Car Won’t Start, Says “Check Brake System”
What This Means
When you see the message “Check Brake System” on your car’s dashboard, it means that the car’s computer has detected a problem with the brake system. This could be a minor problem, such as a low brake fluid level, or it could be a more serious problem, such as a faulty brake booster.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to take this warning seriously and have your car checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
What to Do
- Check your brake fluid level. The brake fluid reservoir is usually located under the hood, near the firewall. The fluid level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the reservoir.
- Inspect your brake pads and rotors. The brake pads and rotors are located inside the wheels. You can inspect them by removing the wheels and looking for any signs of wear or damage.
- Have your brake system inspected by a mechanic. If you’re not comfortable checking your brake system yourself, or if you find any problems during your inspection, it’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Common Causes
There are a number of common problems that can cause the “Check Brake System” warning message to appear on your car’s dashboard.
- Low brake fluid level
- Worn brake pads
- Faulty brake booster
- Damaged brake hoses
- Leaking brake caliper
How to Fix It
The solution to the “Check Brake System” warning message will depend on the underlying cause of the problem.
- Low brake fluid level: If the brake fluid level is low, you can simply add more brake fluid to the reservoir.
- Worn brake pads: If the brake pads are worn, they will need to be replaced.
- Faulty brake booster: If the brake booster is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Damaged brake hoses: If the brake hoses are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
- Leaking brake caliper: If the brake caliper is leaking, it will need to be rebuilt or replaced.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent problems with your brake system.
- Check your brake fluid level regularly. The brake fluid level should be checked every time you get an oil change.
- Have your brake pads inspected regularly. The brake pads should be inspected every time you get your tires rotated.
- Drive defensively. Avoid sudden stops and starts, and be aware of your surroundings.
