Why Is My Brake Light On? Clackamas Drivers—Here’s What It Means and What to Do Next

That brake warning light on your dashboard isn’t just a casual suggestion. It’s your vehicle’s way of shouting, “Something’s not right with your brakes.” Whether you're navigating SE 135th Ave, commuting through Clackamas County, or heading into Portland, your brakes are your first line of defense—and that light is not something to ignore.

At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’re all about helping drivers stay safe, informed, and in control. In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• What your brake light is really trying to tell you
   

• The most common causes
   

• Immediate steps to take
   

• How our team helps protect your vehicle—and your peace of mind
   

What Is the Brake Warning Light?

Your brake warning light may appear as:

• A red or amber circle with an exclamation point
   

• The word “BRAKE” on your dash
   

• A “P” symbol (linked to your parking brake)
   

It may come on at startup as a systems check. But if it stays on—or turns on while driving—it’s a sign that something needs attention.

7 Reasons Your Brake Light Might Be On

1. Low Brake Fluid

Brake fluid helps transfer the pressure from your foot on the pedal to the brake calipers. If it’s low, the warning light will activate.

Causes include:

• Normal pad wear (fluid fills in as pads thin)
   

• Leaks in brake lines, calipers, or the master cylinder
   

• Contaminated or old fluid
   

What to do: If your brake fluid is low, don’t just top it off—come to Tim’s Automotive so we can inspect the system and identify the cause before it becomes dangerous.

2. Worn Brake Pads

Your brake pads wear down over time. Many vehicles are equipped with sensors that trigger the warning light when the pads become too thin to function safely.

Symptoms:

• Squealing or grinding
   

• Longer stopping distances
   

• Vibration when braking
   

What to do: Schedule a brake inspection at our Clackamas shop. We’ll measure pad and rotor wear and provide you with a clear, honest assessment.

3. Parking Brake Still Engaged

Even a partially engaged parking brake can cause the warning light to stay on. It could also indicate a faulty parking brake switch or cable.

What to do: Release the parking brake completely. If the light stays on, we’ll inspect the sensor and mechanism to make sure it’s not stuck or misaligned.

4. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Issue

Some vehicles share the brake warning light with the ABS system. If both are illuminated, your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system might be compromised.

Possible causes:

• Failed wheel speed sensor
   

• Faulty ABS control module
   

• Hydraulic circuit imbalance
   

Why it matters: ABS helps prevent skidding during emergency stops. If it’s not working, your ability to stop safely on wet or icy roads is affected.

What to do: We can scan your ABS system and identify the fault quickly.

5. Faulty Brake Light Switch

This small switch tells your car’s ECU and your rear lights when you’re braking. If it malfunctions:

• Your brake lights might not work
   

• Your dashboard brake warning light may activate
   

What to do: A simple part with a big impact—our technicians can diagnose and replace this switch fast.

6. Master Cylinder Problems or Brake Line Leak

If your brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor, it may indicate a dangerous loss of hydraulic pressure due to a master cylinder failure or fluid leak.

What to do:Don’t continue driving. Brake failure is a real risk. Call Tim’s Automotive for emergency service—we’ll inspect and repair your brake system safely.

7. Sensor or Electrical Malfunction

Sometimes, the light is caused by a sensor glitch or short in the dashboard circuitry.

What to do: Even if it seems like a false alarm, bring your vehicle in. We’ll run a full diagnostic to confirm whether it’s electrical—or something more serious.

What to Do When the Brake Warning Light Comes On

Here’s your action plan if your brake light is on:

1. Pull over safely
    

2. Check that your parking brake is fully disengaged
    

3. Test your brake pedal—does it feel soft or sink to the floor?
    

4. Look for brake fluid leaks under the vehicle
    

5. Call Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales at (503) 656-0600 or bring your car in for inspection (only if it’s safe to drive)
    

Why Clackamas Trusts Tim’s Automotive for Brake Repair

At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve served Clackamas-area drivers with honesty, integrity, and unmatched skill for decades. Our brake repair service is built on:

• ASE-Certified Technicians trained to handle all makes and models
   

• Comprehensive brake diagnostics, including ABS and electronic systems
   

• Genuine, high-quality parts to ensure long-term performance
   

• No-pressure service—we explain everything before we fix anything
   

• Fast turnaround times to get you back on the road safely
   

We know your brakes aren’t just about performance—they’re about protecting the people you care about.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Brake Light

If your brake warning light is on, there’s no time to waste. Whether it’s a simple sensor or a serious system failure, your safety depends on getting it checked now.

Trust the local experts at Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales to fix the problem right—the first time.

📍 Visit us at: 15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
📞 Call: (503) 656-0600
🌐 Schedule online:http://tims-automotive.com/

For more information please watch out video.

https://youtu.be/8AePLSZmKjg