What is the reason why the brake light sometimes lights up and sometimes doesn't?
2 Answers
The reason why the brake light sometimes lights up and sometimes doesn't is due to a short circuit or open circuit in the fuse or relay. The brake light is generally installed at the rear of the vehicle, with a main body color of red, to enhance the penetration of the light source. This ensures that vehicles behind can easily detect when the front vehicle brakes, even in low visibility conditions, thereby helping to prevent rear-end collisions. The brake is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the vehicle, also known as a decelerator. The car's brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake linkage to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake pads on the brake drum, which then clamp the brake disc, slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
From my driving experience, intermittent brake light issues are quite common. It could be a bulb nearing the end of its life - when filaments age, they tend to break at specific positions, especially noticeable on bumpy roads. Another frequent culprit is a faulty or poorly contacting brake pedal switch, where dust accumulation makes the contacts less responsive. Loose or corroded wiring connections can also cause intermittent current flow, similar to rusted wire terminals. Last time I encountered this, replacing the bulb fixed it. But if it's a wiring issue, you'll need a professional mechanic to inspect it. Don't underestimate this malfunction - it compromises driving safety as trailing vehicles may miss your braking signal, increasing rear-end collision risks.
