Understanding Common Taillight and Brake Light Problems
Posted on: 8 December 2017
The brake lights and taillights in your vehicle are critical for your safety on the road when driving. If the tail lighting units fail, you will not be able to see your rear properly, particularly at night. And, if the brake lights fail, the drivers behind you will not know when you depress your brakes. Therefore, serious accidents can occur due to this simple lighting failure. If you have notice malfunctions with the driving lights in your vehicle, you should consult an auto technician for immediate repairs. Here is a short discussion to help you understand the common problems affecting taillights and brake lights.
Looseness of Bulb Socket
The rear lighting units in your vehicle can fail due to the looseness of the light bulb socket. When the socket supporting the brake lights or taillights is loose, the ground path in the system will be broken. In simple terms, the metal bottom part of the bulb will not be in complete contact with the socket. Therefore, the current in the area will not return, causing lighting failure. Also, moisture and dust can enter into the socket, advancing the problems. If you have inoperable lighting, you should look at this issue first because it is the most common cause of failure. Replacement of the damaged lighting components will be necessary for restoration.
Disruption of Electrical Current
If your vehicle has lost all its rear lighting, the problem could be a disruption of electrical current. If this is the case in your automobile, you will also notice the failure of the side marker lamp and the license plate light. You should check on the fuses first in case they are blown. Also, you should examine the wiring connected to the rear lighting and ensure that they are in excellent condition. In most cases, these two problems are the causes of failure. It is not advisable to attempt to rewire damaged connections. However, if the fuse is the damaged element, you can purchase an appropriate replacement and install it.
Switch Problems
The brake lights often fail due to problems in the switching mechanisms. In general, if your brakes are not working but your taillights are still functioning normally, this is the most likely problem in your vehicle. The brake switch or the wiring connecting the light switch could be damaged. In some cases, the brake lights will not turn off even when the brake is not engaged. Typically, this is caused by an out-of-adjustment brake switch or hydraulic pressure problems. Consult a mechanic for troubleshooting and repair.
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