Breakdowns and unexpected events
Red brake warning light on: what to do immediately
If the red brake warning light stays on or appears while driving, stop as soon as it is safe and consult the handbook or call for assistance.
A red warning may mean the parking brake is engaged or that there is a fault in the system. Do not ignore it, and do not continue if braking feels different.
Check the message and the situation
If the light appears at start-up, check in accordance with the handbook that the parking brake is fully released. Some vehicles show different messages or symbols depending on the cause; do not assume every red light means the same thing. If it stays on or appears while driving, slow down gradually and stop somewhere safe as soon as possible.
If the pedal feels unusually soft, braking is reduced, you hear noises or notice a leak, do not set off again. Do not test the brakes at speed or manoeuvre to see whether the problem goes away. Call for assistance and report the model, warning light, messages and any changes you have noticed.
Do not work on the braking system
Do not open the hydraulic circuit or top it up with a fluid chosen at random. The handbook describes only the checks permitted for the driver; repairs need to be carried out by a garage. Do not rely on regenerative braking or the parking brake to make up for a fault in the service brakes.
If you are on a motorway or in a dangerous place, follow the emergency procedure and protect occupants from traffic. If you cannot leave the vehicle safely, give the emergency services your exact location and do not cross the carriageway.
When to resume your journey
Set off again only after the handbook and a technician have confirmed that the vehicle is safe. A warning that disappears after restarting does not prove the fault is fixed. If the problem returns, stop driving and have the vehicle assessed again.
If the red light stays on after you release the parking brake, stop as soon as you can in a safe place. If the pedal feels unusually soft, braking has changed or a fault message appears, do not continue: call for assistance. Do not top up fluids unless you know which check the vehicle requires.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you revise road rules and safety through topic chapters, timed quizzes and review of mistakes; for a brake warning, follow the vehicle handbook and seek assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Could the light mean only that the parking brake is on?
That is possible on some models; check the handbook. If it stays on or symptoms appear, stop and seek assistance.
Can I drive to a garage?
Not if braking has changed or the red light stays on without explanation; ask for assistance to assess how the vehicle should be transported.