Audi 'Brakes: fault. Safely stop vehicle' in car: what to do

Who: you, as soon as the red message appears. How: slow down gently, find a place away from traffic, switch on the hazard lights and secure the vehicle so it cannot roll away before you get out. Result that matters: getting the A3 stationary without relying on brakes the manual itself reports as faulty. If the pedal feels very hard or braking is weaker: press harder, as the manual warns for a brake servo failure, until you stop. If you manage to stop normally: do not set off again even if the message disappears; call for assistance anyway. Evidence to keep: a photo of the cluster with the message and any other lamps lit.

Who: you, once the car is stopped. How: check whether the Audi ABS and ESC lamps are also lit or whether the check brake fluid message appears. Result that matters: giving roadside assistance and the workshop the full picture of A3 warnings. If ABS and ESC are also lit: the manual says ABS, ESC and brake force distribution have failed; do not drive under any circumstances. If only the brake message is on: treat it just as seriously and wait for assistance. Evidence to keep: a list of lamps that are lit and the exact display texts.

Who: you, with the engine off and the car on a level surface. How: open the bonnet following the engine compartment safety notes and read the level on the brake fluid reservoir: the A3 manual says it must be between MIN and MAX. Keep fluid away from the paintwork. Result that matters: knowing whether the level is below MIN, a useful fact for the workshop. If the A3 fluid level is below MIN: the manual says braking effect may be impaired; do not drive on. If the level is between MIN and MAX: the malfunction has another cause and you still must not drive on. Evidence to keep: a photo of the reservoir with the level visible.