Vehicles in the modern world are built with many advanced functions that help the driver control his car and ensure safety. The brake assist system function is amongst the new developments made by manufacturers in this modern world.
The brake assist helps increase the performance of the vehicle’s brake. It also enables quick brakes.
Furthermore, it is an advancement made by manufacturers that have reduced the rate of motor accidents on the road.
At the end of this article, you will understand the following:
- What does service Brake Assist mean, and how does it work?
- The disparity and distinction between brake assist and the ABS.
- The discrepancy between brake assist and automatic emergency and,
- How to fix it.
The Definition of Brake Assist
It was developed to make vehicle braking easier, especially in emergencies. The brake assist doesn’t repeal the standard braking done by the driver but is there to increase the braking performance by adding as much pressure as required.
Brake assist is a computer software installed in the car’s master system; this software alerts drivers and the purpose of this alert is to prevent imminent accidents.
This alert shows on the driver’s dashboard. The new system provides more pressure to vehicles, especially when a brake sensor malfunctions.
When the driver utilizes this sensor, the brake assist automatically increases the performance of the car’s brake by increasing the pressure.
How the Brake Assist Emergency system works
It reduces the power of the brake pedals once it senses that pressure is being applied to the brake to make it stop the car.
This computer software aims to provide safety first to the driver and assist him in stopping the car when there might be imminent danger and the regular brake is not responding.
It can be practically seen in emergencies.
Benefits that the Brake Assist design offers
Additional pressure
The brake assist constantly measures the brake pedal pressure. In the case of an emergency, it applies hydraulic pressure to prevent the vehicle from colliding with another, hence preventing accidents or destruction of the car.
This particular function is undeniably priceless and helpful.
The difference between a brake assist system and an Anti-lock brake system
The computer software Brake Assist is a safety system found in modern-day Automobiles.
We also have the anti-lock brakes (ABS) found in modern-day automobiles. These two systems are built to enhance the braking performance of cars.
However, you should note that they are not the same; they differ.
The brake assist system in an emergency helps the driver when the pedal brake is failing by applying more pressure on the brake, thereby stopping the car from clashing with another vehicle.
The ABS ensures that the vehicle’s brakes are in place, but the brake assist can not function effectively if the brakes lock up; the ABS performs this role, which allows the car to stop safely.
Furthermore, The ABS ensures that car wheels do not lock up.
The Disparity between Brake Assist Braking and Automatic
Emergency Braking
Brake Assist Braking and Automatic Emergency Braking may appear similar, but they are not.
— The Brake Assist helps apply more pressure to the vehicle in emergencies when the brake pedal is not responding. This advanced system gives the car brakes the extra pressure to stop when the pedal fails to handle the situation.
—While the Automatic emergency system operates automatically without the driver’s efforts, this computer software has sensors that can detect dangerous, risky, or hazardous situations and alert the driver on the dashboard.
However, if the driver doesn’t apply brake despite the given signals, the Automatic emergency braking system will brake or stop the car. The system is an automated technology that operates on its own; it comes as a safety package and is also optional.
What can cause the service brake assist light to come on?
Below are some of the factors that causes SBA light to turn on:
Low brake fluid:
When a part of the vehicle’s braking system malfunctions, it will trigger the light to come on.
If your vehicle has a low brake fluid, the brake assist light will come on because inadequate fluid in the system can affect the ABS valve and reduce the efficiency of the brakes.
Connection Issues
Connection issues occur when there are damages in the car’s wiring connections, which supply energy to the vehicle. This issue is caused by corrosion.
Corrosions are caused by moisture that enters the car. Corrosion damages the wiring connections of the vehicle, which affects the operation of the car’s braking system.
Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads wear out with time. If your brake pads are worn out, it can affect the operation of your car’s brakes, thereby exposing you to the danger of road accidents.
Vacuum Leaks
Driving can be challenging for the driver if there is a leak. When vacuums are not functioning, it results from leaks in the brake booster.
The ABS of your car cannot function effectively once there is a leak.
If this happens, the driver might be exposed to the danger of road accidents because he might lose control of the car.
Faulty Brake Booster
The master cylinder contains a piston in it, and this piston is connected to a flexible tube. To operate, the flexible tube partners with the car’s brake booster. When you step on the brake pedals, the piston pushes back against the flexible tube; this creates a resistance that solidifies your footsteps on the brakes.
The service brake assist light will come on when your brake booster is faulty.
How to Fix Service Brake Assist Warning light
1. Reset the Light
There are chances that the lights will come on by accident on the dashboard because of minor issues with the connections.
Resetting the service brake assist before taking any other step is best.
Learning how to reset the service brake assist light will significantly help you.
You can also do this using an OBD2 Scanner.
2. Read trouble codes
The OBD2 Scanner can be used to check trouble codes. To determine the problem, you can read the codes on your car using this tool. Once you read the codes, you can go on to troubleshoot.
Trouble codes are sets of information or data stored in your car that can help you detect a problem. However, these codes are not reliable.
While troubleshooting your automobile, do not disconnect any electrical parts from the battery.
3. Check for both vacuum leaks and valve
Without the vacuum, the brake booster will not function properly. It means when there are vacuum leaks, the brakes will not supply the needed pressure to the vehicle.
Furthermore, a driver can lose control when there is damage in the valve, which can trigger the brake assist system to turn on.
4. Replace Brake Boosters
With this device, the pedal applies enhanced pressure to the master cylinder of the system. This particular device distinguishes a
power-assist braking system from a manual setup. If the brake boosters fail, it can trigger the brake assist warning light. So it’s best to get it fixed and replaced. You can do this yourself, or you can contact a mechanic.
5. Check Brake Fluid:
After pressing the brake pedal, the brake assist system requires this hydraulic fluid to operate. Always check the level of the brake fluids. Check also to ascertain if there is dirt in it. If you find any, flush it because if the brake fluid gets dirty, it can affect the performance of the brake pressure.
6. Contact a Mechanic
If there is no improvement after taking the above steps, then it is
time to meet a professional mechanic so they can use their tools to repair the Brake Assist system.
Other ways to Fix Service Brake Assist Warning Light
● Check the Brake Pressure Sensor
● Replace faulty ABS parts
Can Brake Assist Be Turned Off?
Yes, it can; however, some models won’t let you turn it off. Some will allow you to turn off the safety feature, but you should know that during this period, you won’t be protected by this system.
Can I Drive with the Service Brake Assist Warning?
The brake assist warning will only appear on your dashboard to warn you of danger.
For safety purposes, you should stop driving once the light is on.