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.

Auto Repair Safety Advice with Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Performing a number of auto repairs yourself can save you money, but only if you make sure you’re doing it right.   

Many automotive repairs and maintenance tasks can be fixed or repaired by anyone willing to properly research and follow instructions exactly.  There are also many safety aspects that should be remembered.

This information offers advice in steering clear of home auto repair dangers.  Some appear to be common sense, but still are worthy of your attention.

NEVER start on a repair that you do not feel completely comfortable taking on. If you are unsure about the repair, always find a profession mechanic to complete the job. You are better off paying a professional than attempting to repair alone and ultimately creating a bigger problem or, even worse, more damage. Many automotive systems are extremely complex. Repairs sometimes call for considerable skill and expertise, as well as special tools and equipment. A simple mistake can result in damaging expensive electronic components.

Another factor to consider is physical limitations. Replacing or repairing certain components may require heavy lifting, crawling beneath a vehicle, laying or working in uncomfortable, awkward positions, not to mention all of the reaching, pulling, bending, twisting, straining and multiple strenuous activities a body may not be accustomed to.  Use your common sense concerning these things.

Auto repairs need your complete and full attention. DO NOT attempt to perform ANY auto maintenance or auto repair if you are tired, feeling bad, even a little intoxicated, taking any medication or anything which may otherwise impair your motor skills or concentration in any way. 

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

 

• NEVER smoke or create any type of spark while working on ANY fuel system components. This means your fuel filter, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel injectors, and gas tank or fuel lines.

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• Have a fire extinguisher handy for any unexpected accidents. Be sure that the fire extinguisher has a "B" (for use with liquids & grease fires) and "C" (for use in electrical fires) rating.

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• NEVER smoke or allow sparks anyplace near the car battery! This battery contains hydrogen gas that is very volatile. If jump starting, always make the final jumper connection to the engine or chassis. Sparks in the vicinity of the car battery may cause an explosion!

Be sure to check back often for more from the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro. Sanford’s Automotive Service wants to keep every driver informed, up to date, and SAFELY navigating the road!

Mechanic’s Brake Repair Diagnosis – Auto Repair Tips from Columbia, SC

Your car’s brake system is of paramount importance to your car, truck or other automobile. If you do not recognize the warning signs of faulty brakes, you may find yourself in a dangerous or even fatal situation.

Brake Problems – What it May Sound Like

Brake repair is a serious issue.  If your brakes start emitting squeaking noises, it is time to have a closer look at your brakes. An even more alarming noise you might hear is a scraping or grinding sound. Grinding, scraping and squeaking noises usually indicate the need to find a mechanic or auto repair professional to inspect and probably perform some form of brake repair or brake component replacement.

Brake Problems – Other Warning Signs

There are many things you may notice happening with your auto that can indicate the presence of brake problems. Misaligned brakes can create vibrations in your steering. Misaligned or brakes that are improperly aligned could be a result of improper installation or it is possible that they have shifted by cause of an auto accident. If you continue driving with brakes that are improperly aligned, you are risking yourself and the other drivers sharing the road. A mechanic or auto repair shop can fix this or other brake problems, getting you back behind the wheel safely.

Changes in the feel of the brakes are also a big indicator of trouble. Brakes that are unresponsive, or have a spongy or soft feel to them when you slow or are stopping, point to problems located within the brake system. Brake problems left without proper repair result in larger, more complicated problems. To make certain your brake repairs are safely and properly completed, you should take your auto to a trusted mechanic or reputable auto repair facility. In the Columbia, SC metro area, Sanford’s Automotive Service is a great choice for all brake repair problems you may have!

What Does It All Mean?

When your car’s brakes start emitting worrisome noises or even worse, cause disruption to the proper function of the brake system, you likely need professional brake repair. Squeaking, scraping and grinding noises are often signs that the brake pads, and in some instances, the rotors, need to be replaced. Other signs of brake trouble can often be caused by worn, cracked or otherwise damaged brake linings. Sometimes these types of trouble can be a result of air in your brake lines. 

Because of the seriousness of brake problems and the importance of safety, all brake repairs should be handled by a well trained mechanic or auto repair shop experienced in brake repair. If you are particularly knowledgeable regarding auto repairs, and have adequate knowledge of the make and model of vehicle, brake repairs could be done yourself. NEVER drive with brake repairs unless you feel completely safe driving with a repair you have had done or completed yourself. 

You should always be confident that capable hands have performed your brake repairs because it could be a matter of life and death.