How Long Can You Drive With Your Brake Light On?
The brake warning light is an important indicator on your dashboard that signals a problem with your braking system. You may be wondering if driving with the brake light on is ideal and for how long.
So, how long can you drive with your brake light on? On average, you can drive 1,000 miles (1600 km) with your brake light on. However, driving with the brake warning light is not recommended because it indicates that the brakes are not working properly.
In this piece, we will find out how long you can drive with your brake light on. The consequences of driving with your brake light on, and the common reasons for your brake light coming on.
Common Reasons For The Brake Light to Come on
Driving with your brake light on is dangerous and is generally not recommended. The common reasons for the brake light to come on include:
1. Engaged Parking Brake
If the parking brake is engaged or not fully disengaged, it can trigger the brake warning light.
2. Worn Brake Pads
The friction between the brake pads and the brake rotors causes brake pad wear and tear. Hence, as the brake pads wear down, they can cause a drop in brake fluid level or come into contact with a sensor wire. Consequently, this leads to the brake warning light coming on.
3. ABS Malfunction
The primary function of ABS is to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking or emergency stops. If there is a malfunction in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), the ABS warning light will illuminate, indicating an issue with the braking system.
4. Faulty Brake Sensors
Defective sensors located in the brake master cylinder or the parking brake sensor can fail and trigger the brake light.
5. Brake Lights Burned Out
If a brake bulb goes out or dims, it will cause the brake warning light to turn on.
6. Faulty Wiring or Electrical Issues
The wiring harness in your vehicle distributes electrical power from the battery to various components and devices throughout your vehicle. Bad wiring or electrical faults will cease power distribution and also cause the brake warning light to come on.
7. Faulty Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch, which is responsible for activating the brake lights when you press the brake pedal, could be faulty or not well-adjusted.
8. Low Brake Fluid
If your brake fluid level is low, it could trigger the brake light to come on. This may be due to a leak in the brake system or worn brake pads.
How Long Can You Drive With Your Brake Light On?
Driving with your brake light on is a sign of a fault in your vehicle that needs urgent attention. However, the estimate you can drive with your brake light on is around 1,600 km, roughly 1,000 miles. This is possible where you have sustained efficient braking.
Remember that it is unsafe to continue driving with your brake light on as it can pose numerous dangers to you and other drivers on the road.
The Consequences Of Driving With Your Brake Light On
- It can potentially cause serious damage to your car’s transmission system.
- Also, it leads to an increased risk of accidents. Even if you remain vigilant while driving, you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road.
- Furthermore, an illuminating brake light shows an issue with the braking system, which needs immediate action. When you continue to drive without addressing it, it can cause severe damage to your system.
- Again, when your brake light is constantly on, it can attract some fines or penalties on your license.
Hence, It’s important to take your car to a professional mechanic to inspect your brakes.
While understanding the duration for which you can drive with your brake light on is crucial, it’s equally vital to address specific vehicle brake light issues. For instance, the GMC Sierra’s third brake light not working can be a common problem faced by many drivers. Similarly, the Jeep Gladiator’s 3rd brake light malfunction is another concern some users encounter. Both these articles provide comprehensive solutions and insights into the respective issues. Ensuring all your vehicle lights function properly ensures safety on the road.FAQs
Questions people ask on how long one can drive with the brake light on and answers to them.
Check your brake pads occasionally, especially once the tires rotate. Consequently, you should check your brake pads at six-month intervals to get better results. Also, if you identify any uncommon feeling on your brakes, check it out immediately.
The lifespan of the brake pads is dependent on how safely or roughly you drive and the terrains you drive through. Generally, brakes can function well for up to 35,000 miles to 70,000 miles. Some can even last 100,000 miles.
Yes. A bad socket can cause the brake light to malfunction. Clean the socket with a Q-tip, micro file, or sandpaper to remove any corrosion or debris.
Conclusion
Driving with your brake light on is not recommended and can have various consequences. The estimated distance where efficient braking is maintained after the brake light comes on is around 1,000 miles or 1,600 kilometers.
Continuing to drive with the brake light on can cause serious damage to your car’s transmission system. Prioritize the safety of yourself and others on the road by promptly addressing any issues with the brake light. If the brake light comes on while driving, inspect it by a professional mechanic immediately.
