Brake lights are an excellent safety element. The brake light alerts the drivers when they are taking turns while driving. Your car’s brake lights need to be functional during the day or night.
The drivers behind you will find it difficult if the brakes do not work. Do not neglect the brake lights. There is a chance of a vehicle colliding if you do so. Hence, it is important to check and maintain your brake lights.
This article will walk you through the process required when changing the brake lights. We will also tell you the tools and equipment you will need. You can change the brake lights yourself and avoid the need to rush to the nearest auto garage.
Tools Required
Once you have got the desired brake light you can replace it on your own. You only need a few simple tools to execute this quick maintenance chore. Below is the list of tools required to perform the replacement:
- ¼ extension of 3 inches and 6 inches
- ¼ socket set – metric
- ¼ ratchet
- Dielectric grease
- Screwdriver
- Screwdriver – slotted
- Torx driver – T10, T15, or T2
Follow these 7 step-by-step instructions to replace the brake light
Brake light bulb replacement is not a big deal. Here you will learn step by step the process to change brake light bulbs. Please know that not all vehicles follow the same steps. These are general steps that are usually followed across all vehicles. Check your car’s manual if you get confused at any point.
#1 Remove the brake light housing
Unscrew the housing cover and pull the housing unit out of the car. The same unit might have your tail light, brake light or turn signal light. Because of the wiring you cannot pull them completely. But you can stretch it long enough to locate the bulb at the unit’s back.
#2 Detach the bulb holder
Pull with extra care. The brake light housing is always attached with the help of wiring. Moreover, they are extremely delicate. If you are hard on them, they could break. If you run into trouble double-check the bolts.
#3 Change the bulb
Remove the old brake light carefully. To ensure that both the bulbs are fitted correctly, compare it with what you have already. Many light bulb sockets have a partial-turn locking mechanism. Turn it counterclockwise to remove it (turn to the left).
#4 Install new bulb
If the fitting is correct, place the new bulb in the holder and check to see if it is properly secure. Avoid touching the bulb’s glass because doing so could damage it or degrade it’s performance.
#5 Remove and check the lightbulb.
You can remove some bulbs by pulling them out, but others need a small amount of rotation. Look for cracked filaments or blackened glass to show that they have burned out. If everything appears to be in order, you might have a different issue. It is necessary to eliminate other possibilities.
#6 Test the Bulb
Now you will have to do the testing of brake light bulbs. Go ahead and step on the brake pedal while leaving the bulb dangling somewhere you can see it. To check if the installed bulb is functioning, turn on the running lights. You may also take a friend’s help, who can press the brake inside the car and you can stand outside to see if it works properly.
Conclusion
You can complete such simple projects with a small sense of accomplishment. It boosts your self-confidence, thus you should be aware of such educational assignments. If you wish to buy brake light bulbs you can buy them from SuncentAuto.
Their product price will not dent your pocket as they manufacture products themselves, which eventually cuts down the middle-man cost. They provide a good discount alongside a 90 day return policy. However, keep in mind that you need to keep the bill safe with you while returning the product.
