Stop Signals: Usage, Maintenance and Price

Brake lights are mandatory for all vehicles as they alert other vehicles to braking. Unlike other car headlights, brake lights do not need to be turned on because they turn on automatically when you press the brake. brake pedal.

🔍 How do brake lights work?

. car brake lights located at the rear of the vehicle. They are red and are used to alert drivers behind the vehicle that it is braking. Thus, they are a safety device that prevents the vehicle from slowing down and stopping.

Stop lights included automatically... When you press the brake pedal or the emergency braking system is activated, contactor transmits an electrical signal to Control block which includes brake lights. So you don't have to do anything.

The use of stoplights is regulated by the Traffic Regulations and, in particular,article R313-7... This requires two or three brake lights on any vehicle and trailer with a GVW of more than 0,5 tonnes.

In the event of a violation, you are liable to a fine. You run the risk of getting a third class ticket, i.e. fixed fine 68 €... If checked at night, the vehicle may also be immobilized.

?? Is a third brake light required?

A long auxiliary brake light, or center brake light, has become mandatory on all vehicles built after 1998. Therefore, since 1998, manufacturers are obliged to set the third brake light higher.

The purpose of this third high-level brake light is to allow motorists to anticipate braking vehicles in front and thus avoid excessive crashes or stalls. Indeed, thanks to the third brake light, it is now possible to foresee the braking not of the first car in front of us, but of the second car in front of us.

Indeed, this third brake light is visible through the windshield and rear window of the car, located between the other two.

So, if your car is after 1998, you should definitely have an original third brake light. If that third brake light no longer works, you could be fined just as if one of your two classic brake lights no longer worked.

However, if your car is built after 1998, the third brake light is optional and you cannot receive a penalty for not having this brake light.

🚗 What are the common brake light malfunctions?

There are several symptoms that could indicate a problem or failure of your brake lights:

• Stop lights flash with blinkers : This is probably a false contact or a massive problem. Check the wiring and connections of your headlights. Also clean the connectors with a wire brush.
• Stop lights come on when I use hand brake : This is definitely an electrical problem. We recommend that the mechanic run an electronic diagnosis to determine the cause of the problem.
• Stop lights stay on : This is most likely a problem with the brake switch. Replace the brake switch to correct the problem.
• All brake lights are no longer on : undoubtedly a problem with the brake switch or fuses. Start by replacing the fuses; if the problem persists, you will certainly have to replace the brake light switch.
• Single brake light no longer works : The problem is probably a burned out light bulb. You just need to replace the burnt out light bulb.

If you experience any of these symptoms, quickly go to the garage to check and replace your brake lights or brake light switch.

🇧🇷 How to change the brake light bulb?

Replacing a brake light bulb is a simple intervention that you can do yourself to save on maintenance on your vehicle. Discover our tutorial that explains step by step how to change a brake light bulb without leaving the garage.

Required material:

• Protective gloves
• Protective glasses
• New light bulb

Step 1. Identify the faulty brake light.

First of all, start by turning on the brake lights and check which lamp is faulty. Feel free to ask your loved one to get in the car and slow down so you can see the HS light bulb.

Step 2: disconnect the battery

Then disconnect one of the terminals from the battery to prevent any risk of electric shock when replacing the HS brake light.

Step 3. Remove the HS brake light bulb.

With the battery disconnected and you are no longer at risk, you can finally access the headlight with a faulty brake light. Disconnect the electrical wires connected to the bulb and unscrew the brake light bulb.

Step 4. Install a new brake light bulb.

Replace the HS brake light bulb with a new bulb. Please make sure it is indeed the same lamp model before installation. Then reconnect all electrical wires as well as the battery.

Step 5: test the brake light

After replacing your brake light, make sure all of your lights are working properly.

💰 How much is a brake light bulb?

On average, count between € 5 and € 20 on a new brake light bulb. Please note that the price varies greatly depending on the type of lamp used (halogen, xenon, LED ...). Also, if you go to the garage to replace your brake light bulbs, count ten euros more labor.

All our trusted mechanics are at your disposal to replace your brake lights. Compare in a few clicks all the offers of the best car services and choose the best for the price and reviews of other customers. With Vroomly, you will finally save a lot on your car's maintenance costs!