How can we help?
Brake Light Unit Replacement
Typical Cost: Low - Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 Hours depending on part availability
What do the brake lights do?
Usually you will have at least two brake lights on your car, most modern cars will have a third brake light somewhere in the middle on the back of the car. The brake lights, of course, come on when the brake is activated.
There are two types of brake lights, those that are a unit on their own, which is rare these days, or it is part of the “cluster” of other lights, such as fog lights, rear lights, reversing lights and indicators. These are referred to as rear light clusters.
However for the point of this article, we will refer to both the single and “cluster” units.
Please note this article and its links are not for brake light bulb replacement.
How do the brake lights work and what are the components?
Typically, when you press down on the brake pedal, a plunger switch will activate and connect the circuit for the brake lights to the power source. When this occurs, the brake light bulbs light up inside the brake light unit or light cluster.
Typical symptoms that require a brake light unit to be replaced.
- If you have replaced a bulb and the light still does not work.
- If there is physical damage to the brake light lens.
- There is water evident behind the lens
What happens during a brake light cluster replacement?
Although there are many different procedures to physically changing the unit, there are some common processes.
The mechanic will;
- Inspect the brake light system (like the bulbs, wiring as well as sockets).
- Replace the faulty brake light unit if required.
- Advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
- Test the lights again to ensure the lights function properly.
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your brake pads to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the brake light unit/ cluster
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Combination lamp assembly replacement - rear (passenger side)
Combination lamp assembly replacement - rear (driver side)
How much does it cost to have a brake light unit replaced?
The cost of a brake light unit replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the brake light unit doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.
Associated repairs
High mounted brake lamp replacement
Combined brake/tail light bulb replacement
Tail light bulb replacement
Brake light bulb replacement