Why Is My Brake Light On?

May 12, 2025

Why Is My Brake Light On?

Why Is My Brake Light On? Universal City Drivers—Here’s What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late

You’re driving down Kitty Hawk Rd or heading toward Randolph AFB when suddenly—that brake warning light pops on. It’s easy to dismiss at first. Maybe it’s just a fluke, or the parking brake is slightly on… right? But here’s the truth:

When your brake light comes on, your vehicle is telling you something important. It could be a minor alert—or it could be a sign that your braking system is failing. And in Texas traffic, you don’t want to take that chance.

At Victory Lane Automotive, we’re here to break down exactly what that light means, what causes it, and what you should do right now to stay safe, protect your vehicle, and avoid costly repairs.

What Is the Brake Warning Light?

The brake light on your dashboard usually appears as:

A red or amber circle with an exclamation mark
The word “BRAKE”
Or a “P” symbol (for parking brake issues)

This light is part of your vehicle’s safety system—and it turns on when something in your brake system needs attention. In some vehicles, this light may also be tied to your ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Top 7 Reasons Your Brake Light Is On

1. Low Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is essential for creating the pressure needed to stop your car. If the fluid drops too low, your system can’t function safely—and your vehicle activates the warning light.

Why it happens:

Worn brake pads
Small leaks in the hydraulic lines
Moisture or contamination in the reservoir

What to do: Don’t just add fluid. Let our certified techs at Victory Lane Automotive inspect for leaks and perform a brake fluid service if needed.

2. Worn Brake Pads

Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that alert you when your pads are too thin. Once triggered, your brake warning light may illuminate.

Other warning signs include:

Squealing or grinding
Longer stopping distances
A soft or spongy brake pedal

What to do: Schedule a brake inspection ASAP. We’ll measure pad wear, check your rotors, and give you straight answers on what needs to be replaced.

3. Parking Brake Still Engaged

This one’s easy to overlook. Even a slightly engaged parking brake can trigger the light. In some cases, the issue may be a sticking cable or faulty parking brake sensor.

What to do: Make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, we’ll inspect and fix the underlying issue fast.

4. ABS System Failure

If your ABS system (Anti-lock Brakes) detects a fault, the brake light may also turn on—especially in vehicles with combined warning indicators.

Causes include:

Faulty wheel speed sensor
Malfunctioning ABS module
Hydraulic pressure imbalance

Why it matters: ABS is designed to keep you in control during sudden stops or slippery conditions. Without it, emergency braking becomes dangerous.

What to do: Victory Lane Automotive offers full ABS diagnostics and repairs. We’ll get to the root of the problem and restore your braking safety.

5. Brake Light Switch Failure

Located at the top of your brake pedal, this switch tells your car when you're braking—and activates your rear brake lights. If it fails:

Your brake lights may not work
Your dash warning light might illuminate

What to do: A quick switch replacement can fix both issues. We’ll test it and install a new one if necessary.

6. Master Cylinder or Hydraulic Leak

A soft or sinking brake pedal is often a sign of pressure loss—usually due to a leaking master cylinder or damaged brake lines.

This is a critical issue.

What to do: Stop driving immediately and call Victory Lane Automotive. Brake failure is a real risk if this isn’t addressed quickly.

7. Sensor or Electrical Glitch

Sometimes the warning light is triggered by a faulty sensor or wiring issue. While that may sound minor, it can also mask deeper problems.

What to do: Let us run a full diagnostic check. Our advanced tools help us verify the real issue—mechanical or electrical—so we can correct it quickly.

What To Do If the Brake Light Comes On

Pull over safely.
Double-check your parking brake.
Press the brake pedal. Does it feel soft or spongy?
Check for visible brake fluid leaks.
Call (726) 222-1264 or bring your vehicle to Victory Lane Automotive.

Why Universal City Trusts Victory Lane Automotive for Brake Repairs

At Victory Lane Automotive, we don’t take shortcuts—especially when it comes to safety. Our technicians are ASE-certified, highly trained, and committed to transparent service and long-term solutions.

Here’s what makes our brake service stand out:

Comprehensive brake system inspections
Precision pad and rotor replacements
ABS diagnostics and repair
Brake fluid exchanges and leak detection
Fast turnaround times and honest communication

Whether you’re commuting to San Antonio or cruising through Universal City, we’ll make sure your brakes are ready for anything.

Final Thought: That Brake Light Is Your Warning—Don’t Ignore It

Your brakes are the most important safety system in your vehicle. That light is not something to gamble with. Let Victory Lane Automotive inspect it today—so you don’t have to second-guess your stopping power tomorrow.

📍 264 Kitty Hawk Rd, Universal City, TX 78148
📞 (726) 222-1264
🌐 Schedule now: https://victorylane-uc.com/

For more information please watch out video.

https://youtu.be/8AePLSZmKjg

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Is Your Car Due for a Tune-Up?

