Vehicle manufacturers have continued to enhance the safety systems of their brands by introducing a range of features. The emergency brake assist is another vital safety system, along with traction control, StabiliTrak, and the anti-lock braking system.
This braking system is designed to further improve regular braking performance, especially in emergency situations.
Unfortunately, a system malfunction can trigger the dashboard’s service brake assist warning light. So, let’s find out what the feature means and how to fix the service brake assist light whenever it comes on.
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What is Brake Assist?
Brake assist is a driver-assist safety feature that intervenes to help a car stop faster during emergency braking.
The system detects when a driver engages the car’s brakes so hard that there is no appropriate braking response. So, it releases extra braking force to shorten the braking distance, thereby averting unexpected crashes.
This feature is found in most modern vehicles as part of the innovations to enhance their safety, especially during emergencies. However, some drivers complain about the brake assist performance and efficiency.
Some assert that the feature interferes with the regular braking system; others opine that the system makes it impossible to take full control of your car without unnecessary interruptions while on the road.
So, several car owners believe it is best to disable the feature and enjoy regular driving with the standard braking system, which lets you maintain full control. However, studies reveal that many road crashes have been averted by the brake assist system in recent times.
Therefore, understanding how the brake assist works will help you better appreciate the feature and shape your opinion of its operation.
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How Brake Assist Works
The brake assist works by monitoring a driver’s typical driving style, especially the application of the brakes, and releasing extra braking force when the sensor detects a sudden engagement of the brake pedal.
So, the system is designed to rescue the driver from the dangers of emergency braking without a proper response. This feature works in synergy with the anti-lock braking system to properly engage the brake in an emergency.
The brake assist system’s programming enables it to analyze the driver’s behavior when engaging the brakes. So, if it senses an irregularity in this operation, it will release more force to ensure effective braking and reduce the braking distance.
What Does Service Brake Assist Mean?
The service brake assist light is one of the warning signals on the dashboard of most modern cars. Other brake system-related warning signals include the ABS light, service StabiliTrak light, etc.
You may encounter this warning light at least once during your vehicle’s lifespan, especially if you drive a modern car equipped with electronic-assist features. Understanding the service brake assist message is as simple as ABC.
The service brake assist light indicates a malfunctioning brake sensor. It may also reveal insufficient pressure from the brake pedal to properly engage the braking system.
Kindly note that the service brake assist in the Equinox is the same as the service brake assist in the Chevy Tahoe. Once you see this light, take immediate action to rectify the problem.
It is important to contact your breakdown service line if you’re experiencing this issue right now. You may also want to consult a nearby auto mechanic to check what might be wrong and fix the problem immediately.
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Is Brake Assist The Same As ABS?
Brake assist is not the same as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). However, they synergize to deliver optimum braking performance. The brake assist feature helps deliver extra force to the brake pedal, enabling it to press down and engage the brakes in an emergency.
Conversely, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps maintain traction on your car’s tires as you slow to a halt. This enables the driver to have good control over the steering wheel.
The ABS typically prevents your car’s wheels from suddenly locking up while you carefully steer to safety. While their operations are closely related, brake assist and anti-lock braking system are two separate functions that together provide a safe driving experience.
How to Fix the Service Brake Assist
Do not panic if your GMC service brake assist warning signal suddenly illuminates. However, ensure you implement at least one of the following solutions.
Reset the service brake assist light
Firstly, it is important to understand that dashboard lights can sometimes illuminate unnecessarily due to a slight malfunction in their wiring. So, it is better to first find out how to reset the service brake assist light before anything else.
Once you see the light, find a safe place to park and turn off the car’s engine. Then, remove the battery’s positive terminal cable. After that, get into the car and press the brake pedal for a while until the stored electricity is exhausted.
Now, you can reconnect the battery cable and restart the car. Then check whether it clears the brake assist light.
Replace the brake boosters
Replacing the car’s brake boosters is another remedy for a service brake assist warning signal. These components cost around $100 – $150. Personally, fixing the component will help you save labor costs.
Meanwhile, if you’re unable to replace the components yourself, that will result in extra labor costs of around $100–$300. However, the parts and labor costs depend on the vehicle’s make and model. While some may be relatively cheap, others can be overly expensive.
Replace the bad brake sensor
A bad brake sensor is a major culprit of the service brake assist light illumination. If you have a bad brake sensor, you will also need to replace it to resolve the issue.
The brake sensor costs $5–$100, while labor costs are estimated at $70-$100. If you’re a DIYer, the better for you because that will help you save some bucks (the labor cost).
FAQs
Is brake assist important?
Of course, brake assist is very important. It saves many drivers from road accidents every year. The brake assist system is designed to monitor a driver’s typical driving style to properly engage the brakes during emergency braking.
The Chevy Silverado brake assist system prevents unexpected crashes by pressing the pedal to the floor when you suddenly slam on the brakes.
Since it is sometimes easy to be distracted while on the road, using an emergency brake assist can help you stay out of trouble with unexpected crashes.
Is brake assist automatic braking?
Not necessarily! The brake assist is not an automatic (autonomous) braking system. This is because it still requires human effort to engage the car’s brakes effectively. However, it has a record of improving your car’s regular stopping distance by 20%.
Understanding how the brake assist system works will help you maximize its operations. It is not a collision-avoidance system, and neither is it a self-reliant braking system.
The driver’s role is to press the brake pedal, while the emergency brake assist system amplifies the brake system’s effectiveness to help overcome an imminent accident.
Can you turn off the brake assist?
Some modern vehicles allow the driver to take full control of their driving pattern; hence, they let you turn off some driver-assist features. However, you will be fully responsible for all vehicle operations, including avoiding unexpected accidents.
The brake assist system does not have a switch to disable its operation. Since it plays a vital role in saving a driver from unexpected danger, manufacturers ensure that it remains active. However, it may likely hinder your car’s smooth driving to some extent.
So, you may have to disengage the brake assist fuse to disable it. Nevertheless, would you rather take full control of your safety or allow the system to protect you from unforeseen dangers?
How do you reset the service brake assist?
Resetting the service brake assist is pretty straightforward. If you’re wondering how to turn off service brake assist, the following three-step procedure will help you reset your car’s service brake assist indicator:
- Park properly and turn off the car.
- Disconnect the cable from the battery’s positive terminal.
- Press the car’s brake pedal until the stored electricity is completely exhausted.
Once you complete the process, the service brake assist light will automatically go off. Engaging in the procedures above can be extremely easy; hence, you may not need an auto mechanic to do the job. However, always be careful when performing mechanical work on your car.
How much does it cost to service brake assist?
Servicing a car’s brake assist costs around $100 to $150, especially when you buy the brake boosters and do the job personally. However, service costs can vary based on your vehicle’s make and model.
Meanwhile, changing the brake fluid and bleeding the brakes may also be necessary during service of your car’s brake assist system. This can further inflate the cost of the service brake assist. So, you may have to factor that into your budget to get the perfect job.
However, if you’re not a DIYer or not sure you can do the job perfectly, ensure you consult an expert auto technician to do it.
What does a brake assist warning mean?
If you’re looking at your car’s dashboard and wondering, “What does it mean when it says service brake assist?” The message indicates a malfunctioning brake sensor; therefore, the brake assist system cannot receive the appropriate signal to engage.
Other times, it may indicate that your car lacks sufficient brake pedal pressure for efficient braking. Once the system detects these malfunctions, it triggers the brake assist warning light to alert the driver to the problem and prompt immediate action.
If you notice that your car’s brake assist warning light is illuminated, kindly contact a professional mechanic ASAP. Driving with a malfunctioning brake assist system can be hazardous at the worst possible time. So, “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
What do you do if the brake assist light comes up on your vehicle?
Kindly contact your vehicle’s breakdown service immediately upon the brake assist light coming on. Remember that prevention is cheaper and better than a cure; hence, taking immediate precautions is best for you at this point.
The brake assist light indicates a fault in your car’s braking system, and this is not something to joke about. So, it would be best to find a safe place to park the car carefully and call your service expert to come to your rescue.
Can I drive with service brake assist?
No! It is neither ideal nor safe to drive with your car’s service brake assist warning light on. In fact, it is a dangerous venture because you’ll risk driving with either insufficient brake pedal pressure or a malfunctioning brake sensor.
Either of these malfunctions can be very risky because they control your car’s braking system. If you see that particular warning light, park in a safe location and contact a professional mechanic to have the problem checked out immediately.
However, if you suspect a malfunctioning warning light, ensure to test the brake properly and reset the brake assist system for confirmation.
Final Words
The service brake assist warning signal is as important as any other warning light on your car’s dashboard. If you didn’t know much about this feature in your car, you do now. The truth is, everything you should know about the brake assist system has been explained here.
So, you must take immediate preventive measures to ensure the system runs perfectly, without any glitches. However, if the warning light is already staring at you on your car’s dashboard, don’t panic. Simply implement the solutions provided in this article.
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