6 Simple Steps on How to Change Brake Light
Having burn out brake light bulbs is a serious matter and should be attended to right away. It is best to ask an expert to help you out to check your brake lights. If there is no one around to help you check the brake lights, you can use a set of brick or anything heavy where you can place on the brake pedal to activate the lights to turn on. In case the brake light is weaker than normal, the light takes time to turn on, or the brake warning light turns on, then the brake lights are not working properly.
1. Importance of Brake Lights
Brake lights are a vital safety feature. Whether you are driving at night or day, your brake lights should be in the perfect working condition. Without brake lights, the drivers behind you will not know when you are slowing down, and it may result in a collision. If you will not replace your burnt brake light, you could get fined. Checking and maintaining your brake light bulbs on a regular basis is therefore very vital.
2. Finding the Right Brake Light Bulb
Before replacing, you need to find the right type of brake light bulb by consulting your vehicle handbook. It is indicated in the guide the number and type of brake light bulbs will fit your vehicle. Choose the one made by a trusted brand name. You choose a cheap or generic light bulb as long as you are sure that it is with good quality.
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What You Need:
Steps on How to Change Brake Light
After finding the right brake light bulb it is time to replace your burnt bulb. On most cars, replacing the brake light bulbs is simple and if you have some knowledge doing it, you can do it on your own. To help you out in changing the brake light bulb we have put together a step-by-step guide. Keep in mind that this is a general guide. Every car is unique, and some can be replaced using a different method.
Step 1. Easy to Replace Brake Light Bulbs
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Some car makers have made it simpler to replace bulbs in cars and SUV’s by accessing them from the inside of the vehicle. If you have this type of vehicle, you can skip step 2 to 4. Easy access brake light bulbs can open the panel or flap from the inside of the brake light lens. You can see the brake light bulb socket thru the inside of the brake light lens.
Step 2. Locate and Remove Mounting Bolts
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When finding the mounting bolts on the lens assembly, some can be easily found but others are covered with cosmetic covers that can pop off easily. After locating the mounting bolts, you need to remove it and set the bolts aside.
The bulbs for your white, yellow, and red lights are concealed behind a colored lens. In many trucks and cars, they are all in one area, but some vehicles make use of separate lens assemblies. It does not matter what it is, the same process applies.
Use Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws in the lens housing from the car. Make sure to place the screws somewhere safe so you will not lose a single screw.
Step 3. Detach the Tail Light Lens and Find the Burnt Bulb
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After removing the screws out and safely put away, you can detach the entire bulb assembly, out of its hole. You cannot pull it out too far because of the wirings, but you can pull it far enough to give you enough space when removing the bulb. Some assemblies can be pulled out entirely and others have a removable outer cover.
Most of the tail light assemblies can be detached easily. If in case you are having a hard time removing it, focus on the direction where the tail light lens is mounted and disconnect it straight out.
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After removing the tail light construction, look for the socket where your brake light bulb is installed. If you are not sure which socket the brake light is mounted, you can ask someone to press down the brake pedal or you can turn on your car’s hazards.
Step 4. Remove the Burnt Brake Light Bulb
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Turn the release tab counterclockwise to detach the bulb socket. In removing the brake light bulb, the lights should be turned off and let the bulb cool down, so you can touch it. Disconnect from the socket the brake light bulb.
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Determine the right light bulb. After taking the light bulb out, check the numbers on the bulb and match them to the new bulb.
Step 5. Apply Dielectric Grease and Install the New Bulb
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Apply a pea-sized amount of dielectric grease to the brake light bulb socket. Then, take the new bulb and replace the old one into the brake light socket.
Install the brake light socket, match the tail light lends and tabs on the socket, and after inserting it, turn clockwise to tighten.
Step 6. Test, Install and Tighten
Before installing the brake light lens, test the brake light function first. If it is working well, attach the tail light. Line up the tail light, then slide in position. Line up the mounting holes and begin mounting bolts. Then tighten the mounting bolts firmly.
You can watch the entire process here:
Final Words
As mentioned above brake light bulb is very vital not just for the driver, but for the other surrounding traffic as well. It is important that all your car lights are working properly – including the brake lights, headlights, hazards, turn signals, and running lights for your safety. If you don’t have any idea how to change a brake light bulb, then you should leave it to the expert. If you find this guide helpful to you, feel free to make a comment below and this post with others.
