Fixing Brake Lights

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 25, 2010)

Fixing the brake lights on your car isn't difficult. However, you will need the following items before beginning this project. If you don't have some of these, you can pick them up at any auto repair store.

  • Soft cleaning cloths
  • Soft rags
  • Automotive light bulbs
  • Complete screw driver set.

For safety reasons, you should work in an area that is free of water, and that has adequate lighting. You are going to be working with (albeit in an indirect way) electricity, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

  1. Remove cover. Locate the screws holding the brake light cover on the car and remove them. This cover may held on by tabs, knobs, or screws. Set aside all of these parts in one location so that you don't lose anything.
  2. Remove bulb. Unscrew the proper light bulb. It should be behind the red plastic. You might need to push in and turn the bulb at the same time.
  3. Clean and replace. Using the soft rags first, followed by your soft cleaning cloths, clean the connection socket and the area immediately around the socket. After cleaning, screw in the new light bulb.
  4. Replace cover. Replace the cover of the light using the same screws you removed in step 1.
  5. Test. Start the vehicle and have a friend stand behind the vehicle. Step on your brake a few times to makes sure it lights up.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Repairing Damaged Ornaments and Decorations

It can be heartbreaking event to find your favorite Christmas ornaments or decorations broken. After all there are often ...

Discover More

Pruning Deciduous Trees

Pruning deciduous trees can be a little tricky if you have never done it before. Luckily, all you need to do is follow ...

Discover More

Cooking Schools

Cooking schools are like just about every other kind of school in the world—a place that is designed to teach or ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

Replacing an Interior Light

Eventually, lights burn out. Replacing a car's interior light is a simple and easy process that can take you all of about ...

Discover More

Replacing a Tail Light

Replacing a tail light is one of the easiest electrical jobs that you can perform on your own car. Here is how you can ...

Discover More

Do Fog Lights Really Help in Fog?

Fog lights have become an increasingly common piece of equipment on just about every kind of four wheel vehicle there is ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three less than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)