What to Do When Brake Lights Malfunction?
2 Answers
Brake light malfunction may be caused by a damaged bulb or a faulty brake switch, and replacement is the solution. If the brake lights are not working, immediate repair is necessary as it affects driving safety. Here are the detailed explanations: Generally, vehicles have one brake light on each side, and some vehicles also have a high-mounted brake light on the rear windshield. Their function is to illuminate when the driver presses the brake pedal, signaling the following vehicles to maintain a safe distance. If brake light malfunctions are not addressed promptly, they cannot alert the drivers behind to keep a safe distance, significantly increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Brake lights are considered wear-and-tear components, as they are prone to damage from repeated use in stop-and-go traffic or minor collisions. Additionally, the turn signals, reverse lights, and other lighting systems in a vehicle are equally important. They not only serve as illumination but also function as warning signals. Therefore, immediate repair is required when brake light malfunctions or other lighting issues occur.
When I find a brake light malfunction, there are usually several potential causes that need to be checked one by one. The most common issue is a burnt-out bulb, as prolonged use can cause the filament to break. In this case, you can carefully open the lamp cover to inspect the bulb's condition—if it appears blackened or shattered, replace it with a new one. Next, check the fuse. The fuse box is typically located in the engine compartment or under the steering wheel. Locate the fuse corresponding to the brake light and see if it’s blown, using a multimeter to test or the substitution method to confirm. If both the bulb and fuse are intact, the issue might be a faulty brake switch, which is located near the brake pedal. When pressing the pedal, you should hear a "click" sound; if there’s no response, the switch may need adjustment or replacement. Wiring problems, such as short circuits or loose connectors, could also be the culprit. This requires using a test light to inspect the entire circuit. Safety first—a non-functioning brake light can easily lead to rear-end collisions, so it’s best not to drive the vehicle after discovering the issue and instead have it towed to a professional repair shop. Remember, during routine maintenance, take a moment to check the cleanliness of the lamp socket and the tightness of the connectors to prevent minor issues.
