Service Brake Assist is a newly launched safety feature that most of the latest car owners want to learn about.
Most times, drivers find themselves in situations where their reaction times and the force that they apply to the brake pedal may not be sufficient for a sudden quick stop or sometimes to avoid a crash.
Thanks to technological advances, the service brake assist system helps to further assure many drivers’ safety. In this guide, we will detail all you need to learn about the service brake assist, including the significance of the warning light, what to do if it is on, and the steps to reset it.
What is the Service Brake System Light?
Service Brake Assist is a safety feature that many modern vehicles are equipped with to enhance braking performance.
When you apply the brakes, this system provides additional assistance to increase braking force, helping you stop more effectively in emergency situations.
One of the key components of the Service Brake Assist system is the brake booster, which amplifies the force applied to the brake pedal. This allows for quicker and more efficient brake response, giving drivers added confidence on the road.
Another important aspect of Service Brake Assist is its ability to work in conjunction with other safety systems, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems work together to optimize braking performance and prevent skidding or loss of control during sudden stops or slippery road conditions.
Benefits of Brake Assist
The Brake Assist system measures how much pressure is applied to the brake pedal. It ensures that the pressure is sufficient enough to prevent collisions during an emergency stop.
If the system determines that a fast stop is necessary, but you haven’t fully pressurized the pedal, extra hydraulic pressure will be applied.
This added pressure closes the distance until the vehicle is completely stopped. It can prevent an accident from occurring, which is priceless.
How Does Emergency Brake Assist Work?
Simply put, if Brake Assist senses the brake pedal pressed with sufficient speed and force, it increases hydraulic pressure to maximum. This means drivers need only press the pedal a short distance for full stopping power rather than all the way to the floor.
There are two principal types of BA systems, mechanical and electronic, though only the latter is still used today. Design specifics vary from one automaker to the next, but all work similarly.
What Are the Two Different Types of Brake Assist Systems?
The two different types of service brake assist systems include mechanical and electronic brake assist. The mechanical brake assist is the older variety, while the electronic brake system is the more recent version. Let’s take a closer look at them below:
#1. Mechanical Brake Assist.
The first brake assist system invented had mechanical features rather than the more sophisticated electrical variety now found in modern vehicles.
The automatic brake assist comprises only mechanical components, implying that there are no electrical inputs to monitor the speed and force of the driver’s regular engagement with the braking system.
Instead, the motorist controlling the vehicle must impact the brake pedal to a specific point before the brake assist system gets activated.
When this occurs, the mechanical brake assist system activates a locking system which directs additional braking force to the brake booster instead of the brake piston valve to create a faster stop.
#2. Electronic Brake Assist.
As the name suggests, the electronic brake assist system comprises an electronic control unit that uses electrical inputs to detect an emergency when the driver applies irregular pressure on the brake pedal.
Thus, when the brake assistance system detects that the drivers thump the brake pedals to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible, the electronic control unit provides additional braking power to reduce braking distance even further.
This brake assist system monitors, so when this deviates from the specified range, the electrical unit gets activated.
Perhaps the most important quality of the electronic brake assist system is that the system is programmed to monitor the regular speed and force the driver applies on the brake pedal.
Aside from this, the system’s preprogrammed thresholds can adjust to meet the braking engagements or force and pace of foot pressing over time.
As a result, this system performs a more effective and efficient job of triggering and supporting the brake system when required in an emergency than the mechanical brake assist system.
Causes of the Service Brake Assist Message
In most cases, if you see a service brake assist message with no ABS light or any other message, it is caused by a bad brake pressure sensor or a brake light switch, depending on the car model.
However, there are many different reasons why this message can appear, so a proper diagnosis is necessary. Let’s take a look.
The most common causes of the Service Brake Assist message include:
- Bad Brake Pressure Sensor
- Faulty Brake Booster
- Bad Brake Booster Check Valve
- Vacuum leaks to the brake booster
- Old brake fluid
- Faulty ABS Sensor
- Faulty ABS Ring
- Wiring issues
If you see this message in your Chevrolet together with a Service Stabilitrak message, service traction control message and an ABS light, there may be bigger issues with the brake system.
Safety Implications and Driving with “Service Brake Assist” Warning
The activation of the “Service Brake Assist” warning does not mean an immediate loss of braking function. However, it does indicate that the Brake Assist system, a crucial safety feature, may not operate optimally in emergency braking situations.
