Brake lights are part of the tail light and illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. If your brake lights are staying on even if you shut off your car, there are several possible reasons. It is extremely dangerous to drive with malfunctioning brake lights, whether they don’t come on at all or they never turn off. They prevent you from getting in accidents by warning other drivers that your vehicle is slowing down. So if your brake lights remain on, take a look at these possible causes and how to quickly get them working properly again.
Faulty Brake Light Switch or Sensor
The most obvious reason for brake lights that stay on all the time is a faulty brake light switch or sensor. They’re responsible for telling the lights when the pedal is up or down. When the switch or sensor is defective, the lights receive the wrong message, and they can’t turn off. The brake pedal switch is located near your brake pedal, and you can often adjust it. However, if the switch or sensor is damaged, you will need to have it replaced.
Defective Brake Pedal Spring
There is a spring located in the brake pedal that allows it to return to its original position once you have released it. Over time, this spring wears out and becomes weak. So because the spring is weak, it doesn’t allow the brake pedal to return to its original, natural position, and therefore causes the brake light to stay on. Additionally, a weak spring can cause your brake pads to remain engaged and lead to excess pad and rotor wear. If this is the case for your car, have an auto mechanic check and replace the spring.
Stuck Brake Pedal
It is possible for a brake pedal to become stuck. If you can’t get the brake pedal to come back up from the floor, the lights are not going to go off. The pedal must go back to its original position for the switch to close and the lights to turn off. Otherwise, it continues to look like you are braking because you are. Bring your car to an experienced mechanic so they can take a look to see what’s causing your brake to stick and how to get it unstuck.
Malfunctioning Electrical System
Your car’s electrical system impacts the entire vehicle, even your brakes. When there is a fault in the electrical system, it can cause the brake lights to stay on, keep them from illuminating, or cause them to work sporadically. A malfunctioning electrical system is the most complicated cause to troubleshoot and shouldn’t be looked at until the other possible sources have been ruled out.
Return Your Car to Normal
Are your brake lights staying on? Bring your car to Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions today! Our mechanical experts will look over your car and determine the best course of action.
Don’t delay; get your car back to normal today! Contact us online to schedule an appointment, or call us at (301) 662-5100.
