What can low brake fluid levels indicate?

Low brake fluid levels can indicate that there is a leak somewhere in the brake system. When the fluid level decreases, it often suggests that brake fluid is escaping through damaged or cracked brake lines, hoses, or seals. This loss of fluid can affect the hydraulic pressure that is crucial for the proper functioning of the brake system, potentially resulting in decreased braking performance or failure.

While worn brake pads can contribute to brake fluid loss—since the fluid level may drop as the pads wear down and require more fluid to engage properly—this is less direct than the indication of a leak. The brake system functioning well would not result in low fluid levels, as a properly sealed and functioning system should maintain adequate fluid levels. Similarly, using the wrong type of fluid could cause system issues, but it wouldn't directly correlate with low levels unless it ultimately led to a leak or other malfunction.