Brake lights are the easiest components of a car that you can change yourself without needing any professional help. Purchasing a new brake light from the market will cost around $10. But changing it by a professional will alone cost you around $20. It is always wiser to save a few bucks when there’s an opportunity.
Follow this to learn how to change a brake light. Remove the faulty brake light from under your car’s trunk. Replace it with a new one. Test if the new light is performing ok. This is the most simple procedure for changing a brake light.
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Tools Required For Changing A Brake Light
- Safety gloves.
- Screwdriver (in case your brake lights are screwed with nuts).
How To Change A Brake Light
Here is a step-by-step guide to changing your brake light easily and smoothly.
Step 1: Fetch a new brake light from your nearest auto dealer’s shop and gather the above-mentioned tools.
Step 2: Wear your safety gloves and open the trunk of your car. You do not have to open anything else since you can reach the brake light inside the trunk.
Step 3: Detect the corrupted light. You can do so by turning on and off the brake lights from inside the car while you are standing behind the car. This way, you can easily detect the brake light you need to change.
Step 4: Turn the car engine off. In case you have an EV, turn off its battery.
Step 5: Slowly remove the brake light from the holder. Some cars have spring-like mechanisms; pressing the spring can easily remove the brake light. And other cars have mechanisms like turning, i.e., you have to turn the brake light to the right or left to unhook it from the holder. Check your car’s user manual to learn about the type of mechanism your car has.
Step 6: Connect the new light with the holder. You can do it just like you removed the previous light.
Step 7: Check the new light.
How Much Does It Cost To Change A Brake Light
Brake light prices vary between $6 to $10 depending on the brands and qualities of the lights. If you take the car to any auto dealer’s shop and change it with the help of a professional, the labor cost will be $20 or more. So, doing it yourself can save you up to $20 in cash.
Additional Tips For Changing A Brake Light
- Check the new brake lights before calling it a day.
- Purchase the appropriate lights for your car.
- Wearing safety gloves is required to ensure the new lights are not ruined.
- If the brake lights go out frequently, it may indicate a connection problem, or you must change the holder.
- Monitor your brake lights regularly, or you may end up having ruined brake lights without you knowing.
You may also want to change brake lights together to ensure both of your brake lights are giving equal luminance.
Conclusion
Isn’t it very easy to change your brake light by yourself? Follow the above-mentioned steps individually, and you can successfully change your brake lights and save around $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a brake light myself?
You can replace your brake light yourself without needing any professional help. It is a very simple task.
Can you drive without one brake light?
Driving without a brake light is risky as you’re risking yourself and other drivers’ lives.
How long do brake lights last?
The longevity of the brake lights depends on the quality of the lights. But generally, they last around four years.
