They’re like the emojis of the road, speaking volumes without saying a word. But what happens if your brake lights are staying on? It’s like your car is screaming “Look at me! I’m a hazard!” at other road users. Today we take a look at why this illumination just won’t quit, and what we can do to fix it.
All external lights on your car are crucial for road safety; they help you see and be seen. Brake lights do the latter, illuminating whenever the brake pedal is touched to indicate to following drivers that the vehicle in front is slowing down or coming to a stop. They alert other road users to respond accordingly.
Why are my brake lights staying on?
If your brake lights stay on even after you release the brake pedal, they may be sending the wrong message to other road users. So what causes this issue?
Faulty brake light switch
Wear or damage to your brake light switch – located under the dash or behind the pedal in the footwell – is a common cause of brake lights that stay on. Exposure to dirt or moisture is the most common root cause, but regular use and wear and tear can also play a role. A faulty switch may also cause your cruise control to cancel unexpectedly.
Sticky brake pedal
Is your brake pedal reluctant to bounce back when you release it? Corrosion or debris may be causing trouble in your brake pedal assembly, leading to a sticky or spongy feeling in your brakes. This may be keeping your brake lights on, and also spelling trouble for your brake pads and other important safety and performance components.
Electrical issues
Faulty wiring, incorrect fitting of bulbs or a malfunction in your car’s electrical system may also lie at the heart of brake light issues. If you recently replaced your rear light bulbs, check you’ve installed the correct ones. If an electrical issue is the culprit, you may also notice a brake warning light on your dashboard.
Why does it matter if my brake lights stay on?
Don’t delay in seeking repairs if your brake lights stay on. Driving with these faulty signals increases the risk of rear-end collisions. It’s also a legal requirement to keep these components functional; if they won’t turn off, it may deem your vehicle unroadworthy.
How Cox Auto can help
If your brake lights won’t come on, refuse to turn off, or are flickering and flashing, bring your vehicle to the specialists immediately. Book a service or call the workshop today. We’ll assess your brakes and other electrics and provide you honest, reliable advice on the best course of action.
You don’t need to let brake repairs stop the rest of your life, either. We’ve got a fleet of courtesy cars and offer a complimentary pick up and drop off service via Uber within 10 km of our centre in South Melbourne so you can stay on the road while your vehicle is being serviced.
Regular maintenance and inspection of your brakes and brake lights is important to ensure they function correctly. Stay on top of your regular servicing schedule so we can stay ahead of car brake light issues.
