Keeping your brake lights in good working order is crucial for your safety and compliance with traffic laws. Fortunately, changing a brake light is a simple process that can be completed in under an hour with minimal tools. In this guide, we will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with moderate mechanical skills, you’ll find this guide helpful.
Why Is It Important to Change a Brake Light?
Avoiding Accidents
Brake lights are essential for alerting drivers behind you when you are stopping or slowing down. A faulty brake light can cause confusion and lead to rear-end collisions.
Staying Within Legal Limits
Driving with a malfunctioning brake light is illegal in most regions. Police officers can pull you over and issue a ticket for a broken brake light.
Preventing Damage to Your Vehicle
A malfunctioning brake light might also indicate underlying electrical issues that could cause further damage if not resolved. By changing the brake light promptly, you help ensure that other electrical systems in your vehicle remain in good condition.
Tools and Materials Needed to Change a Brake Light
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process quicker and smoother.
Essential Tools
- Flathead screwdriver: Used to remove screws or clips holding the light assembly in place.
- Phillips-head screwdriver: May be required for some vehicles to access the brake light housing.
- Pliers: To remove and replace clips or connectors if needed.
Replacement Brake Bulb
Be sure to get the right brake light bulb for your vehicle. You can find this information in your vehicle’s manual or by checking with an auto parts store. Common types of bulbs include 1157, 3157, and 7443, but it’s essential to check the correct model for your car.
Optional Materials
- Gloves: To protect your hands from cuts or scratches and to avoid touching the new bulb with bare hands (oils from your skin can reduce the lifespan of some bulbs).
- Multimeter: If you’re troubleshooting electrical issues beyond just the bulb.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing a Brake Light
Step 1: Safety First
Before starting the process, park your vehicle in a safe, well-lit location, away from traffic. Make sure the car is turned off, and if possible, apply the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling.
Step 2: Locate the Brake Light Housing
In most cars, the brake light is located at the rear of the vehicle within the tail light assembly. The exact position will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Generally, you’ll need to access the brake light assembly from inside the trunk.
Step 3: Open the Trunk and Remove the Light Housing
Once the trunk is open, locate the brake light housing. You may need to remove a plastic cover or panel to access the housing. Most covers are held in place with screws, bolts, or clips, which can be removed using a flathead or Phillips-head screwdriver.
Some vehicles may have direct access to the brake light bulb from the trunk without needing to remove the entire assembly. In this case, you’ll find a small access panel you can pop open.
Step 4: Remove the Old Brake Light Bulb
Once the light housing is accessible, locate the bulb socket at the back of the assembly. The brake light bulb is usually the largest one and may be colored red or white.
Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the housing. Once the socket is out, gently pull the old bulb out of the socket. Be careful when handling the bulb, as it may be hot if recently used or fragile if it’s burned out.
Step 5: Install the New Brake Light Bulb
Take the new brake light bulb and carefully insert it into the socket. Be sure not to touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands. The oils from your skin can cause the bulb to overheat and fail prematurely. If you do touch the bulb, clean it with a lint-free cloth before installation.
Once the bulb is in place, twist the socket back into the light housing by turning it clockwise until it locks into place.
Step 6: Test the New Brake Light
After installing the new bulb, it’s crucial to test it before reassembling everything. Turn on the car and have a friend press the brake pedal while you stand behind the vehicle. Check that the new bulb lights up when the brake pedal is depressed.
If the light doesn’t work, check to make sure the bulb is properly seated and that the socket is fully connected. You may also want to check the vehicle’s fuses if the bulb still doesn’t light up.
Step 7: Reassemble the Light Housing
Once you’ve confirmed that the brake light is working, reassemble the light housing. Reinstall any screws, bolts, or clips you removed earlier and replace the cover panel if applicable. Make sure everything is securely in place to prevent water or dust from entering the housing.
Step 8: Final Test and Inspection
After reassembling the light housing, do one final check to ensure everything is working properly. Test the brake lights again, both with the brake pedal and by turning on the vehicle’s lights to ensure the other rear lights (like turn signals and tail lights) are functioning as well.
Troubleshooting Common Brake Light Issues
Bulb Still Not Working?
If the new bulb doesn’t solve the issue, the problem could be related to the fuse or wiring. Check the vehicle’s fuse box for a blown fuse related to the brake light circuit. Replace it if necessary.
Electrical Wiring Problems
If the fuse is fine but the light still doesn’t work, there may be a problem with the wiring or the bulb socket itself. Corrosion, loose connections, or damaged wires can all affect the functionality of the brake lights. In these cases, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection.
How Often Should You Change Brake Lights?
Brake lights don’t need to be changed regularly like some other car components, but it’s important to check them frequently. As a rule of thumb, inspect your brake lights every few months or whenever you notice dim or malfunctioning lights. LED brake lights tend to last longer than standard bulbs, so if you’re using LED lights, you may not need to replace them as often.
Final Thoughts
Changing a brake light is a straightforward process that can save you time and money by avoiding a trip to the mechanic. With a few simple tools and the right replacement bulb, you can complete this task on your own in no time. Regularly checking and maintaining your brake lights will not only keep you safe on the road but will also help you avoid fines and penalties for driving with faulty lights.
