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.