Auto repair, the basics
If your brake light illuminates when your parking brake is disengaged, have your brake fluid level checked. You may need to replenish it. Either a light amber colored liquid pooling underneath your car or a distinctive and pungent odor (or both) indicates the presence of a leak somewhere in your system. You cannot mistake the smell of leaking brake fluid. Get your car in for brake repair if a brake pedal or wheel begins to vibrate.