What Should You Do When Your Volvo Brake Light Comes On During Driving?

When the dash warning light appears in your Volvo car, you may start to feel anxious. Generally, most drivers become concerned when they see a check engine light, but a brake warning light is perhaps more alarming. It is important to have your brakes inspected if they are having issues, as they keep you safe on the road.

With a hydraulic brake fluid-filled system, your foot on the pedal amplifies the force of braking. Braking is accomplished by clamping down on brake discs or activating brake drums, converting kinetic energy into heat, thereby slowing your car down.

The brake light is unlikely to mean that your brakes have failed completely, but it's best to be cautious.

Parking Brake Engaged

You may have a brake light on for this reason. It is the parking brake sensor that triggers the brake warning light if the parking brake is still on. It usually occurs when the parking brake is not fully disengaged, and the solution is to completely release it. This will overheat your brakes, and accelerate wear on brake shoes and brake pads if you leave them as they are. 

Problems with Sensors

Many sensors are linked to your vehicle's braking system, such as parking brake sensors, master cylinders, and ABS. It is possible for them to malfunction and cause your dashboard brake light to illuminate.

A Worn-out Brake Pad

Worn brake pads can lead to a drop in brake fluid level, which can also activate your brake warning light. Moreover, sensor wires on brake pads can also cause this problem.

Brake pads that are too worn will cause this sensor wire to contact the rotor and cause a brake warning light to illuminate.

Brake Fluid Levels are Low

A sensor that is found in the brake master cylinder keeps track of the brake fluid level in the system. Low levels will trigger the brake light to illuminate if the sensor detects a fall below the minimum threshold.

It is important to be aware of low brake fluid levels as they may indicate a brake fluid leak that needs to be repaired immediately.

Malfunction of the Antilock Braking System

An ABS brake warning light is present in most vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS). 

Brake warning lights and ABS lights (if your vehicle has one) can turn on when there are problems with the antilock brake system. From a dirty wheel speed sensor to an electrical malfunction, there can be a number of reasons for this problem. In this case, you should consult with an auto professional to determine the cause of your ABS codes.

Let the Brake Experts at Volvo Cars Manhattan Handle it

Your brake warning light will be fixed quickly by our technicians, regardless of whether there is a faulty sensor or a leak in the brake fluid. Don't hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment if you are experiencing brake issues!