Can I drive if one of my brake lights is out?

When one of your car's brake lights goes out, your vehicle's shift lock override may turn on. Shift lock override is designed to prevent your car from shifting when mechanical dangers are detected. By driving with a broken brake light, you could run the risk of causing serious damage to your car's transmission system .

How do you pop out a brake light?

How To Change a Brake Light Bulb or Tail Light Bulb Step 1: Open the Trunk or Tailgate. ... Step 2: Pull the Tail Light Assembly Out (if Needed) ... Step 3: Remove the Tail Light Bulb Socket. ... Step 4: Remove the Tail Light or Brake Light Bulb. ... Step 6: Reinstall the Tail Light Assembly (if Needed) More items...

Can I replace a brake light switch myself?

Can I replace a brake light switch myself? Yes, in most cases, a brake light switch can be replaced by a DIYer with some common tools .

Is replacing a brake light hard?

Replacing a tail light bulb is usually a straightforward task on most cars, and should take a matter of minutes . However, on some models tail light bulb replacement requires panels to be removed either in the bootlid or the boot itself, depending on where the bulbs are installed.

Can you drive with only one brake light?

Brake lights It may seem obvious but these are essential for letting drivers behind you know when you're braking. By law you need to have two working brake lights . However, because they're positioned on the back of your car it's not unusual for you to go for a few days, without noticing that one of your bulbs has gone.

Will I get pulled over if one brake light is out?

Yes, a cop can pull you over for a busted tail light under the broken tail light law .

What could be the problem if one brake light is out?

Several issues can lead to brake lights malfunctioning, including burnt-out bulbs, a bad brake light switch, blown fuses, and faulty sockets . Wiring problems or issues within the brake light circuit can also be culprits.

How much does it cost to replace a brake light in a car?

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Brake Light? It depends on what's causing the issue. For example, if you're dealing with a bad brake light bulb, expect to shell out around $5 to $10 for a replacement. Mechanics might charge $10 to $20 for labor, depending on your vehicle's make and model.

Can I change my tail light myself?

Fortunately, tail light bulb replacement isn't difficult and shouldn't take you more than 45 minutes to an hour to complete . Be aware that newer models may be a little more complicated than older ones, as there will be more wires to disconnect.

Do you need tools to change a brake light?

Tools and materials needed to replace a brake light Before getting started, make sure you have the correct tools that you'll need to replace your brake light: Replacement bulb (specific to your vehicle) Screwdriver . Safety goggles .

How much is a new brake light switch?

A replacement brake light switch generally costs around $30 to $75 , depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

How to Replace a Brake Light (2024)

Replacing Your Brake Light

Replacing your car’s brake light is a straightforward task you can manage yourself. However, before jumping in, be sure to look at your car’s owner’s manual. It helps by giving you a diagram of where everything is, making the brake light replacement process even easier.

Vehicle-specific brake light replacement bulb
Screwdriver
Ratchet
Safety goggles
Gloves
Bulb grease (if needed)

Steps to Replace Your Brake Light

1. Open Trunk

Safety first! Before opening the trunk, be sure to put on your safety goggles and gloves. Also, grab your car’s owner’s manual if you haven’t already. When handling any car parts, you want to ensure you’re not getting any substances on your hands or potentially damaging the bulb. It’s also a good practice to disconnect your car’s battery to prevent shock or electrocution, although it’s not mandatory.

2. Pull out the Tail Light

If you need to pull out the actual light assembly, carefully unscrew any fasteners and bolts and slowly pull it out. Be careful of any wires attached to the bulbs. If you don’t need to remove the assembly, move on to the next step and pull out the bulb directly from the car.

3. Pull out Bulb

Make sure you have gloves on when you remove the bulbs, as your skin’s salts and oils can decrease their effectiveness. Both substances can cause the heat in the bulb to concentrate and potentially burn out sooner or break. After putting on your gloves, turn the bulb socket toward the left, and it should easily come out. Then, pull the bulb out of the socket slowly.

4. Replace Bulb

You may want to use bulb grease to help you correctly install the brake light replacement bulb into the socket. Once you apply the bulb grease (if needed), slowly guide the new bulb into the socket. Then take the socket and carefully insert it into the same area it came from in the assembly or car. Slowly turn it to the right to secure it.

5. Reconnect Battery

Lastly, make sure to reconnect your battery carefully.

Important Brake Light Replacement Tips to Remember

Ensure the tail lights work – Before you put everything away, turn on your lights to ensure that the tail light you’ve replaced is working properly. If not, you may need to disconnect the battery and recheck the assembly or the car to confirm the bulb’s fit.
Select the right bulbs – All brake light replacement bulbs were not created equally. So, check the base of the old bulb for fitting details. Next, shop brake light replacement bulbs at AutoZone to find the correct bulb for your car. We offer a wide range of tail light bulbs, so start there to find the right one for your vehicle.
Newer vehicles could take a bit longer – Tail light replacement on more recent cars may be a bit more complex, but not impossible! There could be more wires to disconnect, so make sure you have those tools handy.
Routinely check your tail lights – Once you finish with brake light replacement, plan to check your tail lights regularly. Because of their positioning, it’s hard to know if your tail lights are working properly. Therefore, set a date on your calendar every month to check to ensure your tail lights — and even headlights — are operational. Broken tail lights are not only a traffic violation, but they can contribute to a rear-end accident. So, make checking your tail lights a standard and routine inspection.

You don’t have to pay the labor costs of taking your car to the mechanic for a brake light replacement. The team at AutoZone can help you find the right products to handle this task yourself affordably. To get started, check out our inventory to get your next set of tail lights.

FAQ/People Also Ask

Can you replace a brake light yourself?

Yes, tail light replacement maintenance is something you can do yourself. All you need is some time and the right tools to get started.

Is it easy to replace a brake light bulb?

For the most part, yes, it is easy to replace a brake light bulb. Sometimes, newer vehicles can be a bit more complex due to wiring and the tail light assembly, but it’s still possible to do on your own.

Will AutoZone replace brake lights?

While AutoZone doesn’t offer actual brake light replacement services, our team can assist you with any questions about the process, help you find the right products to get started, and maybe even give you a hand.

How do you remove a brake light to replace it?

You’ll first need to open the trunk, remove any fabric from the trunk floor, and remove the assembly. From there, you can turn the light socket to the left to easily remove the bulb.

How long does it take to change a brake light?

It can depend on how quickly you move through the process, but replacing a tail light can take around five to ten minutes.

Will AutoZone replace headlights?

While AutoZone doesn’t provide mechanical or repair services, we can help customers with any questions they have about replacing headlights with products purchased from AutoZone.