How to Change a Brake Light at Home

Your brake lights serve a vital role in keeping you safe while driving in Crawfordville. Each time you hit the brakes to slow down or stop, the brake lights illuminate to warn the driver behind you that they need to slow down, too. Eventually, brake light bulbs can burn out. If you need to know how to change a brake light at home, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet has you covered! Our service experts have laid out the simple instructions, below. 

Learn How to Replace a Brake Light, Step-by-Step

Learning how to change a brake light is a fairly simple process that even inexperienced DIYers in Quincy can take on. Here are the simple steps:

1. Find the Right Replacement Bulbs: First, you need to get the proper type of bulb for your brake lights. The owner’s manual for your car should list the bulb size and voltage as it relates to your make and model. 
2. Detach Tail Light Casing: With your replacement bulb at the ready, you can now detach the colored casing that protects the brake light bulbs. All you should need for this is a Phillips-head screwdriver. Set the casing and its screws aside where they won’t get damaged or misplaced. 
3. Set the New Bulb in Place: Prepare the replacement bulb with a small amount of dielectric grease on the end to help keep pesky corrosion and rust at bay. (Bonus: it also aids in easy removal when you need to replace the bulb again in the future!) After you’ve greased the end, screw the bulb securely in place. Grab the casing screws and screwdriver, and put the tail light casing back on. Finally, ask someone to verify that your new brake light bulb is working properly when you press the brake pedal. 

Why Check Your Brake and Tail Lights Routinely? 

You could have a burned-out brake light or tail light and not even know it! This is why it’s important to ask a friend or family member to verify that all lights are illuminating while you sequence through them from the driver’s seat, including your turn indicators. 

If your lights aren’t indicating to other Havana drivers when you’re stopped, slowing down, or reversing, they might not act accordingly and a collision could happen. Did you know that a burned-out tail light can even lead to a fix-it ticket from the police? All drivers will want to avoid getting a fine, but your safety will always be the No. 1 reason to check and replace tail lights routinely. 

Schedule Service for Further Assistance

If after learning how to replace a brake light you’ve determined that you’d rather let our service center handle it, we’d be happy to help! Contact us or schedule an appointment online to get started today.