Brake lights are replaceable in under an hour, and you can do it without tools or a mechanic visit

A brake light replacement means removing the burned-out bulb from the housing at the back of your vehicle and installing a new one. Most cars let you access the bulb from inside the trunk or from behind the taillight assembly — no disassembly required. The bulb itself costs $3 to $15, and the whole job takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your vehicle's design.

The reason to replace it promptly: a burned-out brake light is illegal to drive with in every state, and you can be stopped for it. More importantly, drivers behind you cannot see that you are slowing down, which creates a collision risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Most brake light bulbs are accessible from inside the trunk without removing the taillight assembly, and you need only the replacement bulb and possibly a flathead screwdriver.
  • Your owner's manual or a quick search for your vehicle's year, make, and model will show you whether your car accesses the bulb from the trunk or from behind the taillight.
  • Bulb types vary by vehicle — common ones are 1157, 1156, and 7443 — so bring your old bulb to the parts store or check your manual before buying.
  • Test the new bulb before closing the trunk or reassembling anything, because some bulbs are defective out of the box.

Locate the access point for your brake light

Open your trunk and look at the inside surface of the taillight area. Many vehicles have a removable panel or a rubber access hole that lets you reach the bulb socket from inside the trunk without touching the taillight itself. If you see a round or oval opening, that is your access point — push on it gently or twist it counterclockwise to remove the rubber cover.

If there is no access hole, you will need to remove the taillight assembly from outside. Check your owner's manual or search online for "[your year, make, model] brake light replacement" to see which type your vehicle is. Some cars have screws visible on the taillight trim, others have bolts accessed from inside the trunk, and a few require removing trim panels first.

Remove the burned-out bulb

Once you have access to the bulb socket, locate the brake light bulb — it is usually the larger of two bulbs in that socket, or it may be in its own socket. The socket twists counterclockwise; grip it gently and turn it about a quarter turn until it stops, then pull it straight out toward you. The bulb itself is held in the socket by a bayonet fitting (two small pins on opposite sides) or a threaded base.

If the bulb is bayonet-type, push it in slightly and twist counterclockwise until it releases. If it is threaded, straightforward unscrew it. Do not force either type — if it is stuck, explore a tiny amount of penetrating oil and wait a few minutes. Once the bulb is out, set it aside and note its type number, which is printed on the base or visible on the socket itself.

Buy the correct replacement bulb

Brake light bulbs come in several standard types, and using the wrong one means the light will not work or will not fit. The most common types are 1157 (dual-filament, used for brake and turn signals), 1156 (single-filament), and 7443 (wedge-base). Your old bulb will have its type number stamped on the base, or you can find it in your owner's manual under "Bulb Specifications" or "Light Bulbs."

Take the old bulb or the type number to any auto parts store — they stock all common types and cost $3 to $15 depending on the brand. LED bulbs are more expensive ($15 to $30) but last much longer and draw less power. Standard incandescent bulbs are cheaper and work fine; the choice is yours.

Install the new bulb and test it

Insert the new bulb into the socket using the same method you removed the old one. If it is bayonet-type, push it in and twist clockwise until it stops — you should feel a slight resistance. If it is threaded, screw it in by hand until snug; do not overtighten. The bulb should sit flush in the socket with no gaps.

Before you close the trunk or reassemble anything, have someone press the brake pedal while you watch the light, or turn on the ignition and press the brake yourself if you are alone. The light should glow brightly. If it does not, the bulb may be defective — remove it and try another one. If the second bulb also does not work, the socket or wiring may be damaged, and you should have a mechanic inspect it.

Reassemble and verify both brake lights work

Once the new bulb is confirmed working, reinstall any covers or panels you removed. If you removed a rubber access cover, twist it clockwise until it seats. If you removed the taillight assembly, reinstall it in reverse order and tighten all bolts or screws firmly but not so hard that you crack the plastic.

Close the trunk and test both brake lights one more time by pressing the brake pedal or having someone else do so while you stand behind the vehicle. You should see both lights glow red. If one side is still out, you have a second burned-out bulb on that side — repeat the process for the other bulb. If both lights work, you are done.

When to seek professional help

If the bulb lights up during your test but goes out when you close the trunk or reassemble the taillight, the assembly may not be seated correctly. Remove and reinstall it, making sure all bolts are tight and any rubber seals are in place.

If the new bulb does not light at all, or if you cannot access the bulb socket without removing the entire taillight assembly and you are not comfortable doing that, take the vehicle to a mechanic or dealership. A brake light replacement at a shop typically costs $50 to $150 including labor, which is reasonable if you would rather not do it yourself. Some auto parts stores also offer free bulb installation if you purchase the bulb from them — ask when you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with one brake light out?

No — it is illegal in every state and creates a safety hazard. Drivers behind you may not see that you are braking. Replace it before driving the vehicle again, or have it replaced at a shop if you cannot do it yourself.

Why did my brake light burn out so quickly?

Incandescent bulbs typically last 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use. If yours burned out in a few months, it may have been defective, or the socket may be loose and causing poor contact. If it happens repeatedly, have the socket and wiring inspected by a mechanic.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before replacing a brake light?

No. Brake light bulbs operate on low voltage and pose no shock risk. You do not need to disconnect anything — just access the bulb and replace it.

What is the difference between a 1157 and a 1156 bulb?

A 1157 is dual-filament, meaning it has two brightness levels — one for the tail light and one for the brake light. A 1156 is single-filament and brighter. Using the wrong type will either make the light too dim or cause it not to work. Check your manual or the old bulb to confirm which one you need.

Should I replace both brake lights at the same time?

Only if both are burned out. If only one is out, replace just that one. However, if your vehicle is older and one bulb has burned out, the other is likely near the end of its life — you may want to replace both to avoid a second failure soon after.