How to Change Your Own Brake Lights
Many people do not know the first thing about fixing their car. Others know about how to change the oil but that is about it. It is important to note that there are quite a few things you can do on your car to help make sure it is operating correctly. One of the important things you can do is to make sure that all of the lights on the vehicle are functioning properly. If you have Xenon headlights, you will not be able to change them yourself. There are plenty of other lights on your car you can change yourself.
A few of the most important lights on the car include the brake lights and the turn signals. These are safety features to let people know when you are stopping, turning or changing lanes. If the lights should go out, you run the risk of people not knowing when you are stopping or changing lanes. The good news is that you will not have to spend a lot of money to get the lights fixed. In fact, you will be able to change the lights on your own for less than $5. This way you will stay safe and you will avoid being pulled over by the police.
Step one: remove the old bulb
The very first thing you will need to do is to remove the old bulb. Some will tell you that you will need to remove the battery connections before doing this. Most light bulbs are self-contained and will not constitute a problem if you want to leave the battery connected. To get to the old bulb, simply get into the trunk or go under the hood and look for the section where the back of the lighting panel is. If you are in the trunk, you might need to pull back a section of the trunk lining. Unscrew any screws holding the panel in place and remove the burned out bulb.
Step two: buy a new bulb
Often when people change a bulb, they will remove the old one in the parking lot of an auto repair store. This will allow you to go inside and buy the appropriate bulb. You can either ask an attendant for assistance or you can consult your owners manual to find out what kind of bulb you will need to replace the old one. This will help you to make sure you get the right size and the right wattage. Bring the bulb with you for visual confirmation before buying the new bulb.
Step 3: install the new bulb
The last step is to simply plug in the new bulb right where the old one was located. You will want to check the light before closing everything up. Step on the brake and ask a friend to look for confirmation. If the bulb is still not illuminating, you might have a breaker which is out. If it works, screw the plate back in place and replace the cover.
About the Author:
Tom Aldridge is the owner of Dale Feste Automotive, located in Hopkins, MN. Tom is also an active board member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of MN, dedicated to improving Minnesotas automotive service industry and the success of its members. Tom makes himself available to customers every day and his shop has achieved a 98% customer satisfaction rating and AAA Top Shop award.
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