What Is A Brake Lamp

If you are a new driver, you have to learn all the indicators and symbols you can see in the car dashboard. Everything that lights up or makes an audio signal is an indicator of something that requires action. Like an open door or that you have to wear a seatbelt. You have to master them to know your car's condition and for your safety as well. Do you know that a car dashboard has a brake lamp? What is a brake lamp? What does it mean when it's on? Let's find out.

The Brake Lamp Warning

Brake light gives you a warning that connects to your braking system. Therefore, if it lights up, it tells you that you have to stop to check on your brake. Do not ignore the brake lamp warning as it's going to be costly and very dangerous. 

Break Lamp Light Is On After Starting Your Car

Never drive your car if you see the brake light on upon starting the vehicle. What you need to do first is to ensure that the parking brake is released. Note that some cars may have shared warning lights for both the brake system and parking brake. Always check your parking brake if it's released by pulling on the release tool. However, if your brake lamp still lights up after releasing the brake, it's clear that the brake system is the issue. If you drive the car with a brake problem, you might not be able to stop it and get into an accident. Immediately turn off your car's engine and ask for help for your car to be transported for repair.

Driving And The Brake Light Turned On

When you're driving, and you noticed that your brake light warning turns on, try to press the brake pedal. If it doesn't go away, stay calm. You need to know that your car has two separate brake hydraulic systems that connect the brake pedal to the wheels. Therefore, in cases where you'll have a problem with one system, you'll still be able to safely stop the vehicle with the help of the other system. Once you put the vehicle safely to a stop, ask help for your car to be transported for repair.

Is Your Brake Lamp Working?

You and your brake lamp have a shared responsibility. If it gives you the warning to help keep you safe, it's your responsibility to make sure that it's perfectly functioning to perform its job. Try to constantly check it just to make sure that it's working perfectly fine. Here's how:

All warning lights on the car dashboard lights up after the ignition system turns on after you start up your car. And that includes your brake lamp. The warning lights are on for just a couple of seconds before it goes out along with the other warning lights. It was intended for you to check that all warning lights are fully functioning. If some warning lights don't illuminate, it means that the light source is not working, and therefore the warning light is not working properly.

Conclusion

There's no fixed location for your brake lamp. Get yourself familiarized with those by reading your owner's manual. Now you've learned what is a brake lamp's importance in your vehicle and your safety. Never ignore it.