Yesterday I was driving home from out of town w maybe 30 miles remaining and a bright red Brakes light indicator comes on my dashboard which I've never seen before & wasn't even aware it was there. My brakes have sometimes been squishy (press on the brake & the pedal sinking down for no apparent reason) and it was on my get-checked-out list.
Still squishy, barely anything there.
When the light 1st came on I pulled over and turned off the engine just to make sure it wasn't a fluke.
Nope. stayed on.
So before I take it in to be checked out I'd just like to be as informed as possible.

Could it just need brake fluid?

How is this different than getting new brakes which I have no reason to suspect I need as otherwise all has been fine + no noise indicating otherwise?

 

*Update* yes, it definitely needed brake fluid which I refilled - have never had to do that before for ANY vehicle so there's that. I have an appt w the mechanic day after tomorrow so they'll take a look and see what's going on. Someone said sometimes the fluid just boils over ? ok.
Anyway the brake light is off now and the brakes are coming back. Haven't drove it much yet so will know more when the mechanic takes a look.

 

The brake fluid reservoir has a float switch. When the fluid level gets low, the switch activates the red brake indicator light on the dash.

 

Yep. Took it in today and the rear wheel brake line is rusted thru...sigh...