What Causes One Side of the Car Brake Light to Fail?
2 Answers
Car brake light failure on one side can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Malfunction of the brake switch. 2. Damage to the fuse. 3. Inconsistent wattage between the bulbs on both sides. 4. Bulb failure, short circuit, or poor plug contact. Additional information about car brake lights is as follows: 1. Car brake lights are categorized into three types based on their location: rear brake lights, dashboard brake lights, and high-mounted brake lights. 2. Car brake lights can be divided into two types based on the materials used: gas car brake lights and LED car brake lights. 3. The base of the dashboard brake light indicator is either T5-W1.2W or T5-W2.3W, which can be referred to as straight plug or flat plug.
I also encountered the issue of one brake light failing on my car before, and it took me a long time to figure out the cause. Usually, it's because one bulb has burned out—after all, bulbs have a limited lifespan, and prolonged vibration and high temperatures can easily cause the filament to break. It could also be due to poor wiring contact, such as loose connectors or oxidation corrosion, leading to unstable current. Additionally, a single-side fuse blowing might be the culprit, especially in older car models where fuses age quickly. Sometimes, vibration can cause wiring harnesses to come loose or short-circuit, particularly on bumpy roads. I recommend checking it as soon as possible, especially since driving at night with a non-functioning brake light increases the risk of rear-end collisions—it's quite dangerous. The simplest solution is to try replacing the bulb first. If that doesn’t work, use a multimeter to test the circuit. It’s best to visit a repair shop and have a technician take a look—spending a little money ensures safety.