While you can continue to drive with the warning illuminated, it is advisable to address the issue promptly to ensure the vehicle’s safety features are fully operational.
When the “Service Brake Assist” warning is on, it is essential to modify your driving behavior accordingly:
#1. Increase Following Distance.
With a potential reduction in emergency braking assistance, maintaining a greater following distance from the vehicle in front provides an extra safety margin.
#2. Be Cautious in Emergency Situations.
Knowing that the Brake Assist system may not be fully operational, exercise extra caution in emergency braking scenarios. Apply consistent and firm pressure to the brake pedal to maximize stopping power.
#3. Seek Professional Inspection.
While you can continue to drive, scheduling a professional inspection is paramount. A qualified technician can diagnose the issue, address any underlying problems, and reset the “Service Brake Assist” warning.
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 to deliver extra force to the brake pedal to enable it to press down to engage the brake in case of emergency.
Conversely, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps to maintain traction on your car’s tires while slowing down to a halt. This enables the driver to have good control over the steering wheel.
The ABS typically prevents your car’s wheels from experiencing a sudden lock-up while you carefully steer to find safety.
So, while their operations are closely related, brake assist and anti-lock braking system features are two separate functions that jointly offer a safe driving experience.
Brake Assist vs. ABS
Brake Assist is a high-tech safety system included in some modern vehicles. It’s not identical to anti-lock brakes (ABS), which are included with every vehicle these days. However, both systems are meant to improve braking performance.
Brake Assist can supply additional pressure on the brake pedal if there’s an emergency. It helps drivers stop before a collision occurs.
On the other hand, ABS maintains the braking of the vehicle if the wheels start to lock-up. It provides more control of the car. ABS also keeps the wheels from locking up, so you can come to a stop safely.
Brake Assist vs. Automatic Emergency Braking
Brake Assist might sound like a form of Automatic Emergency Braking, but these two aren’t the same. Brake Assist is going to apply pressure for you. If you push on the pedal but not hard enough for the situation, the advanced system is going to give you the extra boost you need.
On the other hand, the Automatic Emergency Braking system is going to work without your input. If there’s a dangerous situation determined by the sensors and you aren’t braking despite warnings, the car will brake on its own.
It’s an autonomous technology that handles the operation for you. It’s normally included with vehicles as part of a safety package, or it can be added as an optional feature.
How to Fix Service Brake Assist
#1. Reset the Light.
There’s always the chance that the light came on by accident. It’s unlikely, but you want to rule this option out before moving on. By resetting the brake assist light, you can ensure that there’s actually a problem.
The best way to do this is to use an OBD2 scanner. However, if you don’t have access to one you can also try to remove the power.
With the vehicle in a location that’s safe and the engine off, you can disconnect the negative cable to the battery. Go in your vehicle and push on the brake pedal until all of the electricity inside is removed.
Once that is completed, go ahead and reconnect the cable to the battery and start the engine. The light should be off at this time.
Take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the light comes back on. If it does, you need to move on to the following steps.
#2. Read the trouble codes.
When dealing with problems in modern cars, you always want to read the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner to make diagnosis much easier.
You can either get an OBD2 scanner to use at home, but you may need a special scanner for your car model if it would be compatible with the brake assist system.
Read the codes and continue with the troubleshooting after you get this information.
#3. Check Brake Pressure Sensor.
One of the main issues with the brake assist systems is the brake pressure sensor. If a sensor fails, the system could fail.
To fix the problem, this sensor needs to be replaced. This sensor is often located on the ABS unit or at the master brake cylinder, depending on your car model.
The part will cost $10 to $150. If you can get the sensor installed on your own, you won’t have anything else to spend. Even if you need a mechanic to install the sensor, you may only spend $75 to $200.
#4. Check for vacuum leaks and check valve.
For the brake booster to work properly, it needs a vacuum. In most vehicles, there will be a hose from the engine intake manifold to the brake booster to provide a vacuum.
There will also be a check valve that keeps the vacuum inside the brake booster when you accelerate the car.
If this check valve is broken, or there is a vacuum leak somewhere, you will lose brake pressure and the service brake assist system may pop up. If you have a diesel engine, it could also be due to a faulty vacuum pump.
#5. Check Brake Fluid.
