Learn How to Replace a Brake Light

Your vehicle’s brake light is one of its most essential components. It indicates to other vehicles around you when you plan to come to a stop — and thus when they also need to come to a stop. So when one or both of your brake lights goes out, it creates a potentially dangerous situation for vehicles around you on Bismarck and New Town roads.

If you’re looking for more information about the process of how to change a brake light, you’re in the right place! Make sure you’re staying safe by replacing your brake light ASAP when you notice it’s out, following the below steps! Have questions in the meantime? Contact us anytime!

Here’s How to Replace a Brake Light on Your Vehicle

Looking for a definitive guide to replacing a brake like on your Buick, GMC vehicle? It’s always best to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact our service experts. That said, for a general guide on what you should know when attempting to perform a DIY brake light replacement, here’s what you need to know:

1. Get the Correct Brake Light Bulb: Different vehicles utilize different size and wattage brake light bulbs. Be sure you’re getting one that will fit your vehicle and comply with OEM recommendations and requirements.
2. Remove the Tail Light Housing: Once you get your hands on the right brake light bulb, it’s time to remove the colored lens that hides the brake light bulbs, AKA tail light housing. Usually, you can do this with a simple Phillips-head screwdriver or a drill.
3. Remove the Old Bulb: After you’ve removed the tail light housing, it’s time to remove the old bulb.
4. Apply Dielectric Grease: After you remove the old bulb, apply some dielectric grease to the metal end of the bulb, which will help prevent corrosion and make it easier to remove the bulb when it goes out later.
5. Install the New Bulb: Install the new lightbulb.
6. Reattach the Tail Light Housing: Once you’re done installing the new brake light bulb, re-install the tail light housing. Congratulations — you’ve now successfully learned how to change a brake light!

Why Should You Check Your Tail Lights Regularly?

Your vehicle’s tail light assembly contains tail lights that stay on at night when you turn on your headlights, brake lights, rear turn signal indicators, and more. As such, checking your tail light assembly often to ensure that all lights are working properly is critical in letting other drivers know where you’re headed if you’re stopping, and if you’re turning. What’s more, if others’ safety isn’t enough of an incentive to check your tail lights often, do it for yourself to avoid getting a ticket! (Burned out tail lights are a great reason for law enforcement to pull you over!).

Learn More About How to Change a Brake Light with Ryan Buick GMC

Have any additional questions about how to change a brake light? Don’t hesitate to call (866) 763-7101 now! Alternatively, if you’d prefer to let our service experts deal with changing your brake light out for you (always a good idea), just schedule service online now! And don’t forget, if you’re unsure how to pay for your next service appointment, we offer service financing plans!