your wheels may lock up, and you will lose steering control.
- What to do: You can continue driving with caution, but you should have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible. Driving without ABS is a risk, especially on wet or slippery roads.
3. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
While not directly a brake light, the TPMS light (which looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside) can be indirectly related to braking performance.
- What it means: This light indicates that one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. As we’ve discussed, proper tire pressure is critical for maintaining traction.
- What to do: You should check your tire pressure as soon as possible and inflate the tire to the correct pressure. Driving on an underinflated tire can increase your stopping distance and cause a blowout.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Signals
Ultimately, your dashboard warning lights are there for a reason. They are your car’s way of communicating a potential problem before it becomes a major failure. While some lights, like the ABS light, allow you to drive cautiously, the red Brake System Warning Light should be treated as a serious emergency. By paying attention to these signals, you can ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle’s most important safety system.