How to Change a Brake Light

It’s common for your brake light to go out from time to time with how often they can be used, but it’s always annoying to find out they’re out when it’s the most inconvenient. The good news is that replacing your brake light is generally very easy, and the hardest part is making sure that you’re following your specific make and model’s needs. Learn more about how to change a brake light below before reading about some more easy car maintenance tips.

How to Replace a Brake Light Step-by-Step

1. Purchase the Correct Bulb(s): Check your owner’s manual to find the correct bulb size for your vehicle and buy it online or even consider reaching out to our parts center.
2. Remove the Tail Light Housing: When you have the correct bulb(s), the next step is to remove the colored lens that hides the brake light bulbs. These can usually be taken care of with a Phillips-head screwdriver. After removing the cover, remove the bad bulb.
3. Replace the Brake-Light Bulb: We recommend using a little dielectric grease to the end of the new bulb before installing it. This can help prevent corrosion and rust. And it makes it easier to remove if it burns out again. Place the new bulb in place, reattach the tail light housing, and you’re good to go!

We’d like to make sure and reaffirm that drivers should check their user manuals before moving forward with these steps. Generally, most tail light bulbs are straightforward to replace, but some can be hard to maneuver or may require additional or modified steps. Bartow and Auburndale drivers can contact our service team today for more information on replacing their brake lights.

Why Check Your Tail Lights?

Checking your tail lights is pretty straightforward like checking your oil, and replacing them isn’t usually as involved as an oil change. You need your tail lights to be functioning properly so that other drivers behind you can see when you’re braking or when you’re reversing. Many drivers find out that their brake lights are out after being pulled over. So to avoid that scenario or other potential safety issues, we recommend checking your tail lights every so often.

Get Professional Service at Our Lakeland Service Center

You have a better idea now about how to replace a brake light, and we encourage you to explore more of our tips. Is your check engine light turning on? Have you been curious about what tire rotations are for? We have you covered, and we even offer a great collection of service and parts coupons for when you’re looking for needed service or parts in Lakeland!