When you are on the right way and suddenly see the brake lights that have not gone off on the car in front of you for a long time, it is very confusing and dangerous. Of course, this situation will be not only a terrible danger for you but also a symptom that is worth investigating.
In this article, we will find out what are the most common reasons for this damage and how to repair brake lights stay on while driving.
Topic Summary
How Do Brake Light Work
Brake lights are a safety feature fitted to vehicles to warn drivers behind you that you are slowing or stopping. They work like this.
When applying the brake pedal in your vehicle, this will cause a mechanism known as the brake light switch. This electrical switch is usually located near the top of the brake pedal arm. Applying the brakes causes the brake pedal arm to move a lever or plunger in the switch, which is connected to the circuit.
In today’s vehicles, the completed circuit puts a small amount of electricity into the brake light bulbs located near the rear of the vehicle. The bulbs emit red light that passes through the rear lens into the dim light of night. Brake light output is hundreds of lumens; compared with headlights, brake lights are far dimmer.
The light of your brake answers to two primary purposes: to signal conditions to other motorists that you are decelerating (or stopping) and to increase light levels (especially during night driving and in poor weather) to prevent rear-ending or to allow downstream motorists to respond quickly to changes of position or speed.
This is done to make sure that brake light bulbs are in proper condition, and also to replace bulbs when they fail to function properly, and for the safety of all the drivers.
Causes of Brake Lights Stay On While Driving
When your brake lights are on, and you’re driving, that could mean a couple of things. A likely explanation is that something’s not working properly in your motor vehicle.
It may be that your brake light switch (the button connected to your braking pedal) is not clicking itself off when you stop pressing the braking pedal. Or one or more lights may have burned out, although it’s likely something more serious than that if the lights are on while you’re driving.
Let’s have a look at some common causes of brake lights stay on while driving.
Bad brake light switch
This small part sits right by the brake pedal. Push the pedal (and step on the brake), and the switch will illuminate the brake lights. If the switch is stuck or fails, your lights may stay on all the time.
Jammed Pedal
Sometimes, the pedal itself can become jammed or fail to return to the proper position, keeping your brake lights on even when you aren’t actually braking.
Wiring problems
Short circuits can cause the brake lights to stay on if wires are damaged or the wiring has loosened. Electrical problems can be difficult to troubleshoot and may require a professional technician to diagnose.
Faulty Brake Light Relay
A relay is a switch used in cars to control brake lights’ electrical circuit. A small fault in the relay can keep them on.
Faulty ABS Module
The brake lights staying on is also a potential indication of a trigger issue with the Antilock Braking System (ABS) module, but only if the vehicle in question has an ABS setup. This problem is less common.
Fixing Brake Lights Stay On While Driving
Test the Brake Light Switch
Pull on the brake light switch near the brake pedal to make sure it moves freely and does not become stuck or stick to the ground. If it seems damaged or defective, replace it. It’s usually a cheap and easy fix.
Check the Brake Pedal
Check the brake pedal to make sure that it is functioning normally. It should return to the normal position after it has been pressed. You can apply some oil around any moving parts to prevent them from sticking.
Visual Inspection
If the wiring to the brake lights looks worn or damaged, it needs to be replaced or repaired. Wires can be clipped out of the body, and the plug can be unplugged and released.
Wiring Splicing
The white plug end will open out into a rectangular shape, exposing the connections. It is possible to buy separate solder pins to join two lengths of wiring together at the plug connector end.
Check Brake Light Relay
If you suspect your relay is the cause, test it by swapping it with a similar relay from another car system (if available) and turning the ignition on: if it turns off, the relay is likely at fault, and its replacement is necessary.
Take To A Mechanic
If the above steps don’t rectify the problem, a professional mechanic with the proper diagnostic tools can diagnose it and recommend the best repair solution.
Preventative Measures for Brake Lights Stay On While Driving
To avoid future issues with your brake lights, consider these preventative measures:
Regular Maintenance: Take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic for regular check-ups and preventive maintenance. Small issues can be caught before they become major ones.
Don’t let the System Get Dirty: Dirt and debris will cause malfunctions in the mechanical parts that move the brake pedal and switch stick. Keep these parts clean and operable.
Learning how your car’s brakes work can help you pinpoint problems before they are serious. Check your vehicle’s manual for manufacturer-recommended maintenance and maintenance intervals.
FAQs On Brake Lights Stay On While Driving
Why are my brake lights staying on while I’m driving?
If your brake lights are left illuminated while driving, the brake light switch has probably broken or moved closer to the pedal and is staying on the ‘on’ setting.
Is it safe to drive with my brake lights stuck on?
Leaving your brake lights on all the time when you are driving can be dangerous. Other drivers might not understand that you are leaving them on when driving. Because of that, they might think that you are going to stop, which will cause them accidents. It would be a good idea to solve this problem ¡°as soon as possible¡±.
How can I temporarily fix brake lights that won’t turn off?
If this occurs, and you pull up on the brake pedal with your foot, momentarily extinguishing the light, this is a temporary workaround but in no way means the problem is resolved; you should have the problem checked out and repaired by a professional.
What could cause the brake light switch to malfunction?
Several factors, such as a worn-down part from a long-time user, an electrical problem, or misalignment may cause the brake light switch’s fault. In addition, decommissioning or dirt in the wheel (fig. 2)can also cause the problem.
Will a dead battery cause the brake lights to stay on?
A dead or weak battery won’t cause the break lights to stay on, but if the brake light switch fails to turn the lights off, and they continue to stay on for extended periods, the battery could eventually go dead.
Conclusion
If you ever drive behind someone whose brake lights stay on while driving, you know that it isn’t just annoying but potentially dangerous.
Depending on the nature of the underlying problem, you may need to call a pro, but before you do, it can be helpful to know some of the common causes and how to fix and avoid the problem.