Car Service Tips

Brake Warning Light Or Hand Brake Warning Light

Brake Warning Light

Most cars nowadays have a brake warning light on the dash. Its purpose is to alert you that something is wrong in the braking system somewhere. If it comes on, check your owner’s manual to find out its meaning.

Unlike the single-purpose ABS warning light, the brake warning light doesn’t have a standard meaning; it could be used for multiple purposes. For example, the same light may be used to show that the hand brake is on. If that’s the case and you’re driving, you ought to have noticed the smell of burning brake dust by now.

The light can also indicate that the fluid in the brake master cylinder is low. If so it may be the brake master cylinder requires additional brake fluid or it may be time for a brake fluid and brake system flush. Special care must be taken when maintaining the brake system, including not mixing of different brake fluids. Seek professional assistance if attension or maintenance is required.

Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light, Ace Auto Electrician can help with your mechanical repairs or electrical repairs.

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ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

ABS Warning Light

ABS Warning Light

If you’ve got an ABS-equipped car, you also have a second light – the ABS light. If it comes on, get it seen to as soon as possible.

It means the ABS computer has diagnosed that something is amiss in the system. It could be something as simple as dirt in one of the sensors, or something as costly as an entire ABS unit replacement. Either way, if that light is on then you may not have ABS and will have only the manual braking system available.

It’s important to note that this light normally comes on when you start the car and then switches off a few seconds later.

If it stays on, blinks, throbs, flashes or in any other way draws your attention to itself, take note and call a service technician for mechanical repairs or electrical repairs as soon as possible.

The ABS controls part of the brake system and if it inadvertantly operates while driving can be very dangerous.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

ABS System

ABS Anti-lock Brake System

An anti-lock brake (ABS) system is an integral part of the braking system on modern cars. Brake fluid is easily contaminated and is sensitive to moisture.

Dodgy brake fluid can ruin the expensive ABS pump and rot the brake lines from the inside causing car mechanical problems.

Remember that brake fluid attracts moisture, so brake lines should be “bled” or purged at least once every three years, or as specified in your car’s owner manual. Following correct service procedures will help to protect your ABS system from damage or malfuction, such as inadvertantly engaging when your are driving.

If your brakes feel soft, spongy, too hard or you feel it takes too long to stop or longer than it used to, then you should book your car in for a car service to have those brakes looked at.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Brake Master Cylinder

Brake Fluid and Maintenance

We don’t need to tell you how important your brakes are!

So you should check your brake fluid every month. To check your brake fluid, locate the brake master cylinder reservoir that will usually look something like the picture here to the right.

Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you open it. An indicator on the reservoir will tell you whether you need to add brake fluid.

If you need fluid, add the type recommended by your car’s maker. You’ll find that recommendation in your car’s owner manual. Brake fluid is specifically designed for the job, so never substitute other fluids, such as transmission or power-steering fluid.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture and contaminates easily, so don’t use brake fluid from a previously opened container as once exposed to air.

If your brakes feel soft, spongy, too hard or you feel it takes too long to stop or longer than it used to, then you should book your car in for a car service to have those brakes looked at.

About the Author
ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au