How to Change a Brake Light

Your brake lights turn on every time you slow or stop your car, which of course can easily cause them to burn out quicker than many of your other lights. Your brake lights are used almost as often as your headlights. Whether you choose to replace a brake light at home, or rely on the service team at Red Wing Chevrolet, taking care of this minor inconvenience is usually quick and easy. In any case, we believe every Prescott should know how to change a brake light to avoid an accident or a costly ticket. Continue reading this guide from Red Wing Chevrolet, or browse our selection of service tips for more ways to keep your vehicle in peak condition.

What’s the Importance of Checking Your Tail Lights?

The purpose of tail lights is to signal to other drivers, whether you’re making a turn, preparing to stop, stopped, or reversing. When your car’s tail lights aren’t functioning properly, drivers have no way of knowing what you’re doing next. This is why having a tail light out can lead to you getting a fix-it ticket. Safety is the most important reason for checking your tail lights and making sure to replace an old brake-light bulb. 

Steps to Replace Your Vehicle’s Brake Light

Is the light bulb broken or burnt out for one or both of your brake lights? If you want to know how to replace a brake light at home, you can follow these easy steps:

• Find the Correct Bulbs: The first step to take is to figure out what kind of bulbs you need. Check your owner’s manual to see the correct bulb size and voltage for your specific Chevrolet vehicle.
• Remove Tail Light Housing: Once you have the replacement bulb, you’ll need to remove the colored lens that hides the brake light bulbs, which can be done with a Phillips-head screwdriver. After the cover is out of the way, remove the bad bulb.
• Replace the Brake-Light Bulb: Before you install the new brake-light bulb, apply a bit of dielectric grease to the end, which prevents corrosion and rust. It also makes it easier to remove the bulb when it’s time to change it again. Put the new bulb in place, reattach the tail light housing, and enjoy driving safely around the Zumbrota area once again.

Get an Inspection at the Red Wing Chevrolet Service Center

If you’d prefer to leave brake-light replacements to the professionals, you can schedule a service appointment in Red Wing, which is not too far from Zumbrota and Cannon Falls. Our specially trained technicians will have your brake lights functioning again in no time. Take advantage of our service specials as well for more ways to save.