The system’s brake fluid is what helps to create pressure. This hydraulic fluid is needed when you push down the brake pedal and it’s utilized by the brake assist system. If the system is low, you might not get the brake pedal pressure you need to stop in time.
Take a minute to check the level of the brake fluid. It is simple to determine if more should be added with clear indicators on the dipstick cap or reservoir.
If the fluid looks dirty or contaminated, it might be better to perform a brake fluid flush.
This professional service might cost around $100, and it is usually listed on the recommended maintenance schedule for every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
#6. Replace Brake Boosters.
The brake booster is the device that increases the force being applied from the pedal to the master cylinder of the system. It’s the component that differentiates a power-assist braking system from a manual setup.
If the brake booster fails, you could get a Service Brake Assist warning light. If you can replace the brake booster yourself, you might spend $100 to $500 for the part.
If you need to pay a mechanic, you could spend another $150 to $450 on labor costs. However, these prices are strictly estimates, with the make, year and model of your car determining how much you will spend.
#7. Replace faulty ABS parts.
If you see the service brake assist message along with the ABS light or traction control light, it may be a problem with the ABS system and not the brake assist system.
The most common problems with the ABS system that can cause problems with brake assist are also a bad ABS sensor, bad abs ring or a bad ABS pump.
#8. Talk to a Mechanic.
If none of these steps led to a repair, it’s time to talk with your mechanic. With sophisticated technology like the Brake Assist system, it can be difficult to pinpoint what’s wrong.
However, certified mechanics have access to better diagnostic equipment and tools. For this reason, they might be better equipped to hunt down the problem.
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, the service cost can increase based on your vehicle’s make and model.
Meanwhile, changing the brake fluid and bleeding the brake may also be necessary while servicing your car’s brake assist system. This can further inflate the service brake assist cost. So, you may have to factor that into your budget for a perfect job.
However, if you’re not a DIYer or not sure of doing the job perfectly, ensure to consult an expert auto technician to do it.
FAQs.
Is brake assist important?
Of course, brake assist is very important. It saves a lot of drivers from road accidents every year. The brake assist system is designed to monitor a driver’s regular driving style in order to engage the brake properly in case of emergency braking.
The Chevy Silverado brake assist system prevents unexpected crashes by engaging the pedal to press down to the floor in a situation where you slam the brake suddenly.
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 a human effort to help it engage the car’s brake 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 engage the brake pedal while the emergency brake assist system amplifies the brake system’s efficiency to 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 have to take full responsibility for every operation of the vehicle, including avoiding unexpected accidents.
The brake assist system does not have a switch that lets you disable its operations. 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 an 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 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 on the battery’s positive terminal.
- Press down the car’s brake pedal until the stored electricity exhausts completely.
Once you complete the process, the service brake assist light will go off automatically. 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 a mechanical function in 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, the service cost can increase based on your vehicle’s make and model.
Meanwhile, changing the brake fluid and bleeding the brake may also be necessary while servicing your car’s brake assist system. This can further inflate the service brake assist cost. So, you may have to factor that into your budget for a perfect job.
However, if you’re not a DIYer or not sure of doing the job perfectly, ensure to consult an expert auto technician to do it.
What does a brake assist warning mean?
If you’re looking at your car’s dash, and you’re wondering, “What does it mean when it says service brake assist?” The message means you have a malfunctioning brake sensor; hence, the brake assist system cannot receive the appropriate signal to engage its operation.
Other times, it may signify that your car lacks sufficient brake pedal pressure for braking efficiency. Once the system detects these malfunctions, it triggers the brake assist warning light to communicate the problem to the driver for immediate action.
If you discover that your car’s brake assist warning light has been illuminated, kindly contact a professional auto mechanic ASAP. Driving with a malfunctioning brake assist system can be hazardous when you least expect it. 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 after the brake assist light comes up. Remember that prevention is cheaper and better than cure; hence, taking immediate precautions is best for you at this point.
The brake assist light is a sign that your car’s braking system is experiencing a fault, 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 not 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 be risking driving with either insufficient pressure from the brake pedal or a malfunctioning brake sensor.
Either of these malfunctions can be very risky because they control your car’s braking system. So, if you see that particular warning light at any point, make sure to park in a safe location and contact a professional auto mechanic to check out the problem 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, now you do.
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 that the system works perfectly without any glitches.
However, if the warning light is already staring at you on your car’s dash, don’t panic. Simply implement the solutions provided in this article.