What to Do If Your Vehicle’s Brake Lights Stop Working
This past weekend sent your heartrate sky high. Because on your way home from the Mechanicsburg Art Center, you discovered your brake lights had stopped working. And this left you narrowly escaping a rear-end collision.
Brake lights are a critical safety feature that alert other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping. And it’s because of this that driving with malfunctioning brake lights is not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. So, should you ever find tat your brake lights aren’t working, the experts at Meineke in Mechanicsburg offer this step-by-step guide on the best course of action to address this serious problem.
1. Confirm the Problem
First, ensure that the brake lights are indeed not working by using one of these steps to check:
- Ask for Help: Have someone stand behind your vehicle while you press the brake pedal.
- Use Reflections: If you’re alone, park your car in front of a reflective surface like a window or a wall. And then press the brake pedal and look for the reflection of the lights.
- Check All Lights: Ensure all brake lights (left, right, and center) are tested, because sometimes only one might fail.
2. Inspect the Brake Light Bulbs
Brake lights might stop working due to burnt-out bulbs. And here’s how to check:
- Access the Bulbs: Usually, you need to open the trunk and remove the light housing. But, fefer to your vehicle’s manual for instructions on accessing the brake light bulbs to be sure.
- Visual Inspection: Look at the filament inside the bulb. And, if it’s broken or burnt out, the bulb needs replacement.
- Replace the Bulbs: Purchase the correct replacement bulbs (check the manual or the old bulb for specifications). And then, replace the faulty bulbs and test the lights again.
3. Check the Fuse
A blown fuse is another common reason for brake light failure:
- Locate the Fuse Box: Your vehicle’s manual will indicate the location of the fuse box and the specific fuse for the brake lights.
- Inspect the Fuse: Remove the fuse and check if the metal strip inside is broken. And if it is, the fuse has blown.
- Replace the Fuse: Use a fuse of the same amperage. And then, insert it and test your brake lights.
4. Inspect the Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch, located near the brake pedal, activates the brake lights when you press the pedal. Here’s how to inspect it:
- Locate the Switch: Refer to the manual for the exact location; it’s usually under the dashboard near the top of the brake pedal.
- Check the Connection: Ensure the switch is securely connected.
- Test the Switch: Use a multimeter to check if the switch is working properly. And if it’s faulty, it needs to be replaced.
5. Examine the Wiring
Faulty wiring can also cause brake lights to stop working. So, here’s what to do:
- Inspect Visible Wiring: Look for any obvious signs of damage like frayed or broken wires near the brake lights and switch.
- Check Connectors: Ensure all connectors are tight and free from corrosion.
- Professional Help: If you’re not comfortable inspecting the wiring or if the issue seems complex, consult the professional mechanic at Meineke in Mechanicsburg.
6. Consult a Mechanic
If you’ve gone through these steps and your brake lights still aren’t working, it’s time to Google: auto repair near me to seek the closest Meineke for professional help. Because, the ASE certified mechanics at Meineke can perform a thorough diagnostic to identify and fix the problem.
Preventative Measures
To avoid future brake light issues:
- Regular Checks: Periodically check your brake lights to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Scheduled Maintenance: Include brake light inspection in your vehicle’s regular maintenance routine.
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to dashboard indicators and respond promptly to any warning lights.
Meineke Will Ensure Your Brake Lights Signal Your Intentions to Drivers on the Road Behind You
Brake light issues are not to be taken lightly. And ensuring your brake lights work properly is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. So, by following these steps, you can diagnose and fix most common brake light problems. But, if you are ever in doubt, never hesitate to seek the professional help of the ASE certified mechanics at Meineke in Mechanicsburg.
If the Meineke in Mechanicsburg is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 14 car repair centers is South Central Pennsylvania:
- Meineke Car Care Center – Pleasant View Road
331 Pleasant View Rd, New Cumberland, PA 17070 - Meineke Car Care Center – Rodney Road
1775 Rodney Road, York, PA 17408 - Meineke Car Care Center – South Queen Street
855 South Queen Street, York, PA 17403 - Meineke Car Care Center – Market Street
2301 E Market Street, York, PA 17402 - Meineke Car Care Center – 2nd Street
201 N. 2nd Street, New Freedom, PA 17349 - Meineke Car Care Center – Baltimore Street
871 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331 - Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Street
1125 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331 - Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Pike
6510 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 - Meineke Car Care Center – East Chocolate Ave
1401 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 - Meineke Car Care Center – Gettysburg Road
2236 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011 - Meineke Car Care Center – Jonestown Road
4509 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 - Meineke Car Care Center – Paxton Street
3098 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111 - Meineke Car Care Center – Manheim Pike
1220 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 - Meineke Car Care Center – Main Street
5988 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
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