What are the reasons for frequent failure of car brake lights?
2 Answers
Car brake lights frequently fail due to the following reasons: 1. Malfunction in the vehicle's power supply circuit; 2. Poor quality of the brake lights; 3. The brake lights are located in an area with significant vibration; 4. Inconsistent wattage power between the two brake lights. Brake lights are typically installed at the rear of the vehicle, with a red color to enhance the penetration of the light source and serve as a warning to vehicles behind. The working principle of brake lights is that power passes through a fuse to the brake switch. When the brake pedal is pressed, the switch connects, sending electricity to the two brake lights and one high-mounted brake light, completing the circuit through the negative wire connected to the vehicle body.
From my years of driving experience, it's quite common for brake lights to fail frequently, mainly due to bulb quality issues. Some cheap bulbs tend to have their filaments burn out easily after prolonged use, especially when driving on bumpy roads where vibrations accelerate the damage. Another issue is electrical problems; unstable car current, such as excessively high or low alternator voltage, can overload and burn out the bulbs. Additionally, those who use their brakes frequently, like daily city driving with constant braking, accelerate bulb aging due to the lights being on more often. I recommend choosing higher-quality bulbs, regularly checking if the bulb sockets are loose, and inspecting wires for exposed shorts, as this can extend their lifespan. If new bulbs keep failing, it might be necessary to check the brake switch or fuses—don’t overlook this, as road safety relies on these lights to alert drivers behind you. Always mention this during routine maintenance to save money and avoid headaches.