How To Replace A Brake Light

The brake light helps alert other drivers when you’re stopping or slowing down. It enhances your visibility on the road and reduces the risk of accidents. Hence, you should replace it promptly if it gets faulty.

How to replace a brake light:

• Access your car brake light assembly
• Remove the burnt brake light by rotating it anticlockwise.
• Install the new bulb and secure the socket back in place
• Test if the new brake light bulb works by having someone press the brake pedal.
• Reassemble the tail light assembly

This article takes you through a step-by-step guide for replacing the light bulb. We will also discuss other crucial info like how to know a brake light is blown, how to choose the right replacement light, the light replacement cost, and more.

How to replace a brake light?

You can replace the light on your own instead of driving to the auto repair shop. The process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes (approx. 40 minutes).

Tools you need:

• Replacement brake light bulb
• Screwdriver or socket wrench

Step-by-step guide:

Follow the steps below for a successful brake light replacement

Step 1. Identify the burnt brake light bulb

There usually exists several bulbs underneath each of your taillight lenses and only one of them is the brake light. Thus, you’ll first need to identify the brake light.

Have a friend sit in the driver’s seat and press and release your car brake pedal severally. At this time, you should be standing behind your vehicle checking your brake light operation.

Note that identifying the faulty bulb first can also help you choose the correct replacement light.

Step 2. Access the brake light bulb

After you’ve recognized the broken bulb, you can now try to access it. Open your car trunk or rear hatch and look for trim piece or access panel situated behind tail light lens assembly.

The assembly may be secured using screws, snaps, or clips. Simply use your screwdriver or socket wrench to remove any screws or fasteners present.

In most modern vehicles, the screws are usually located on the inside. However, the screws are located on the outside for older models.

Step 3. Remove the faulty brake light bulb

Now that you have already identified which bulb represents the brake light underneath the lens, it is time to get it out.

Simply open the truck and check directly behind the taillight lens with the burnt bulb.

With the help of your flashlight, you should be able to easily identify which of the bubs inside represents the brake light.

Now turn the brake light holder anticlockwise to release it and then pull it out. Once the holder is out, simply pull out the malfunctioning bulb from it.

Step 4. Install the new brake light

Take the replacement brake light bulb and install it into the holder. You can simply turn it clockwise or just press it in depending on the type of holder.

Push the holder carrying the new bulb back into the taillight assembly. Don’t forget to rotate the holder in a clockwise direction to ensure it is locked into place.

Make sure both the holder and the light sit firmly in the tail light assembly.

Step 5. Test it

Assuming you followed the steps we discussed above, your new brake light should be functioning correctly. However, it is still important to inspect it to ensure it works.

Before you reassemble things, let someone sit in the driver’s seat and press and release the brake pedal. At the same time, check how the new brake light operates from behind.

In case the brake light fails to light up, you can double-check your installation or even consult a professional for further assistance.

If everything works properly, reassemble the access panel or trim piece using the screws or fasteners you undid in step one.

We found this helpful video explaining how to replace your car’s brake light:

Video:

Where can I get my brake light fixed?

If you don’t feel comfortable fixing your bad brake light, then there are other options to get it fixed.

One option is to visit your dealership. An authorized dealership for your specific vehicle model will have the parts as well as the necessary skills to replace your faulty brake light.

You may also consider an independent auto repair shop as most of them offer brake light repair services. However, make sure you go for a reputable one for the best services.

Another option to consider is a mobile mechanic who can come to your location or home and fix the brake light bulb for you.

This is a more convenient option since driving your car with a malfunctioning brake light is dangerous.

How much is brake light bulb replacement cost?

Brake light bulb replacement is a super-inexpensive fix! The average brake light bulb replacement cost can range anywhere from $5 to $20.

According to AutoZone, the bulb replacement cost can range from $6 to $30.

A typical brake light cost $5 to $10 while the labor charges may vary from $10 to $20. Such a cheap fix, right?

However, note that the price is sure to vary depending on several factors such as your vehicle model, the type of replacement bulb, and where the replacement service is done.

If you go for a high-performance brake light bulb, then you may need to spend more.

Also, if your bulb replacement service is performed at an auto repair shop, then you may need to spend more on labor charges.

What are common causes of brake light failure?

