Brake systemYou never want to have a problem with your car's brakes, as you put yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road in danger if you can't come to a complete stop safely. The brake system light on your dashboard, which consists of an exclamation point in a circle with some extra lines present to really get your attention, indicates that something has gone wrong. Of course, this light will also come on if you try to drive with the parking brake still engaged, so you may just need to disengage it to make the light go away. However, if that doesn't resolve the issue, it's possible you need to adjust the anti-lock braking system, replace some worn-out brake pads, or fill up low brake fluid levels. You may need a tow to an auto shop to get an inspection or hire a mobile brake service to come to you to see what's going on. You may be able to do some diagnostics yourself by determining if the brake system light turns on when you hit the brake pedal. When there's a connection between those two, the light often indicates low brake fluid levels or hydraulic loss. You may still be able to stop for the time being, but it may not take long to lose that ability entirely. Stability or traction controlSince 2012, new cars are required to contain new traction systems to help vehicles maintain their integrity when driving over slippery terrain. You can turn this system on and off at your leisure, but unless it's an extremely rare circumstance, you're better off keeping it on. For example, when you drive over a slick road after a storm one or more of your tires may not be able to grip the road's surface as well. However, the traction system gives the tires a better chance of gripping where it can so that you can maintain control and not spin out. When you see the traction or stability control light illuminate on your dashboard, it's usually a good thing. It means the system is working as it should and that it's trying to get the tires to maintain cohesion with the road. It'll light up temporarily but should go back off once all the tires are secure. Unfortunately, you more have an issue if the light regularly comes on when you're driving normally with nothing dangerous about the road. In this case, a blinking traction control light could means there's an issue with the wheel-speed sensors.If you're driving in optimal conditions and the light is steadily on, it could indicate the traction system has been shut off. Consider this a reminder to turn it back on. You can shut down and restart your car, and the light should be gone.