Repair Lane

Brake Light Bulb Replacement

Replace a dead brake light bulb so drivers behind you know when you're stopping.

Difficulty: easy~0.20.5 hrs15–30 minutes
Estimated total
$30–120
Parts$5–30
Labor$25–90
Labor time0.20.5 hrs
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What's involved

What this repair actually is.

We replace the failed brake light bulb — left, right, or the center high-mount light — and verify all brake lights come on with the pedal. If the socket shows corrosion or the new bulb doesn't light, we'll tell you before doing anything more.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • Someone told you a brake light is out
  • Bulb-out warning on the dash
  • Cruise control stopped working (some cars disable it with a brake light fault)
  • Failed NY inspection for a brake light
If you delay

A dead brake light invites a ticket and makes a rear-end collision more likely — and it's an automatic NY inspection failure.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.