When it comes time to replace a burnt-out brake light bulb, choosing the correct replacement bulb is very important for safe driving. The brake lights alert other drivers that you are stopping and are an essential safety feature on any vehicle. Selecting the proper bulb type and wattage will ensure your brake lights are shining bright and working properly. This article will provide quick answers on how to determine what bulb you need for your brake light, the different types of brake light bulbs, and step-by-step instructions on how to replace a brake light bulb.
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What are the requirements for brake light bulbs?
All brake light bulbs must meet certain legal requirements for brightness, color, and visibility. Here are the key requirements:
- Brightness – Brake lights must be bright enough to be visible in both daylight and nighttime conditions. Most brake light bulbs are 25-50 watts.
- Color – Red is the only legal color for brake lights. Amber or white lights cannot be used.
- Visibility – Brake lights must be visible from 300 feet away in normal daylight and visible from 500 feet at night.
- Response time – The lights must come on quickly within 0.5 seconds after the brake pedal is depressed.
If your brake light bulb does not meet these standards, it should be replaced. Using a bulb that is burnt-out, cracked, dim, or the incorrect color is unsafe and illegal.
How to determine what bulb you need
When determining what replacement brake light bulb you need, there are a few key things to look for:
- Bulb type – Brake light bulbs come in a variety of types, such as incandescent, LED, halogen, etc. You need to match the replacement bulb type to what your vehicle uses.
- Bulb socket type – Bulbs fit into specific socket types in the brake light housing, such as wedge base, single contact, double contact, etc. Select a bulb that fits your socket.
- Wattage rating – Consult your owner’s manual for the correct wattage. Using a bulb with drastically higher or lower wattage could blow a fuse.
- Single vs. dual filament – Some bulbs have two filaments – one for the brake light and one for the turn signal. Make sure to get the correct one.
- Bulb size/shape – Measure the old bulb or check your manual for the specific bulb shape and dimensions.
Looking up the year, make, and model of your vehicle can help determine the proper bulb type and wattage you need. If still unsure, consult your owner’s manual or take the old burnt-out bulb with you to the auto parts store for comparison.
Types of Brake Light Bulbs
There are several different types of bulbs that can be used for brake lights. The most common include:
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are one of the oldest and most widely used types of brake light bulbs. They work by heating a small filament inside a glass bulb filled with inert gases. The hot filament produces visible light. Key features:
- Very inexpensive, prices range from $1 – $10
- Brightness depends on wattage, commonly 25W to 50W
- Short lifespan, often last 1-2 years
- Prone to filament failure from vibration
LED Bulbs
LED (light emitting diode) bulbs are an efficient and long-lasting option. They produce light from a semiconductor chip without a filament. Key features:
- Last up to 50,000 hours, much longer than incandescent
- Very energy efficient, use less power
- Output bright, intense red light
- More expensive purchase price
- Sensitive to polarity, only works in one direction
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs have a tungsten filament inside a compact halogen gas filled capsule. The gas allows the filament to burn brighter. Features:
- Bright white light, shine red when used as brake lights
- Moderate lifespan of 2-3 years
- Available for most brake light applications
- Relatively inexpensive
- Get very hot, can burn skin if touched when on
When selecting replacement bulbs, LED and halogen bulbs typically provide the best performance. Just make sure to get the properly rated wattage and socket type.
How to Replace Brake Light Bulbs
Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely replace your burnt-out brake light bulbs:
- Check owner’s manual – Consult the manual to determine bulb type, location, and access points on your vehicle model.
- Disconnect power – Turn off the ignition and lights to avoid getting shocked.
- Locate access panel – Panels are often at the rear inside the trunk orhatchback. The panel may be held on with screws or clips.
- Remove old bulb – Twist out the old bulb counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the socket.
- Insert new bulb – Align the electrical pins on the new bulb with the holes in the socket. Push in gently and twist clockwise to lock.
- Close access panel – Securely reattach any panels or covers removed to access the lights.
- Test lights – Turn on the ignition and step on the brakes to ensure the new bulb works properly.
Some key safety tips when replacing brake light bulbs:
- Only handle new bulbs with clean or gloved hands to prevent oils from shortening the lifespan.
- Never touch the glass portion of halogen bulbs to avoid damage and premature failure.
- If the bulb socket is severely corroded, the housing may need replacement to ensure proper electrical contact.
- Avoid dropping or scratching the new bulb to prevent it from blowing out prematurely.
Replacing burnt-out brake lights promptly is an easy, inexpensive way to improve the safety of your vehicle. Following the proper steps will get your brake lights shining bright again.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct replacement brake light bulb for your vehicle is important for visibility and safe driving. Always check the bulb type, wattage, socket type, and other specifications to ensure the new bulb will properly fit and function. LED and halogen bulbs tend to be the best options for brightness and longevity. With routine inspection and replacement of burnt-out bulbs, you can keep your brake lights in optimal working condition. Follow the step-by-step process outlined above and you will be able to safely restore your brake lights’ function.
| Bulb Type | Characteristics | Lifespan | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent | Cheap, low brightness, prone to failure from vibration | 1-2 years | $1-$10 |
| LED | Efficient, bright output, sensitive to polarity | 50,000 hours | $$ |
| Halogen | Bright white light, get very hot | 2-3 years | $ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell what bulb type I need?
Check your owner’s manual for the specific bulb type, socket type, wattage, and other specifications required for your make and model. You can also remove the burnt-out bulb and take it with you to the auto parts store for comparison.
Where is the brake light bulb located?
Locations vary by vehicle, but are often in the rear tail light assembly or in a separate dedicated brake light housing. Consult your manual to find the access panels and bulbs.
Should I replace both brake light bulbs at once?
It’s recommended to change bulbs in pairs, even if only one is burnt out. That way both lights match in brightness and age.
Can I upgrade my bulbs to LED or HID?
Upgrading is possible, but make sure to get properly rated and compatible LED or HID bulbs. Also check your state laws, as some prohibit certain colored bulbs.
How difficult is it to change a brake light bulb?
On most vehicles, it only requires basic tools and following simple steps to access and replace the bulbs. Just be sure to disconnect power first and wear gloves when handling halogen bulbs.