Brake light replacement is a task most drivers can handle themselves in 10 to 20 minutes, though some vehicles require removing the entire taillight assembly

A brake light that is burned out or broken puts you at legal risk and makes your vehicle unsafe for other drivers. Most states require all brake lights to work, and driving with a broken one can result in a traffic stop and a ticket. The good news is that replacing a brake light bulb is one of the cheapest and fastest repairs you can do yourself, or you can have a shop do it for under $100 in most cases.

The actual steps depend on your vehicle's make and model. Some cars have brake lights you can reach from inside the trunk. Others require you to remove the taillight housing from the outside. A few vehicles have sealed units that cannot be serviced at all and require replacing the entire assembly. Your owner's manual will tell you which type you have, or you can search your vehicle's year, make, and model online to find the specific procedure.

Key Takeaways

  • A burned-out brake light is illegal to drive with in all states and can result in a traffic ticket.
  • Most brake light bulb replacements take 10 to 20 minutes and cost between $5 and $15 for the bulb itself.
  • Your owner's manual or a vehicle-specific repair guide will show you whether your brake lights are accessible from inside the trunk or require removing the taillight housing.
  • If you are not comfortable doing the work yourself, a dealership or independent shop can replace the bulb for $30 to $75 in labor, depending on how hard it is to reach.

What type of bulb your vehicle uses

Brake light bulbs come in several standard sizes, and using the wrong one means the light will not fit or will not work. The most common sizes are 1156, 1157, 3156, and 3157, but your vehicle may use a different type. The easiest way to find out is to look at your owner's manual, which lists the bulb type for every light on the vehicle.

If you do not have the manual, you can search online using your vehicle's year, make, and model, or you can remove the old bulb and take it to an auto parts store. The staff there can match it to a replacement. Do not guess — buying the wrong bulb wastes money and time, and you will have to return it and buy the correct one.

Brake light bulbs are inexpensive, usually between $5 and $15 each. You can buy them at any auto parts store, many supermarkets, and online. Some people buy two at once since the other brake light may fail soon after, but that is optional.

How to replace the bulb yourself

Start by opening your trunk and looking at the back of the taillight assembly. On many vehicles, you will see a plastic panel or a series of bolts holding the light in place. If you see bolts or screws, you will need to remove them from the outside. If the assembly pops out from the inside, you can usually do the whole job from the trunk without tools.

Once you have access to the bulb, twist it counterclockwise to remove it from its socket. The socket itself should come out with the bulb. Set the old bulb aside and insert the new one into the socket, then twist it clockwise until it stops. Do not force it — it should turn smoothly and stop on its own.

After the bulb is in, test it by turning on your headlights and having someone stand behind the vehicle to confirm the brake light works. If it does not light up, turn off the engine, remove the bulb again, and check that it is seated all the way in the socket. Reinsert it and test again. If the light still does not work, the socket itself may be damaged, and you will need to have a shop look at it.

If your vehicle requires removing the taillight housing from the outside, the process is similar but takes a few more minutes. You will need a screwdriver or socket set to remove the bolts, then pull the assembly away from the vehicle body. Once it is out, you can access the bulb from the back, replace it, and reinstall the housing.

When to take it to a shop

If you are not comfortable working on your vehicle, or if the taillight assembly is difficult to reach, a dealership or independent repair shop can replace the bulb for you. Labor costs usually range from $30 to $75, depending on how much work is involved. A dealership may charge more than an independent shop, but both will have the correct bulb in stock and can do the job while you wait.

Some shops will replace a brake light bulb for free if you buy the bulb from them, so it is worth asking when you call. If you already have a bulb at home, most shops will still install it for a small fee, usually $10 to $20.

You should also take your vehicle to a shop if the light does not work after you replace the bulb, or if the taillight housing is cracked or leaking water inside. These problems point to a wiring issue or a damaged assembly, both of which require professional diagnosis.

Checking both brake lights and the third brake light

Most vehicles have two brake lights, one on each side of the rear bumper. Some also have a third brake light mounted high on the trunk lid or rear window. All three must work for your vehicle to be legal and safe. When you replace one brake light, take a moment to check the others.

To test all your brake lights at once, turn on the engine and have someone stand behind the vehicle while you press the brake pedal. All three lights should glow red. If any of them are dim or do not light up, that bulb needs to be replaced too. It is cheaper and faster to do all the burned-out bulbs at once than to come back later and do them one at a time.

What to do if the bulb keeps burning out

Brake light bulbs normally last several years, but if one burns out and then the replacement burns out again within a few weeks or months, something else is wrong. The most common cause is a wiring problem that sends too much power to the bulb, or a socket that is corroded or damaged.

If this happens, do not keep replacing bulbs. Take your vehicle to a shop and have them check the wiring and socket. The repair may involve cleaning the socket, replacing the socket itself, or fixing a short circuit in the wiring. This is not something you should try to fix yourself unless you have electrical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a brake light out?

No. Driving with a burned-out brake light is illegal in all states and can result in a traffic ticket. It also makes your vehicle less visible to drivers behind you, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Replace the bulb as soon as you notice it is out.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before replacing a brake light?

No. Brake light bulbs operate on a low-voltage circuit and are safe to handle with the engine running or off. You do not need to disconnect the battery or take any special safety precautions beyond making sure the engine is off so you do not accidentally start it while working.

What if I cannot find the bulb socket in my trunk?

Your vehicle may require removing the taillight housing from the outside. Check your owner's manual or search online for your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "brake light replacement." If the manual shows bolts or screws on the outside of the taillight, use a screwdriver or socket set to remove them, then pull the assembly away from the body to access the bulb.

How much does it cost to replace a brake light at a dealership?

A dealership usually charges between $50 and $100 total, including the bulb and labor. An independent shop often costs less, between $30 and $60. Some shops offer free installation if you buy the bulb from them, so call ahead and ask.

Is there a difference between a regular bulb and a brake light bulb?

Yes. Brake light bulbs are designed to handle the specific voltage and brightness your vehicle needs. Using the wrong bulb type can cause the light to be too dim, too bright, or not work at all. Always match the bulb type listed in your owner's manual or on the old bulb itself.