Check Brake System Light: What It Means and Whether You Can Drive

The "Check Brake System" light is more serious than the brake pad warning light. It indicates a problem with your braking system that could affect your ability to stop. The question is whether it's a problem you can drive with or a problem that requires immediate service.

If you are facing a serious brake system issue, visit FlexAuto FL for Brake Repair & Replacement Service in Orlando.

What This Light Actually Means

The "Check Brake System" light is a general alert that your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a fault. It could mean low brake fluid. It could mean a failed ABS module. It could mean a brake fluid leak. It could mean a faulty brake sensor. The light doesn't tell you which problem exists, only that a problem exists.

This is why you can't just ignore it and hope it goes away. You need to determine what's causing it.

The First Thing to Check: Your Brake Pedal

Before you panic or call a mechanic, check how your brake pedal feels. This single test tells you whether you can safely drive to a repair shop or whether you need a tow truck.

Press the brake pedal firmly. It should feel solid and not go all the way to the floor. If the pedal feels normal and firm, your primary braking system is likely functioning. You can probably drive to a repair shop. If the pedal feels soft, spongy, or goes to the floor, you have a serious brake system problem. Do not drive. Call for a tow truck.

The Five Most Common Causes

Low brake fluid

Check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. It's usually a white or translucent plastic container on the driver's side. The fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's low, top it off with the correct brake fluid (check your owner's manual). Low fluid can indicate a slow leak. Schedule a brake inspection within the next few days.

Brake fluid leak 

If you see fluid under your vehicle or the brake fluid reservoir is low and stays low after topping it off, you have a leak. Brake fluid is clear to light brown. A leak means your braking system is losing pressure. Get service today. Do not ignore this.

ABS system malfunction

Your vehicle's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheels from locking during hard braking. If the ABS module, wheel speed sensors, or related components fail, the check brake system light comes on. Your regular brakes still work, but you've lost the anti-lock function. This is not an emergency, but get service within a few days.

Faulty brake fluid sensor

The sensor that monitors brake fluid level can malfunction, triggering a false warning. If you check the fluid level and it's normal, the sensor might be faulty. This is not an emergency, but get service within a week.

Parking brake engaged or faulty

Some vehicles trigger the check brake system light if the parking brake is engaged or if the parking brake switch is faulty. Check whether your parking brake is fully released. If it is and the light remains on, the switch might be faulty.

The Decision Tree: Can You Drive?

Scenario 1

Brake pedal feels normal and firm.The light is likely indicating a non-critical problem like low fluid, ABS malfunction, or a sensor issue. You can probably drive to a repair shop. However, monitor your brakes closely. If the pedal starts to feel soft or if you notice any change in braking performance, pull over and call for a tow truck.

Scenario 2

Brake pedal feels soft or spongy. You have a serious brake system problem. Do not drive. Call for a tow truck or drive directly to a repair shop at low speeds with extreme caution. Your braking ability is compromised.

Scenario 3

Brake pedal feels normal, but you see fluid under your vehicle. You have a brake fluid leak. Do not drive. Call for a tow truck. A leak means your braking system is losing pressure and could fail.

Scenario 4

Brake pedal feels normal and no fluid under the vehicle, but the light just came on. Your brakes are probably fine. This is likely a sensor issue or ABS malfunction. You can drive to a repair shop, but schedule service within the next few days.

What NOT to Do

Don't ignore the light and hope it goes away. It won't. The problem will either stay the same or get worse. Don't assume it's not serious because your brakes feel normal. Some brake system problems don't affect immediate braking but could cause failure under stress. Don't drive aggressively or at high speeds until the problem is diagnosed. Don't tow anything until the problem is fixed.

What Your Mechanic Will Do

A professional diagnostic scan will read the fault code stored in your vehicle's computer. This code tells the mechanic exactly what's wrong. From there, they'll perform a visual inspection of brake components, check brake fluid level and condition, test the ABS system, and inspect brake lines and connections.

A good mechanic will explain the fault code, show you the problem, and give you a transparent estimate before any work begins.

Get Diagnostic Service at FlexAuto FL

When your check brake system light comes on, bring your vehicle to FlexAuto FL for a professional diagnostic. We'll scan your vehicle's computer, identify the fault code, and determine whether the problem is critical or can wait a few days for service.

If the problem is serious, we'll explain the urgency. If it's not urgent, we'll give you options for scheduling service at your convenience. A 3-year/36,000-mile warranty backs all our brake work.

Call (407) 246-6987 or book online today. Don't drive around with this light on. Get it diagnosed.