Why Is My Brake Light On?
Why Is My Brake Light On? Junction City Drivers—Here’s the Truth About This Warning Sign
If your brake warning light is on, don’t just keep driving and hope for the best. That red or amber symbol glowing on your dashboard isn’t a suggestion—it’s a serious alert. Whether you’re running errands in Junction City or heading toward Eugene, that brake light could be signaling a problem that puts your safety—and your wallet—at risk.
At South Valley Automotive & Customs, we’ve seen it all—from minor issues to full-blown brake system failures. In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
- What the brake light actually means
- The most common reasons it comes on
- What to do next
- How our team keeps Junction City drivers safe and confident on the road
What Is the Brake Warning Light?
The brake warning light is typically a red or amber icon that either reads “BRAKE” or shows a circular symbol with an exclamation point. It may illuminate alongside your ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light, depending on the vehicle.
This warning appears when your vehicle detects a potential failure or abnormality in the braking system—something you should never ignore.
7 Common Reasons Your Brake Light Is On
1. Low Brake Fluid
Your braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to function. If brake fluid is low, the system can’t build pressure properly, which triggers the warning light.
Causes include:
- Worn brake pads (more fluid is needed as pads thin)
- Small leaks in brake lines, calipers, or the master cylinder
- Contaminated or old fluid
What to do: Never top off fluid without understanding why it’s low. Bring your vehicle to South Valley Automotive for a full brake fluid inspection and leak check.
2. Worn Brake Pads
Modern vehicles often include sensors that trigger the warning light when brake pads get dangerously thin. Continuing to drive on worn pads can damage your rotors and increase stopping distance.
Symptoms:
- Squealing or grinding noises
- Soft or delayed brake response
- Vibration while braking
What to do: Schedule a brake inspection with our team. We’ll check pad thickness, rotor condition, and system safety to give you a clear picture of what needs attention.
3. Parking Brake Not Fully Released
A partially engaged or faulty parking brake is one of the most common causes of a brake warning light. Even if it feels like it’s released, the switch or cable may be sticking.
What to do: Fully release the parking brake and check again. If the light persists, we can inspect and adjust the parking brake system as needed.
4. ABS System Fault
If your vehicle uses a shared warning light for the brake system and ABS, a failure in the anti-lock braking system could trigger the alert.
Potential causes:
- Failed wheel speed sensors
- Faulty ABS control module
- Hydraulic imbalance in the ABS system
Why it matters: ABS keeps your wheels from locking during sudden stops. Without it, emergency braking becomes more dangerous—especially on Oregon’s wet or icy roads.
What to do: Let our technicians run a full ABS diagnostic to get to the root of the issue.
5. Brake Light Switch Failure
This sensor is located at the top of your brake pedal and signals the brake lights and ECU when you press the pedal. If it fails:
- Your rear brake lights may not turn on
- The brake light on your dash could remain illuminated
What to do: We can test and replace this switch quickly to restore full safety and function.
6. Hydraulic Leak or Master Cylinder Failure
If your brake pedal feels soft or sinks to the floor, you may have a leak or a master cylinder issue—both of which are dangerous.
What to do: Stop driving immediately. Call South Valley Automotive for towing and emergency inspection. We’ll fix the issue with precision and urgency.
7. Sensor or Electrical Malfunction
In some cases, your brake light may be triggered by a faulty sensor or an electrical short. Even if it’s a false alarm, you shouldn’t ignore it—because real issues can go undetected.
What to do: Our ASE-certified team will run diagnostics to confirm whether the warning is legitimate or a sensor malfunction.
What Should You Do When Your Brake Light Comes On?
- Pull over safely – Don’t take risks with a brake issue.
- Release the parking brake – Fully disengage and check the light.
- Test the brake pedal – Is it soft, sinking, or unresponsive?
- Look for fluid leaks – Any puddles under your car?
- Call South Valley Automotive & Customs – We’ll take care of the rest.
Why Junction City Trusts South Valley Automotive for Brake Repairs
At South Valley Automotive & Customs, we take your safety seriously. Our brake inspections go beyond the surface to identify not just what’s wrong—but why it’s happening.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Certified technicians with years of experience
- Advanced diagnostics for ABS, hydraulic, and electronic systems
- Honest communication and no-pressure recommendations
- High-quality parts and precision workmanship
- Fair pricing and a local team that treats you like family
Whether you need new pads, a master cylinder, or just a sensor reset, we’ll make sure your brakes are 100% road-ready before you leave our shop.
Don’t Take Chances with a Brake Warning Light
The brake light is a serious signal. It’s your car’s way of asking you to stop and pay attention—literally. If you ignore it, you’re putting yourself and others at risk.
Let South Valley Automotive & Customs give you the peace of mind you deserve. We’ll find the issue, explain your options, and get the job done right.
📍 Visit us at: 1310 Ivy St, Junction City, OR 97448
📞 Call: (541) 234-2556
🌐 Schedule your service: https://svautorepaireugene.com/
For more information please watch out video.