Brake Warning Light Service in Santa Monica
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If you're not sure what to do when you brake light warning comes on, you're in the right place. Since your brakes are responsible for stopping your vehicle, they are the most critical component in your car.
When your vehicle detects an issue with its stopping system, one or more warning light might appear. You're likely to see this indicator when you start your car. If it populates while you're driving, there might be a larger, more urgent service request to adhere to.
Make no mistake, brake problems are serious problems. If your car flashes you a warning signal, your brake pedal feels loose, or you hear brake noises/feel vibrations, you need to bring your vehicle in for servicing. Additional symptoms of brake faults are:
- Unresponsive brake systems
- Pedal suddenly falls to the floor
- Pedal requires pumping to stop
If you experience any of the issues above, it's not worth trying to lug it to our service center yourself. Be safe and request a tow!
When the Brake Warning Light is Triggered
When a faulty system triggers the brake warning light, the light will appear to red. If you notice the brake light appearing with a "!" symbol in the middle of a circle, this is your brake light warning.
When your brake fluid levels are seriously low, you'll notice a similar warning light will populate. The light will be yellow and not red.
Anti-lock brakes will pump the brakes automatically to ensure you have enhanced stopping abilities on slippery surfaces. These brakes also have an individual warning symbol/light. The indicator will pop up with a circle and "ABS" in the center. The light might appear orange or yellow.
How Does the Braking System Work?
Typically, braking systems use hydraulic fluid to move the pressure of your foot through a sealed system. The system is full of brake fluid, which moves to the brake discs and drums on your car's tires.
Friction material exists in each brake occurs when the component pushes against the rotating disc. This movement reduces the wheel's speed, thus bringing your car to a stop with enough pressure. This is why the harder you press your foot on the brake pedal, the faster you'll stop/slow down.
Why Do Brake Warning Lights Come On?
Below you'll find a few reasons why your brake warning light might come on:
- You're in need of a brake fluid. This can happen either due to leaking or perhaps the brake fluid has evaporated over time. There is a marker inside the component that lets the technician see the "MAX" and "MIN" marks. We look at your owner's manual and instructions to ensure your vehicle always has the right amount of brake fluid, which will enhance your stopping system's performance.
- Your brake pads might be worn out. If you hear squealing noises when you apply the brakes, you might be hearing the result of metal-to-metal contact. This is an issue that will destroy the components in your braking system. Be sure to get your brake pads replaced regularly.
- Your brake light bulb might have burned out. Generally, vehicles have several bulbs in their brake lights. If one of the bulbs burns out, the computer will notice a resistance change in the circuit, which will then prompt it to turn the brake warning light on.
Do you have additional brake service questions? Contact our team today. We are here to help with your next brake service in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades and more! Why? We are your go-to for Mercedes repair in Los Angeles, auto repair in Los Angeles, and more. Need a Toyota mechanic? That's us. What about an AC repair in Los Angeles? Our point is this: we know about brakes and everything in between. Contact us today.