Don’t Let a Burnt-Out Brake Light Ruin Your Day: How to Check Your Own Brake Lights

Driving with faulty brake lights is a recipe for disaster. Not only is it dangerous for you and other drivers, but it can also lead to costly fines and accidents. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your brake lights to ensure they’re functioning correctly. This blog post will guide you through the simple yet essential process of how to check your own brake lights.

The Importance of Functional Brake Lights

Brake lights are your car’s primary communication tool to other drivers. They signal your intention to slow down or stop, giving other vehicles ample time to react and avoid collisions. Imagine driving on a busy highway and suddenly having to brake hard. Without working brake lights, the cars behind you might not have any warning and could potentially rear-end you.

The Tools You Need

Checking your brake lights requires minimal tools and can be done in a matter of minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A helper: While you can technically check your brake lights yourself, having a helper makes the process much easier and more accurate.
• A flashlight: This will help you illuminate the brake lights and make sure they’re working properly.
• A safe location: Choose a well-lit, flat surface where you can safely park your car and have enough space to move around.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Brake Lights

1. Park Your Car: Find a safe, level spot where you can park your car with enough space behind it for your helper to stand.

2. Engage the Parking Brake: Make sure your car is securely parked by engaging the parking brake.

3. Position Your Helper: Ask your helper to stand behind your car, about 10-15 feet away. They should be able to clearly see your brake lights.

4. Check the Tail Lights: Have your helper observe your tail lights. Ensure they are both illuminated and functioning correctly.

5. Test the Brake Lights: With your helper watching, gently press the brake pedal. Your brake lights should immediately illuminate.

6. Check All Brake Lights: Have your helper confirm that all brake lights, including the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), are working properly.

7. Check for Brightness and Evenness: Make sure the brake lights are bright enough and that both sides are illuminating evenly. If one side appears dimmer than the other, there might be a bulb issue.

8. Turn Signals: While you’re at it, check your turn signals as well. Have your helper observe as you signal left and right.

9. Review the Results: If any brake lights are not working, you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue.

Troubleshooting Faulty Brake Lights

If you find that one or more of your brake lights are not working, here are some common causes and solutions:

1. Burnt-Out Bulb: This is the most common reason for a malfunctioning brake light. To replace a burnt-out bulb, you’ll need to access the taillight assembly. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and replace the bulbs.

2. Loose Connection: A loose connection in the wiring can also cause brake lights to malfunction. Check all the wiring connections to the brake lights and make sure they are secure.

3. Faulty Wiring: If the wiring is damaged or corroded, it needs to be repaired or replaced.

4. Faulty Brake Light Switch: The brake light switch, located near the brake pedal, tells the brake lights to turn on when the pedal is pressed. If the switch is faulty, it needs to be replaced.

5. Fuse Problems: A blown fuse can also cause brake lights to stop working. Check the fuse box for a blown fuse related to the brake lights.

Keeping Your Brake Lights in Top Shape

Regularly checking your brake lights is essential for maintaining your car’s safety. Here are some tips to keep your brake lights in top shape:

• Check your brake lights every month: Make it a habit to check your brake lights at least once a month. This will help you catch any issues early before they become a safety hazard.
• Replace burnt-out bulbs promptly: Don’t delay replacing a burnt-out bulb. Driving with a faulty brake light is dangerous.
• Inspect the wiring: Regularly check the wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion.
• Have your brake lights inspected professionally: If you’re unsure how to check your brake lights or if you suspect a more serious issue, have a professional mechanic inspect them.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Vigilance

Checking your brake lights is a simple but crucial part of vehicle maintenance. It takes only a few minutes and can potentially save you from a serious accident. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your brake lights are functioning properly and keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: My brake lights work when I press the pedal, but they don’t stay on. What’s the problem?

A: This could be a sign of a faulty brake light switch. The switch is designed to only activate the brake lights when the pedal is pressed. If the switch is faulty, it may not be sending a continuous signal to the lights.

Q: What are some signs that my brake lights may be malfunctioning?

A: If you notice any of the following, you should have your brake lights checked by a professional:

• One or more brake lights are not working.
• The brake lights are dim or flickering.
• The brake lights stay on even when you’re not pressing the pedal.
• You notice a burning smell coming from the taillight area.

Q: How often should I replace my brake light bulbs?

A: Brake light bulbs have a finite lifespan and will eventually burn out. While there’s no set timeframe, you should replace them as soon as they fail.

Q: Can I use regular light bulbs for my brake lights?

A: No, you should only use bulbs specifically designed for your car’s brake lights. These bulbs are designed to withstand the heat and vibration of brake light use.

Q: Are there any ways to prevent brake light issues?

A: While you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of brake light issues, you can minimize them by:

• Regularly checking your brake lights.
• Replacing burnt-out bulbs promptly.
• Avoiding driving through deep puddles or water.
• Having your brake lights inspected by a professional mechanic during regular car maintenance.