|
|
On and Off Brake Light
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Home
Home and Auto
Automobiles
Repairs
On and Off Brake Light
Bob,
I have a 1998 Honda Accord LX. On Thanksgiving Day, when I was driving over to my friends' house, the brake light came on in my car, but it went out before I got to their place. It has happened again since then. I have double-checked, and there is not a brake on. The last time the light came on when I had to step on the brake as I was coming to a stoplight, but it finally did go off. What is the problem, and how due I handle this?
Pat
Pat,
That light not only indicates that there is a braking failure, but also that you are low on fluid, which has different causes. The fact that the light went on and off (barring a temporary short in the wire) indicates to me that your brake fluid might be low. Check it and top it off with fresh clean fluid of the same type. Please don't mix dot 3, dot 4 or dot 5.
However, your brake system does not consume brake fluid. If it is low, then one of two things is happening:
- Your brake pads are very low and need to be changed.
- There is a leak somewhere.
Please remember that your brake system on your car is a safety critical component. If you are not 1000% confident that you can accurately make the repair yourself, please take it to someone qualified to do so. Remember that it is not only your own safety that comes into play in a situation like this!
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
If you have a question for Bob, send it to AskBob@stretcher.com. He's able to answer many of them personally and we'll include the best questions in future issues of The Dollar Stretcher.
Share your thoughts about this article with the editor: Click Here
Subscribe to TDS Newsletters
Join over 250,000 other subscribers!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
View the TDS privacy policy.
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Get free money-saving articles in your inbox!
Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a
Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
