How to Replace Tail Lights
Driving with a broken and malfunctioning tail light is illegal, not to mention dangerous. A large number or road accidents happen because of this, which is ridiculous, because changing tail lights is very easy to do. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need:
Rubber gloves
New tail light bulbs
Wire brush
A clean rag
Screwdriver
Procedure:
Turn off your car engine, to avoid any accidents while you’re doing this. Wear rubber gloves before proceeding.
tail lights
Find out how you can access the bulb. On some car models, the lens, or the white and red plastic over the light, can be unscrewed from outside. On other models, you can access this only form within the the trunk. If there aren’t any screws on the lens, then you need to work from the inside. Check if there are other items, such as screws, tabs or small knobs that need to be taken off before the bulb can be accessed.
Dismount your tail light cover, removing it from the car. Use a screwdriver for this. Make sure you don’t break the cover, though. Remove it until you the bulb is exposed and can be extracted.
Start removing the bulb. You’ll have to unscrew it or you might need to press a bit and twist the bulb. Be careful when doing this.
Take the bulb to an auto parts store, and purchase one just like it. Make sure you get the right one, otherwise your tail light will not function properly.
Look at the aluminum casing of your tail light. Is it dirty and corroded? Wipe it with a rag to remove dust and other debris. Wipe the wiring ans socket with a dry cloth, too. If you find corrosion around the casing of the tail light, use a wire brush.
Screw the new bulb in the socket, lining up the small, raised bumps on its base. You’ll need to push and screw again. Do it carefully, so the new bulb won’t be damaged.
Put back the tail light cover, screwing it in place again, as tightly as possible.
With the help of a friend, see if your new tail lights are all set. Ask him to stand a few meters away from the car, so he can see if the lights work. Turn on your engine, then apply the brakes.
Never delay the replacement of malfunctioning tail lights. They’re very important in helping you avoid accidents on the road. Follow these steps, and you’ll be all set.