Replacing taillights and brake lights in your vehicle doesn’t require advanced mechanical knowledge. In fact, anyone can change a brake light, and it’s almost as easy as replacing a lightbulb in your home. Plus, it can be performed with basic equipment and a small commitment of time.

Brake light bulbs fail over time, just like those in your home, but automotive lights are designed to last up to five years. When the lights fail, it’s important to replace them promptly. Not only is a burnt-out brake lamp a safety issue, but it can also lead to costly traffic tickets. So how do you choose the right brake lights for your vehicle? And how do you go about replacing taillights?

Choosing the Correct Brake Lamp

Automotive lights are organized according to a unique numbering system. Every vehicle requires bulbs with a specific number, which refer to the wattage, socket type and the shape of the bulb. Consult your owner’s manual, an online lighting chart, or automotive parts store to find the correct bulbs for your vehicle.

This numbering system ensures that you can purchase the correct bulbs for your vehicle. You should choose a bulb that features the correct:

• Wattage
• Socket Type
• Voltage

For example, a PR21W-382R is a 21-watt, 12-volt brake light with a BAW15s socket. This particular bulb would not work correctly in a vehicle that required 5-watt brake lights.

Replacing Brake Lights in Your Vehicle

The most difficult step in replacing a brake light is determining how to access the bulb. For example, some vehicles have screws in the plastic bulb shield, which when removed, provide access to the bulb socket. In other vehicles, the taillights may be accessible from the inside the trunk. Trunk-accessible bulbs are generally protected by a plastic covering, which will need to be removed.

Once you’ve found how to access the bulb, the rest of the process is quite simple.

1. Remove the bulb by gently pushing in the bulb and unscrewing.
2. If the socket is corroded, clean it using a shop rag or wire brush.
3. Screw the replacement brake light into the clean socket. This will require you to push the bulb in gently, while screwing. Other types simply pull out and can be easily pushed into place (rather than screwing).
4. Reattach the plastic brake light cover, whether on the exterior or in the trunk.
5. Finally, test the new brake light. Step on the brake, while someone watches the rear end of the vehicle. The light will light up if properly installed.

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