If you’ve chosen a Bentley, you enjoy driving a high-end luxury car and you want to keep your model in excellent condition. This includes a strong, powerful engine and a beautiful paint job, but little things often escape our attention, like brake lights. This is an important safety item to keep in check so your drive remains safe for you and others.
The brake lights serve to warn other drivers behind you that you are slowing down. This prevents collisions and accidents from happening. Those brake lights on the back of your Bentley that you rarely see play a vital role in keeping you safe on the road.
Given their location on the back of the vehicle, it’s easy to forget about them. After all, you don’t see them while driving, and unless someone tells you, you often don’t know there’s something wrong until a policeman advises you of the problem. This makes it all the more important to follow regular maintenance and inspection schedules to avoid possible hazards associated with vehicle malfunctions.
Let’s look at some of the reasons your Bentley’s brake lights might not be working properly and what can be done about it.
Brake Light Problems in Your Bentley
When you put your foot on the brake, it activates a circuit that illuminates the brake lights on the rear of the car. If they are malfunctioning and remain illuminated at all times, drivers cannot discern when you’re slowing down. The same is true if you press the brake and the lights fail to come on. Drivers can’t necessarily tell that you’re slowing down, especially in high speed situations.
The primary reasons for brake light malfunctions include:
- Low brake fluid: This is the simplest explanation and easiest fix. If brake fluid levels are low, the braking system itself can intermittently function or even remain on, even when you aren’t pushing the pedal.
- Burned out bulbs: If the bulbs housed in your taillights have burned out, they might still come on before they are completely worn out. This can lead to problems with them illuminating consistently or staying on, which is confusing to other drivers behind you.
- Electrical issues: The brake lights come on due to a circuit that is activated when you press the brake pedal. If the wiring in this system is damaged in some way, the system is unlikely to function normally. Another possibility is that the fuse responsible for brake light illumination has blown, necessitating a new fuse be installed. This can also be due to a problem with the body control module. Its wiring as it is connected to the circuit for the brake lights.
Although topping off brake fluid is often relatively easy, be sure to consult your owner’s manual to find the proper fluid, and do not just add fluid if you notice issues, because fluid should not be overfilled. If you have this done at a shop, your mechanic will advise you as to which fluid is right for your model.
Dealing with electrical systems is more difficult and even dangerous due to the risk of shock. It’s best to have these issues investigated by a trained technician who is experienced in dealing with your Bentley’s electrical system to avoid unintentional harm to yourself or the vehicle.
Encore Motorcars of Sarasota for your Bentley’s Needs
At Encore Motorcars, we have ASE certified mechanics who specialize in German, Asian, and exotic vehicles. We have the expertise to assess your 
Bentley and get it back on the road safely and efficiently. Most warranties are accepted as well for your convenience and affordability of repairs and replacements.
If your car cannot be serviced the same day, we provide free rental cars so as not to inconvenience you. Additionally, all cars are given complimentary car washes.
We are located at 6000 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231. In addition to serving Sarasota, we also serve the Bradenton, Ellenton, Nokomis, Osprey, Parrish, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and University Park areas.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 941-922-6337 or use our convenient website for Encore Motorcars Sarasota at encoreautos.com. We look forward to earning your repeat business!