If my parking break were on I'd know it, right?

Question

I think something is wrong with my parking break sensor because whenever I press on the breaks, as soon as I let off of it, the light on my dash says that the parking break is on....but it's not! My car should be safe to drive until I can get the light checked out, right?

Answer 1

Yeah im sure the light came on for no reason. It is safe to drive.  

Answer 2

it`s BRAKE

and the light is not just for the parking brake, your regular brake fluid is low. it uses the same light for both. there is a yellow ABS light if your ABS is not working.

it is not safe until the light stays off, put fluid in your master Cylinder.

Red lights mean danger, yellow lights mean "have it looked at"

this is why oil is red

temp is red

"check engine" is yellow

and so on.

Answer 3

You would know if therewas a brake probably by a strong smell for the braked  wheels. But it sounds  electrical if 2 problems start at the same time.

Answer 4

Probably not.  Most cars these days use the same light for parking brake on and brake failure.  If your car moves normally after you release the parking brake, the light is warning you that you have a primary driving brake problem.  It sounds to me that you have a fault in your hydraulic system, which is very dangerous.  You can check the brake fluid, which is normally in a box close to the driver's side top under the hood.

If the fluid is empty - DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR.  Have it towed to a shop.  You may lose your brakes at any point.

Answer 5

It may not be the brake. Many cars have the brake indication light tied in with the entire brake system which could mean you have a low fluid level or another problem like a faulty anti-skid system component. Have it checked out by a pro just to be sure. They should be able to do it for free.  

Answer 6

Make sure the handbrake lever (or foot brake) is fully down. If it is, you should be fine.

Answer 7

Check your brake fluid..

Answer 8

YES, you would know .it because the brakes would get hot and you would smell them. . if you have an emergency brake that you push with your foot. it my not be coming back all the way..to see--pull the brake release handle and hold it there while you use your hand to pull the e-brake all the way up.  but also make the checks mentioned above..

Answer 9

I'd say you're good.  But I would go ahead and get it checked out anyways.