Intro - Cylinders & Sensors - Brakes
| The red "BRAKE" lamp on the dash lights up to tell you the park brake is on and to warn of possible failures. If the lamp is lit when driving, the park brakes may be dragging or there may be even more serious problems such as loss of some of the brakes on the vehicle. Never ignore a red warning lamp. Vehicles with antilock brake systems have an amber lamp marked "ABS" or "ANTI-LOCK" that lights when you first turn on the ignition key and when the ABS computer detects a malfunction. If the ABS lamp is lit when driving, the computer has probably shut down the system. Drive as though you do not have ABS and have the system serviced. |
| Audible warnings often indicate the need for parts replacement. A grinding sound usually is a call for inspection or re placement. Many disc brakes also have wear indicators that squeal when re placement is needed. Last but not least, there is the overall "feel" of a good brake system. The pedal should feel firm and the vehicle should stop straight and smooth. Severe chatter, a pull to one side or a soft or spongy pedal usually means the brake system is calling for immediate attention. Know your vehicle's brake system and its warnings. Know when to have a qualified technician inspect and service these parts of your brake system. |
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "