Two brake warning lights, two different warnings
Most cars and light trucks have two brake lights on the dash, and they do not mean the same thing. Knowing which one is lit tells you how urgently to act.
The red BRAKE light, often a circle with an exclamation mark. It comes on with the parking brake, which is the harmless reason. If the parking brake is fully off and the light stays on, it usually means the brake fluid is low. Fluid does not get used up. Low fluid means either the pads have worn far enough that the fluid has moved into the calipers, or there is a leak. Either way, the hydraulic system that stops the car is involved. Book it now, and drive gently until it is checked.
The amber ABS light. This is the anti-lock system reporting a fault, often a wheel speed sensor. The ordinary brakes usually still work, but the anti-lock function that keeps the wheels from locking in a hard stop on a wet road may not. It is less urgent than the red light, and it is still worth booking soon.
Both at once is the case to treat most seriously. Have it checked before relying on the vehicle.
For a commuter
If the car is how you get to work, a brake light on the morning commute is the hardest kind of decision, because you need the vehicle. The store opens at 7:00 AM. Tell them which light is on and when it came on, and the inspection can start straight away.
What else a brake check finds
Pads, rotors, fluid condition, lines and calipers. A pull to one side under braking can also be alignment or worn suspension, and both are at this address. The national brake repair page covers the other warning signs.
This is the Commercial & Consumer listing. Purcell's other Paducah store on Hinkleville Rd also repairs brakes.
Other stores nearby
Paducah Consumer and Princeton also offer brake repair.
About this store
The Paducah Commercial & Consumer store is managed by Austin Hays.
See the national brake repair page for all 33 locations.