Brake fluid level low

MusSpo13

Just looking for a big of advice, the break light came on in my car when I was driving and it says “Brake fluid level low” on the dash. If i just top up the brake fluid is this ok or do I need to get it checked out by a mechanic? My car is a Ford Fiesta if that makes a difference..

biko

What car and year?
How long have you had car?
Did you ever add or change up brake fluid?

Take a look at the brake fluid reservoir and let us know the level

The level should never drop so possibly you should hand car over to a mechanic. It depends on the answers to my questions above.

rex-x

biko wrote: »

What car and year?
How long have you had car?
Did you ever add or change up brake fluid?

Take a look at the brake fluid reservoir and let us know the level

The level should never drop so possibly you should hand car over to a mechanic. It depends on the answers to my questions above.

The level drops as the pads wear down (fluid takes the place of the worn pad) but no harm getting it checked for leaks OP

The Bishop Basher

Also worth checking for spots on the ground where it's regularly parked.

If it's losing brake fluid and you're not into DIY, it's time for a mechanic..

MusSpo13

biko wrote: »

What car and year?
How long have you had car?
Did you ever add or change up brake fluid?

Take a look at the brake fluid reservoir and let us know the level

The level should never drop so possibly you should hand car over to a mechanic. It depends on the answers to my questions above.

Ford Fiesta 09
I have it since October 2016
No I haven't ever put brake fluid in it.

Ok I'll check the level later.

MusSpo13

rex-x wrote: »

The level drops as the pads wear down (fluid takes the place of the worn pad) but no harm getting it checked for leaks OP

Thanks for the help, I will get it checked out just to be on the safe side.

MusSpo13

Swanner wrote: »

Also worth checking for spots on the ground where it's regularly parked.

If it's losing brake fluid and you're not into DIY, it's time for a mechanic..

Thanks, I'll check that this evening.
If I top up the brake fluid should it be safe to drive until I can bring it to a mechanic later this week?

The Bishop Basher

MusSpo13 wrote: »

Thanks, I'll check that this evening.
If I top up the brake fluid should it be safe to drive until I can bring it to a mechanic later this week?

If the car is driving and braking fine I wouldn't worry about it.

Top it up and keep an eye on the level..

If it drops again you'll know you have a problem..

Also check your pads..

Do you know when were they last done ?

The Bishop Basher

rex-x wrote: »

The level drops as the pads wear down (fluid takes the place of the worn pad) but no harm getting it checked for leaks OP

Never knew that but makes complete sense..

Bought a 93 a few weeks ago with low brake fluid.

I topped it up and didn't think much more about it but the rear pads need changing so that would explain it..

Cheers

MusSpo13

Swanner wrote: »

If the car is driving and braking fine I wouldn't worry about it.

Top it up and keep an eye on the level..

If it drops again you'll know you have a problem..

Also check your pads..

Do you know when were they last done ?

I checked when I was leaving work and again this morning and it doesn't seem to be leaking.

When I left work yesterday the light and the message were both gone off.

The level was down to the minimum mark so I topped it up last night.

It's driving and breaking like normal so I'm going to keep an eye on it for the next few days.

I'm going to get a mechanic to take a look at the pads.

biko

It is probably fine now that you topped up. It must have just hit the sensor.

As said when the pads wear down the fluid level will drop.

Consider flushing the brake fluid soon. If you can't remember when a fluid was last changed - it's time to change it
You can do it DIY or have a mechanic do it for you when they change pads.