Brake lights are a crucial safety feature. Whether it's night or day, you need your brake lights to be in perfect working condition. Without brake lights, drivers behind you won't know when you're slowing down, and you run the risk of causing a collision. If you don't replace a brake light that's not working, you could also get fined. It's important, therefore, that you check and maintain your brake light bulbs on a regular basis.
Before you can replace your brake light bulbs, you need to know what type you're looking for. Our Bulb Finder and your vehicle handbook will tell you which fitting you require.
Replacing brake light bulbs
Once you've picked the correct brake light bulb for you, it's time to install it. On many cars, replacing a brake light bulb is fairly simple, and, if you're feeling confident, you can do it at home yourself. Your auto-electrician will also be able to help you with any questions.
We've put together a step-by-step guide on how to replace your brake light bulbs. Please note that this is a general guide only. Every car is different and some bulbs may not be able to be replaced in this way. If you have any doubts, we would strongly recommend that you check the vehicle handbook or speak to your auto-electrician.
1. Remove the light housingFirstly, unscrew the light housing. In many vehicles, your tail light, brake light, and rear turn signals are located in the same unit. Once the screws are removed, you can simply pull the housing unit out of the car. You won't be able to remove it completely due to the wiring that connects the unit to the vehicle, but you should be able to pull it out far enough to reach the bulbs, which are located in the back of the unit. Make sure you don't pull too hard and unplug the wires!
In some newer vehicles, the front lens cover can be removed. This makes changing brake light bulbs much easier, as you won't have to pull the whole unit out and reach into the back.
2. Remove the bulb holderOn the back of the light housing, you'll find a plug that holds your brake light bulb in place. To remove this, twist it one quarter of a turn as if you were unscrewing it. Then you can simply pull the plug out. You should now be able to get to your brake light bulb.
3. Replace the bulbPull the old brake light bulb out (you may have to twist it slightly). Double-check that you have the correct fitting by comparing the old and new bulb. The fitting information should be etched onto the base of the bulb. If it is the correct fitting, insert it into the bulb holder, making sure it's secure. It's also important that you don't touch the glass of the bulb as this can affect its performance.
Now, reinsert the bulb holder, making sure it's secure. Screw the light housing unit back into place, and you're done!
As a final step, check the bulb is fully working before you set off on your journey.