How to Change a Brake Light

Your brake light is an essential part of your vehicle, and it’s illegal to drive with a broken taillight in most states. Whether you got into a fender bender or the bulb is burnt out, you’ll eventually have to replace the brake light. Luckily, the process is super simple. Learn how to change a brake light step by step with the service center at Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, so you can get back on the Watsonville roads in no time.

How to Change a Brake Light Step-by-Step

You don’t need to be an ace mechanic to change your vehicle’s brake light, and the process is relatively simple. If you don’t want to take your vehicle to your local Scotts Valley service shop, then you can perform a DIY brake light replacement right at home by following these easy steps:

1. Get the Correct Bulbs: Before you start the replacement process, you’ll need to know what kind of bulb your vehicle requires. The correct bulb and voltage amount can be found in your owner’s manual. You can find the bulb and other parts you need from our parts store online at Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
2. Remove the Light Cover: Now that you’ve found the right bulb for your vehicle, you can then remove the cover of the brake light bulbs. You can remove this cover by using a Phillips-head screwdriver. 
3. Remove the Old Bulb: Once you’ve removed the cover, you’ll then remove the old bulb, which should just twist out.
4. Apply Dielectric Grease: Apply a gentle amount of dielectric grease to the end of the new bulb to prevent corrosion and rust. This grease will also allow you to change the bulb more easily the next time you have to replace it.
5. Install the New Bulb: Screw on the new light bulb, then reattach the taillight cover. Now, your light should be ready to go. 

See, the process is so easy, anyone can do it. However, if you still aren’t comfortable replacing the light yourself, then you can schedule a visit with our service center at Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a quick and easy replacement.

Regularly Check Your Brake Light

Your brake light acts as a signal to other drivers on the Capitola roads that you are turning and helps avoid collisions, so you must have your brake light working at all times. You should regularly check your brake light and headlights every once in a while after you park just to make sure they’re working. Not only is it dangerous to have a broken brake light, but you can also get pulled over and fined by the police.

Service Your Vehicle at Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Now that you know how to change a brake light, you can be sure that you’re able to drive safely on the Santa Cruz roads. Contact us for any of your service needs and questions.