How to Change the Brake Light

Being a vehicle owner, you must know how to change the brake light whenever needed. For this purpose, it is mandatory to ensure that all lights are in good operating order so you can cater to the issues on time.

Learning how to change a brake light is one of the most important, yet sometimes forgotten, car maintenance duties. In terms of road safety, these lights are the most crucial. You need to take quick action if you have observed that your brake light isn't working correctly.

Midwest Aftermarket helps ensure your car stays safe and complies with traffic laws. By following the instructions for how to change brake lights, you can guarantee a secure traveling experience – whether it is a regular grocery visit or a recreational trip.

Do You Need Tools to Change a Brake Light?

Assemble the required instruments and supplies before beginning the brake light replacement operation. You will need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Socket wrench set
  • New bulb (that fits the make and model of your car)
  • Gloves (to shield your hands from any sharp edges and to stop debris or grease from getting on the bulb)

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How to Find the Housing for the Brake Light?

The first step in learning how to change the brake light is to find the housing. It is often located on:

  • Trunk lid
  • In the back panel
  • Inside the taillight assembly of the car

Consult your car's handbook if you need help finding where it is. Once you have located the housing, decide if you need to open the trunk from the inside or the outside.

How to Remove the Housing Cover?

It is necessary to remove a cover to reach the brake light bulb. It depends on the overall design and manufacturing of your vehicle.

Most of the time, clips or screws hold this lid in place. With extreme caution, remove the lid using a screwdriver or your hands. Be careful not to break it. Set the cover away in a secure location to prevent it from being lost or destroyed.

Taking Out the Old Bulb

Now that you have removed the housing cover, the old brake light bulb is accessible. To remove the lightbulb socket from the housing, carefully twist it counterclockwise.

After the socket is loose, carefully remove the old bulb. Make sure to observe which way it points. Before completely removing a lightbulb, check its position because some may contain a small twist-lock mechanism.

How to Replace Brake Light Bulb?

Before installing a new bulb, make sure it is of the right type and size that easily fits in your car. Ensure the replacement bulb is firmly ensconced in the socket before inserting it.

If your lightbulb features a twist-lock mechanism, ensure it is correctly aligned before turning it clockwise to secure it.

Putting the Housing Back Together

After installing the replacement bulb, carefully slide the socket back into the housing, tightening it with a clockwise twist. Replace the housing cover and use screws or clips to attach it firmly. Verify once everything has been put back together correctly and no pieces are missing.

You are all set if everything appears to be in order!

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The Bottom Line

If you have the necessary equipment and know how to change the brake light, it becomes an effortless procedure that can be finished in a few minutes. Following these instructions, you can guarantee your car stays safe and legal on the road. Remember to regularly inspect your car's lights to identify any problems early on and fix them quickly. Be careful when driving!