Brake light bulb undergoes common wear, just like the bulbs in your house, and will stop working at some time. However, there are other possible causes for brake light failure as outlined below:

• Normal wear: Probably the most common cause for your faulty brake light is a worn-out bulb. This causes the brake light to stop illuminating whenever you apply the brakes.
• Wrong installation: If your brake light bulb was replaced recently, incorrect installation or using the wrong bulb could be the reason behind the brake light failure.
• Faulty module/relay: Brake lights in some cars are controlled by a module or relay. Failure of this component automatically leads to brake light failure.
• Electrical issues: Issues like faulty wiring, blown fuse, corroded connections, etc., can also result in brake light failure.
• Malfunction brake light switch: The brake light switch activates the brake light whenever you press the brake pedal. If this switch becomes damaged/misaligned, then it is unable to send a signal to the brake light to illuminate.
• Brake light assembly damage: if your car brake light assembly has suffered any physical damage, the brake light may also start malfunctioning.

If your car experiences brake light failure and the bulb isn’t blown, then you should consider the other likely causes we’ve just described above. This will give you a clue on how to fix the brake light.

How do I know what brake light to get?

Follow these tips to choose the correct brake light bulb for your vehicle model:

• Check the old bulb: The easiest way to tell the correct replacement brake light bulb to get is by inspecting your current bulb (that is if it is still in good condition). Inspect the bulb for any part numbers or markings and note down this information to help you when choosing a new bulb.
• Check your user manual: Your owner’s manual may also provide you with helpful info on the specific type and specification of the brake light bulb to get for your specific car make and model.

Note that it’s important to choose the right bulb for your specific car make and model to ensure proper fit. If you get the wrong bulb, your car brake light won’t function properly.

Still at it, we advise you to go for LED light bulbs instead of halogen ones. This is because LED bulbs have a longer lifespan and tend to produce sharp and crisp lighting—increasing your visibility in all weather conditions.

How do you know if your brake light bulb is blown?

The easiest way to tell if you have a blown brake light bulb is by checking for non-illumination signs. If you press the brake pedal and the light does not illuminate, then the bulb is blown.

Have someone stand at your vehicle’s rear and inspect your brake light as you press the brake pedal. If the brake does not illuminate, then that is a surefire sign it has blown.

You can also visually inspect the bulb to see if it is burnt. If the filament inside the light looks damaged or broken, then your bulb is likely brown.

Some vehicle models feature a system that detects faulty bulbs and triggers an error message or even a warning light whenever you have a malfunctioning brake light.

Whenever you suspect your brake light bulb is blown, we advise you to replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure your own safety and that of other road users.

How soon should a brake light be replaced?

You should replace the brake light as soon as possible. As we said above, diving with a broken brake light bulb is dangerous for you and other road users.

You won’t be able to provide a braking warning to the vehicles behind you, and you may get rear-ended.

You may also get a fix-it ticket from law enforcement for driving without functional brake lights. Just get the brake light fixed immediately if you suspect it has blown.

If you’re looking to replace a brake light in your vehicle, you may find our article on brake light vs. tail light helpful. This article explains the differences between these two types of lights and provides guidance on their replacement. Additionally, if you’re experiencing a brake light that stays on in your Honda CR-V, you can check out our article on Honda CR-V brake light stays on for possible causes and solutions specific to that vehicle.

FAQs:

Does Valvoline replace brake lights?

Yes, Valvoline can replace brake lights. Though they’re best known for oil changes and auto maintenance services, Valvoline service centers can also replace your faulty brake light bulb.

Is it expensive to fix a brake light?

Fixing your car brake light is super cheap and will cost you a mere $5 to $20. However, the price may go higher depending on the replacement bub you chose and where you get the fixing done.

Should I replace both brake lights if one is out?

Yes, we recommend replacing both brake light bulbs if one goes out. This is helpful if both bulbs have been used for the same length of time. In this case, if one bulb wears out, the other one can quickly follow.

Conclusion

Replacing your brake light is something you can do on your own with the right set of tools and a set of directions to follow. Note that this is a cheap fix and doesn’t require any special skills. The average cost for replacing a brake light is anywhere from $5 to $20, which is quite cheap compared to other car fixes.

We recommend replacing your brake light bulb as soon as you suspect it’s malfunctioning to prevent the possibility of accidents or getting rear-ended. Remember to replace both brake lights at the same time as the other one may go out sooner.