By Mathew Flack • August 5, 2025

Is Your Car Due for a Tune-Up? Here's What You Need to Know ... If your car’s been running a little rough, your gas mileage has dropped, or your check engine light won’t turn off—it's probably time for a tune-up. At Victory Lane Auto, we specialize in tune-up services for all makes and models, especially European vehicles. Whether you're in San Antonio, Schertz, Selma, Converse , or Live Oak , our ASE-certified technicians are here to keep your engine running at its best. 🔧 What is a Tune-Up? A car tune-up is preventative maintenance that helps keep your engine performing efficiently and reliably. It typically includes: • Replacing spark plugs • Inspecting and replacing air filters • Checking ignition timing • Cleaning the fuel system • Testing battery and charging systems These small services go a long way in avoiding costly repairs down the road. 🚨 Signs You Need a Tune-Up If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, search no further than Victory Lane Auto: • Engine misfires or idles rough • Poor fuel economy • Difficulty starting • Loss of power or acceleration (sluggish) • Dashboard warning lights (especially the check engine light) Searching "car running rough near me" or "why is my engine shaking?"? We’ve got answers—and solutions. Your driving habits, environment (roads/climate) attribute to what and when services are recommended. 🌟 Why Choose Victory Lane Automotive? ✅ Family-Owned and Operated ✅ ASE-Certified Technicians ✅ 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Warranty ✅ European Vehicle Specialists ✅ Friendly, Honest Service Our shop at 264 Kitty Hawk Rd in Universal City is just minutes from Selma, Live Oak, Converse , and Schertz , and we offer courtesy shuttles and loaner cars for your convenience. 🛠 When to Schedule a Tune-Up Every vehicle is different, but as a rule of thumb, schedule a tune-up every 30,000 miles or once a year—whichever comes first. If you’re unsure, come in for a multi-point inspection and we’ll let you know what your vehicle needs. Ready to Schedule? Stop searching "best tune-up near me"—Victory Lane Auto is your trusted neighborhood shop. Book your tune-up today and keep your car running like new. 📞 Call us at (210) 658-8325 📍 Visit: https://www.victorylane-uc.com/

WHY IS MY CAR PULLING? WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEAR ME

By Mathew Flack • July 30, 2025

WHY IS MY CAR PULLING? WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEAR ME Wondering if your vehicle is due for a wheel alignment? Ask yourself these questions: • Does your steering wheel sit off-center? • Does your vehicle veer or pull in one direction? • Does your vehicle vibrate while driving? • Do you notice uneven tire wear? These issues can occur naturally over time due to aging parts- or suddenly after hitting an unavoidable pothole or curb. Your vehicle is designed with preset angles determined by the manufacturer to ensure your tires are properly aligned with each other and the road. When even one wheel is out of alignment (meaning it's angled differently than intended), your vehicle won’t drive as smoothly or efficiently. During your visit to Victory Lane Auto , we’ll include a detailed diagram in your Digital Vehicle Inspection showing the alignment angles of your vehicle: • Caster: Compares the steering axis to the vertical axis from a side view of the vehicle. • Camber: Measures the vertical tilt of the wheels from the front or rear view. • Toe: Indicates whether the wheels point inward or outward when viewed from above. A proper wheel alignment improves drivability, prevents uneven tire wear, and extends the life of your tires. We recommend checking your alignment every other oil change, at least once a year, or immediately after buying new tires- especially if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above. 📞 Give us a call at (210) 658-8325 for a professional alignment check. We'll also inspect your tires, steering, and suspension components. We look forward to serving you-and earning your trust as a lifelong customer!

Why are my brakes squeaking?

By Mathew Flack • July 29, 2025

WHY ARE MY BRAKES SQUEAKING? Are you hearing a squeaking or squealing sound whenever you apply the brakes? Depending on how often and when you’re hearing the squeaking/squealing, this could be a sign that it’s time to service your brakes. It’s not uncommon to hear a squeaking or squealing noise when you first start up your vehicle or after a shift in weather/temperatures- like rain, snow, or humidity (we know humidity far too well here in Texas). This is a result of moisture and dirt being scraped off the surface of the rotors by the brakes pads whenever you apply the brakes. Once your brake pads and rotors are at work and heat up, and the noise stops you’re in the clear but we still advice to have your brakes inspected once a year! A constant squeaking or squealing, or an increase in noise may be your vehicle telling you it’s time to inspect your brake system to see what’s going on- it may be time to replace parts in your brake system. That high pitch squealing is quite annoying but extremely crucial being that it may be the metal tabs built in on the brake pads, which are designed to scrape the rotors once they’re worn to its minimal safety thickness! A warped rotor (meaning the rotor has uneven wear) may also be a playing factor as to why you’re hearing noises when applying your brakes, that’s because your brake pads are intended to function on a flat surface. Ultimately your brake system is such a crucial safety component in your vehicle, and a constant squeaking/squealing are sure signs that it’s time for a brake inspection. Set up your next appointment at (210) 658-8325 and have one of our ASE certified technicians do a thorough inspection for you and keep you safe on the road!!