Replace Auto Bulbs and Rear Brake Lights with Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

A burned out auto light can leave you with a ticket, or even worse, serious auto repairs because of an accident caused by faulty lights.  You should regularly check all of your automobile’s lights to ensure that they are working and keeping you as safe as possible on the road. 

So what do you do about a burned out bulb?  Well, if you are really pressed for time and it do not have the time to do it yourself, feel free to bring it by Sanford’s AutomotiveService, where our ASE Certified Master Mechanic can take care of this and any other domestic or foreign auto repair.  If you’re inclined to perform your auto bulb replacement yourself, just read on for our step-by-step instructions on how to change a burned up rear brake, back up light, or turn signal bulb.

How to Unscrew the Light Housing

All auto lights are protected by a lens.  Colored auto lights just have a colored lens that covers them.  Begin by removing the lens housing.  These are usually attached by a few Phillips-head screws.  When removing them, be sure to keep them safe so you do not lose them.

How to Pull the Bulb Housing

Now you can remove the bulb housing, or bulb assembly. The attached wiring usually prevents it from pulling out too far, but still be cautious of the wires when you remove it.  If you pull too hard it could compromise your wiring connections.

How to Unscrew the Bulb Holder

A plug holds your brake light, or tail light assembly, in place.  The plug is screwed into the light assembly itself.  You can trace the wires on the backside of the light needing to be replaced to easily see which bulb holder should be detached.  This will not usually be screwed down very tight. In most cases, it only takes a quarter-turn to remove it and be able to pull it free.

How to Remove the Bad Bulb

You are finally ready to get rid of your burned up bulb.  It is time to remove the old and install the new.  In most cases the bulb will pull out very easily. If it will not, try to give it a gentle quarter-turn like you did before, and it should take care of it.  Once free, discard your burned out bulb and install the new one. 

How to Get it Back Together

Just simply work in reverse.  This will walk you through re-attaching the assembly, your housing, and re-securing your auto’s light housing using the screws you took out at the start. 

Get Back on the Road

You are now ready to get back on the road, safely and with properly functioning lights.  Sanford’s Automotive Service is helping keep you as safe as possible and hopefully avoiding auto accidents that result in you sitting at the auto repair shop later.

This Auto Repair Pro knows that something that seems minor, such as a burnt out light, can end up with you in the shop, or worse, the hospital.  Why let something like a bulb leave you in a dangerous situation or facing serious damage?  It only takes minutes to check.  If you need to replace it, get to it right away.

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on How to Fix a Broken Exhaust Strap

We have all seen a car, barreling down the highway, muffler sparking as it bumps along the road.  It is an ugly thing, not to mention terribly dangerous.  If you even hear your muffler making that clunk, clunk bounce as you ride along, you need to see what the problem is.  You are likely looking at a broken or badly worn exhaust strap (also called an exhaust hanger).  An exhaust strap is a lot like a heavy duty strength rubber band.  Over time, that rubber begins to deteriorate and stretch.  As it begins to lose elasticity, it slowly loosens its grip on the muffler.  If your exhaust hanger has broken completely you get a dragging muffler.  Lucky for you, replacing an exhaust strap is an auto repair that you can do yourself.

First, you will need to find the exhaust straps on your automobile.  Start at the tailpipe and work backwards toward the muffler.  You will find one or more thick, black, rubber exhaust straps, or exhaust hangers.  If one of them is totally broken it will be pretty easy to see.  Check the hangers to see if they are tight. When you determine which one or ones are the problem, you’ll need to remove and replace them.   

To get an exhaust strap off you will remove it from the top mount attaching it to the car and the mount to the muffler itself.  Keep in mind that the strap may be in more than one piece if it was badly deteriorated.  Be sure that you remove all of the pieces.

Now it is time to install your new exhaust hanger or exhaust strap.  You should start by attaching the side that mounts right to the car.  Just let the strap hang where it is for now while you are prepping to attach the muffler.  This is where having a helper comes in handy.  If you are working alone, be sure to check out the mechanic tip below this section.  Have your helper hold the muffler in place so you can attach the new exhaust hanger. 

Mechanic Tip: When you are working solo and need to replace an exhaust strap, you will have to slip the muffler into the hanger at the same time you are securing the muffler in place. To install the new exhaust strap using only one hand, use a crescent wrench as your helper.  Grab a crescent wrench with a large hole and slide the handle’s end through your exhaust hanger.  Next place the hole in the handle over the exhaust mount.  Now just slide the exhaust hanger over the mount!  And you thought you needed a helper…

And you are done!  It is as simple as 1, 2, 3!  Locate the bad exhaust strap, remove the faulty exhaust hanger and replace it with a strong, new strap.  No more clunking! 

If you do not have the time to complete this auto repair on your own, we would love to help you out.  Drop by our Columbia, SC Auto Repair Shop , contact via web or call us at 803-735-7902 to set an appointment.  We have been proudly serving the greater Columbia SC area for nearly 30 years!