Does your brake light flash on and off or is your brake light blinking? Are you having trouble turning off your brake light?
Typically, these problems are associated with your car’s brake system; a proper inspection is required to verify the actual issue.
This article will help you understand why your brake light is blinking and what you should do to fix this issue.
Why Is My Brake Light Blinking?
The most common cause of brake lights blinking is low brake fluid levels, which usually indicate a leak. If you notice your brake light blinking, check the braking system to know if there’s a leak and take your vehicle to a mechanic for proper inspection and repair.
The primary purpose of a warning light is to notify you of a problem in your car that you may not notice or won’t be able to observe on time. Dashboard lights will stay on until the problem they indicate is addressed.
Also Read: Brake Light Switch: Everything To Know
Brake light Blinking (Causes)
Below are other reasons why your brake light is blinking or is on.
1. The Parking Brake Is Engaged
Your car brake light comes on when you engage the parking brake. The light looks like the letter “P”; some cars show the exclamation mark “!” and reflect either red or yellow light.
The owner’s manual of your vehicle can assist you with knowing what color and symbol your car shows when the brake is engaged; therefore, try to check it out.
You must avoid driving your car when the parking brake light is on, and this is because it can result in brake pad and rotor damage. The warning light goes off when you release the parking brake.
If you notice that the brake light is still on after you have entirely released the parking brake, then something has gone wrong within your car’s braking system.
2. Low Brake Fluid
If you have a brake light blinking, it is mostly because of low brake fluid in your vehicle. In most cars, when the brake exclamation mark “!” comes up with a yellow circle and is blinking, it means the brake fluid has become low.
The yellow sign does not imply a total absence of brake fluid, and the brake system can still function properly. However, when a red light comes on, you will need to see a professional immediately.
If the red brake light is blinking, it could also mean low fluid, threatening the hydraulic brake system. If you have a brake light blinking, it is a serious sign that needs urgent attention to avoid further damages.
Top up your brake fluid yourself, or get Get a professional to examine your car and perform the top-up.
3. Bad Brake Light Bulbs
If the brake lights become dim or die out, it can cause your brake light to blink on the dashboard. To confirm this problem, you will need a friend to go to the back of your car and monitor the brake light as you step on the brake pedal.
If he/she does not see a bright red light, the problem is confirmed, and you will need to replace the damaged bulb.
4. Overly Sensitive Brakes
If, after replacing the pads, similar wear sensors, and the brake light is blinking, it could be as a result of brakes being very sensitive.
This is common for certain car models. If this is the cause of the brake light blinking, here is what you need to do:
- Ensure contact between the brake pads and discs; you can achieve this by pushing the pedal a few times.
- Turn off the dashboard for a few seconds.
- Recheck the dashboard and see if the brake light is still on.
- If the light is still on, you will need professional assistance.
Also Read: Squeaking Noise While Driving but Not Brakes Applied (Solved)
Frequently Asked Questions – Brake light Blinking
Can I Drive With My Brake Light Flashing?
It is not advisable to drive with your brake light flashing. If the brake light is flashing, it is a sign that there is a problem with the vehicle’s braking system, and driving with it can be risky.
What Can Cause Brake Lights to Flicker?
When your car brake light switch is adjusted too tight or too close to the brake pedal, it will start to flicker; a slight adjustment or replacement can fix the problem.
Why Is My Brake Light Flashing and Beeping?
Flashing and beeping of brake lights signify low brake fluid; you will need to refill or add an adequate amount of brake fluid so that this sign will disappear.
How Long Can I Drive With the Brake Light On?
Ideally, you should not drive when your brake light is on; however, when you do, you should not exceed 1000 miles because that’s the distance the car can take you with efficient braking.
Why Is My Audi Brake Light Blinking?
The most common cause of brake lights blinking is low fluid levels, which usually indicate a damaged or dead ABS controller. When you notice a low liquid level, please check the braking system to know if there’s a leakage.
Why Is My Emergency Brake Light Staying On?
A failing or failed switch can cause the emergency brake light to stay on. This is one of the most common reasons, and to determine if it is the switch, move the handle back and forth when it’s down. If the light goes off or flashes on and off, that’s likely the problem and should be replaced.
How Do I Reset My Brake Light?
Go to the car battery and remove the positive cable. Press down the brake pedal to pull the car’s electrical system. This will then refresh the car’s central computer. Restore power to the car by re-connecting the positive cable. This will allow the light to remain off for at least a week.
Conclusion – Brake Light Blinking
The most common cause of brake lights blinking is low brake fluid levels, which usually indicate a leak. If you notice your brake light blinking, check the braking system to know if there’s a leak and take your vehicle to a mechanic for proper inspection and repair.
If your brake light is blinking and you do not take the appropriate steps to fix it, it could lead to more serious damage to your vehicle, which could lead to more costly repairs. It could also pose a risk to you and other road users.