Flashing Handbrake Lights

**Naks** · 2008/02/28, 01:19 PM

Guys,

last night I noticed that the handbrake light flashes when I'm braking downhill, and stays on for a few seconds until I drive off again.

Any ideas on what's going on there?

**Henris** · 2008/02/28, 01:25 PM

Brakefluid is low. Don't top it up, else it will spill on the paintwork when you replace the pads. Rather fit the new pads, then top it up.

**Naks** · 2008/02/28, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by henris

Brakefluid is low. Don't top it up, else it will spill on the paintwork when you replace the pads. Rather fit the new pads, then top it up.

erm, does this mean that pads need replacing as well? Also, which brand/type of brake fluid must I use?

**Henris** · 2008/02/28, 01:30 PM

Not neceseraly(spelling). Just make sure it is not to low in the reservoir.

When the pads are finished you will know it. Will make a terreble grinding noise. Nothing serious. Only the high ridge on the disc rubbing on the pad.

By default you allways buy the softest pads. They brake the best and will not eat up your discs.

**dcsmax** · 2008/02/28, 02:02 PM

Without bashing brands,

Which makes would be the softer make, Henris?

**Aubrey** · 2008/03/03, 09:39 AM

The best on a Landy bar none ........ Ferodo Platinum.

It's a compromise between soft and wear and these are my first choice.

**Naks** · 2008/03/03, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by henris

Not neceseraly(spelling). Just make sure it is not to low in the reservoir.

Funny that, I went and bought some Dot4 brake fluid to top up the reservoir. Imagine my surprise when I opened the brake fluid reservoir to find that it was below the MAX level by only about 2 cm!!! So I topped it up and the flashing handbrake lights never occured again!

Is the sensor *that* sensitive!?

**Andre** · 2008/03/03, 12:48 PM

On some vehicles the sensor is sort of overly sensitive. Found it many times on Toyota vehicles.

**Tony** · 2008/03/03, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by Naks

Funny that, I went and bought some Dot4 brake fluid to top up the reservoir. Imagine my surprise when I opened the brake fluid reservoir to find that it was below the MAX level by only about 2 cm!!! So I topped it up and the flashing handbrake lights never occured again!

Is the sensor *that* sensitive!?

Lol -- Always buy the bestest brake fluid you can. ( i got Motul RBF600 in mine)

(do you know -- British Police change their vehicles brake fluid every 3 months)

We should change ours at least once a year.
Brake fluid collects condensation - and damages components, not to mention the danger of brake fade.