This is your very literal warning sign that your car brakes need checking right away. If your brake warning light comes on and stays on, it could be due to needing a parking brake adjustment, having worn brake pads, or even indicating hydraulic issues.
If the light is on only when you hit the pedal, it could mean you have very low brake fluid in the master cylinder – or, you may have hydraulic pressure loss on one side of the vehicle.
Either way, don’t delay getting your brake system checked out.