How to Change a Brake Light on Your Car

Brake lights are an essential component of your car. They signal to other drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or getting ready to come to a full stop. As such, they signal other drivers of your intentions and keep everyone on the road safer. Plus, when you drive with a busted or absent brake light, your chances of getting pulled over are higher. Luckily, learning how to change a brake light and then going ahead and completing the process on your car is easy. Learn more with the Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram service center, below.

How to Replace a Brake Light in 3 Steps

Ready to learn how to replace a brake light near Washington, PA? It won’t take long. It just involves purchasing the right bulb and a little elbow grease! Here’s what to do to change a brake light on your car:

1. Locate the Correct Bulbs: Before attempting to change your brake light(s), make sure you get a hold of the proper bulb(s). Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure you’re getting a bulb that’s both the right size and the right voltage so you don’t run into any electrical gremlins later. 
2. Remove the Tail Light Housing: After locating the right bulb, you’ll have to remove the actual plastic taillight cover. Usually, you can accomplish this using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Once you have the cover off, remove the old bulb.
3. Replace the Brake Light Bulb: Put a little bit of dielectric grease on the metal end of the lightbulb before installing to prevent rust and corrosion. This will also make it easier to remove later on. Then, screw the new bulb in place, reattach the taillight housing, and you should be ready to drive around Washington, PA again!

Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to change a brake light on your vehicle! Be sure to check out our other service tips to learn more about other common DIY service & maintenance topics.

Pro Tip: Be Sure to Check Your Taillights Regularly

Now that you’ve learned how to replace a brake light, you’ll want to be sure that you monitor your lights going forwards so you know when you need to repeat the process again. The purpose of your vehicle’s taillights is to alert other drivers of the actions you take. From turning and stopping to reversing, taillights help with many important functions in your vehicle’s day-to-day Steubenville, OH and Martins Ferry, OH driving operations. Accordingly, it’s important to check them regularly to make sure they’re 100% functional! When you check your brake lights, it’s also wise to check your reverse lights and your taillights.

Get Your Vehicle Inspected at the Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Service Center

Thanks for reading our guide on how to replace a brake light! If after reading you would rather get your vehicle inspected to make sure that its brake lights, headlights, battery, and other components are 100% functioning instead of completing the process yourself, you can rely on Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. You’ll feel increased peace-of-mind if you schedule a service appointment with us. If you have any questions in the meantime, contact our service experts.