How to Change a Brake Light

Driving along the Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach roads with a broken brake light is dangerous and can get you a ticket. Some may find this daunting as they may not know how to change a brake light, but replacing a brake light bulb yourself is a very straightforward repair anyone can tackle in their own garage. Our service center is here to help, so we’ve put together this simple step-by-step guide on how to replace a brake light yourself.

How to Change a Brake Light: Removing the Broken Bulb

Check all your rear lights while pressing the brake pedal – if one light doesn’t illuminate, you’ve found the culprit. Consult your owner’s manual to find exactly where that bulb is located. Start by unscrewing any bolts or popping out plastic clips to detach the tail light assembly from the vehicle. Be gentle during removal, as assemblies can crack if handled roughly. Refer to your manual for the exact locations of screws and clips. 

• Check to see which brake light is out. If the brake light doesn’t work, but other rear lights do, you’ve found the culprit.
• Consult your owner’s manual to locate the brake light bulb in the tail light assembly. It may be alone or combined with turn signal/reverse bulbs.
• Accessing the bulbs requires removing the entire tail light assembly.
• Unscrew bolts or pop out plastic clips to detach the assembly. Steps vary by make/model.
• With the assembly off, you can reach the light sockets and bulbs.
• Carefully remove the old, burnt-out bulb from the socket by gently wiggling it out. 

How to Replace a Brake Light: Installing the New Bulb

Line up the tabs of the new bulb with the socket openings and insert. Make sure it is securely in place and not loose. New bulbs can be unexpectedly brittle, so handle them with care. Once the new bulb is inserted, reattach the tail light assembly. Reconnect any electrical harnesses or cables that were unplugged during removal. Press the brake pedal and verify that your new bulb lights up. If it doesn’t, recheck that it is correctly inserted.

• Gently pull the old bulb to remove it from the socket. Avoid breaking it.
• Line up tabs on the new bulb with the socket and push in to insert.
• Make sure the new bulb is secure in the assembly.
• Reattach the tail light assembly and reconnect any electrical harness.
• Test the new brake light by pressing the pedal – it should shine brightly.

Hadwin-White Subaru of Conway Can Help!

Sure, now you know how to replace a brake light, but why go through the hassle? Our service center is here and eager to help. So, schedule an appointment with us. And, if you found this guide on how to replace a brake light to be helpful, check out our other automotive service tips. Remember, we’re right down the road from Surfside Beach, so come down or give us a call today!