I am amazed, as I drive around the Twin cities metro area every day, how many vehicles I see with various lights not working.

I routinely see cars and trucks with two out of three brake lights not working.  Many DRLs (daytime running lamps) are working on only one side of the vehicle, headlights are burned out and some drivers seem to think that working tail lights and turn signals are optional equipment.

As we enter the darkest time of the year (short days and no snow yet) we should all take a moment to check all of the lights on our rides.  You can do this without even getting out of the driver's seat ... the next time you visit any store or strip mall with plate glass windows.  I took these "reflection" shots in the glass door of a gas station service bay.

 

These large panes of plate glass make great mirrors.  Pull up to a window and see if both DRLs are on.  Turn on the low and high beam headlights, fog lights if you have them and then check the left and right turn signals.

 

Now turn the car around and position it so you can see the tail lights, rear signals and all three brake lights. Using the rear view mirrors and looking out the rear window should allow you to see everything "out back."  Be sure to put the vehicle in reverse to make sure the back-up lamps are working.

 

If you do find a burned out bulb or two, it is fairly easy to replace them.  Since they aren't working anyway, you will lose nothing if you remove the old bulbs BEFORE you go to the parts store to get new ones.  Having the old part in hand is always the best way to insure that you will get the correct new part.

If you want to have a shop change the bulbs for you, they will usually do it while you wait ... sometimes they will do a bulb change right in the parking lot.

 

While a non-working light is usually caused by a burned out bulb, it is also possible that a wiring problem or a faulty switch is to blame.  Tracking down these problems is usually a job for a professional.

You may hear from a mechanic that if you are replacing one headlight bulb, you might as well replace both.  I have learned from experience that this is usually good advice, particularly if you have owned the car for a while and know how old the headlight bulbs are.  A matched set of new headlight bulbs will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling ... REALLY!

If you have a question about lights or any other part of your car, drop us a line.  The Garage is always open.