Brake Light Bulb Replacement Cost Guide
Below are the typical costs for brake light bulb replacement services. Labor rates are calculated at $125/hour.
Standard Halogen Brake Light Bulb• Parts Cost: $5-15 per bulb
• Labor Time: 15-30 minutes
• Labor Cost: $31.25-62.50
• Total Cost: $36.25-77.50
• Parts Cost: $50-200 (varies by vehicle)
• Labor Time: 30-60 minutes
• Labor Cost: $62.50-125
• Total Cost: $112.50-325
• Parts Cost: $150-400
• Labor Time: 45-90 minutes
• Labor Cost: $93.75-187.50
• Total Cost: $243.75-587.50
Note: Prices may vary based on vehicle make, model, and year. Some luxury vehicles may require special ordering of parts and could incur additional costs.
Additional Considerations:
- Multiple bulb replacements may qualify for a labor discount
- Some vehicles require partial removal of interior panels or bumper components
- Diagnostic time may be required for LED system failures
Brake Light Bulb Replacement Procedures
Standard Brake Light Bulb
Time Required:15-30 minutes
Tools Needed:Screwdriver, work gloves
Steps:
- Open trunk or access panel to reach the back of the tail light assembly
- Remove any trim pieces or covers protecting the bulb housing
- Locate the brake light bulb socket and twist counterclockwise to remove
- Pull old bulb straight out of socket
- Insert new bulb, being careful not to touch glass with bare hands
- Reinsert socket and twist clockwise until it locks
- Test brake lights before reassembling trim pieces
LED Brake Light Module
Time Required:30-60 minutes
Tools Needed:Socket set, screwdrivers, trim removal tools
Steps:
- Access the back of the tail light assembly
- Disconnect the electrical connector
- Remove mounting screws/bolts holding the entire light assembly
- Remove the complete tail light assembly
- Replace entire LED module as one unit
- Reinstall assembly in reverse order
- Test functionality before finalizing installation
Third Brake Light (CHMSL)
Time Required:20-45 minutes
Tools Needed:Screwdrivers, trim removal tools
Steps:
- Access the third brake light from inside the vehicle (usually through trunk or rear hatch)
- Remove any interior trim pieces covering mounting points
- Disconnect electrical connector
- Remove mounting screws
- Remove entire assembly
- Replace bulb or LED module as required
- Reinstall in reverse order
- Test before replacing trim pieces
Important Notes:
- Always verify the correct replacement bulb type before starting
- Wear gloves when handling halogen bulbs to prevent oils from contaminating the glass
- If unsure about any step, consult your vehicle's manual or seek professional assistance
- Some vehicles may require special tools or procedures not listed here
Note: These are general procedures and may vary by vehicle make and model. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions.
Understanding Brake Light Bulbs
1157 Brake Light Bulb
The1157 brake light bulbis a dual-filament bulb that serves as both a tail light and brake light. When your car is running, it operates at lower power for the tail light function. When you press the brake pedal, it switches to full brightness to indicate braking. This is one of the most common brake light bulbs used in American vehicles.
3157 Brake Light Bulb
The3157 brake light bulbis similar to the 1157 but features a different base configuration. It's also a dual-filament bulb that functions as both tail light and brake light. This bulb is commonly found in many modern vehicles, particularly domestic cars and trucks from the 1990s onward.
LED Brake Light Bulb
TheLED brake light bulbis a modern alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. These bulbs offer several advantages:
- Longer lifespan (up to 50,000 hours)
- Faster illumination response time
- Lower power consumption
- Brighter and more visible light output
921 Brake Light Bulb
The921 brake light bulbis a single-filament bulb typically used in third brake lights (center high-mount stop lamps) or as supplementary brake lights. It's smaller than the 1157 or 3157 and operates at a single brightness level when activated.
7443 Brake Light Bulb
The7443 brake light bulbis a dual-filament bulb commonly used in European and Asian vehicles. It features a different base design than the 1157/3157 but serves the same dual purpose of tail light and brake light functionality. This bulb is known for its reliability and bright output.
Note: Always consult your vehicle's manual or a professional to ensure you're using the correct brake light bulb for your specific make and model.
Common Failure Symptoms of Brake Light Bulbs
Common Brake Light Bulb Types and Their Maintenance Guide
1. Standard Incandescent Brake Light Bulbs
Signs of Failure:
- Complete bulb burnout (no illumination when brakes applied)
- Dimming or flickering when brakes are pressed
- Visible darkening or discoloration of the bulb
Service Schedule: Replace every 2-3 years or when signs of failure appear. Regular visual inspection recommended during routine maintenance.
2. LED Brake Light Bulbs
Signs of Failure:
- Partial failure (some LEDs in the cluster stop working)
- Inconsistent brightness across the brake light assembly
- Complete failure (rare but possible)
Service Schedule: Generally last 5-10 years or 50,000+ hours. No regular replacement schedule needed, replace only upon failure.
3. Dual-Filament Brake Light Bulbs
Signs of Failure:
- One function fails (either running light or brake light)
- Intermittent operation
- Visible damage to either filament
Service Schedule: Replace every 2-3 years or when one filament fails. Both filaments should be replaced even if only one has failed.
4. High-Mount (Third) Brake Light Bulbs
Signs of Failure:
- Complete non-operation
- Water infiltration causing corrosion
- Cracked or damaged housing affecting bulb performance
Service Schedule: Inspect annually for water damage. Replace bulbs every 3-4 years or when failure occurs.
Important Note: Always check local regulations regarding brake light maintenance, as requirements may vary by region. We recommend having all brake lights inspected during regular vehicle maintenance intervals.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
