Brake Light Stop Working: The Best Action to Take

What to Do If Your Brake Lights Stop Working While Driving

Picture this: you’re driving home from a fun-filled day at the Nanticoke Indian Museum; traffic is heavy and the roads are crowed. All of the sudden you notice that your brake lights aren’t working. And you realize that this part’s failure while driving is both nerve-wracking and dangerous. Because, brake lights are crucial for alerting other drivers to your intentions to slow down or stop. So, in this blog, the experts at In and Out Tire Pros offer a step-by-step guide on what to do to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road when your brake lights stop working while driving.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step in any vehicle emergency is to stay calm. Because, panicking can lead to poor decisions. So, take a deep breath and assess your surroundings; are you in heavy traffic, on a highway, or a quiet street? Because, this will influence your immediate actions.

2. Use Hand Signals

If you realize your brake lights aren’t working, start using hand signals to communicate with other drivers. So, roll down your window and use the following signals:

• Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out.
• Right turn: Extend your left arm out and bend it upward at a 90-degree angle.
• Stop or slow down: Extend your left arm out and bend it downward at a 90-degree angle.

These signals can help inform other drivers of your intentions, reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Turning on your hazard lights can alert drivers behind you that something is wrong. Because, while hazard lights are typically used for stationary emergencies, they can also signal that your vehicle is experiencing an issue. And this can prompt drivers to keep a safe distance.

4. Find a Safe Place to Pull Over

Look for a safe place to pull over and inspect your vehicle; this could be a parking lot, the shoulder of a road. Or, any safe area away from moving traffic. And then, use your turn signals and hand signals as you make your way to the side of the road.

5. Check the Brake Lights

Once you’re safely parked, check the brake lights. You can do this by pressing the brake pedal and observing the lights from outside the vehicle. Or asking a passenger to help. And if the lights are indeed out, it could be due to a burnt-out bulb, a blown fuse, or an issue with the brake light switch.

6. Inspect and Replace Bulbs or Fuses

If you have spare bulbs or fuses and know how to replace them, this might be a quick fix. So, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions on locating and changing these components. And if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, the experts at In and Out Tire Pros in Millsboro can help.

7. Drive with Extra Caution

If you need to continue driving before getting your brake lights fixed, do so with extra caution:

• Maintain a greater following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid sudden stops; slow down gradually.
• Use your hand signals consistently to communicate your actions.
• Stay in the rightmost lane where you can easily pull over if needed.

8. Seek Professional Help

Even if you manage to get your brake lights working temporarily, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by the ASE certified professional at In and Out Tire Pros as soon as possible. Because the In and Out Tire Pro mechanics can diagnose the root cause of the issue and ensure your brake lights are reliably functioning.

9. Preventative Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent brake light failure. So, periodically check all your lights, including brake lights, to ensure they are working correctly. And, keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle, and familiarize yourself with basic replacement procedures.

Brake light failure while driving is a serious issue

But staying calm and taking immediate, safe actions can mitigate risks. And the experts at In and Out Tire Pros on Betts Pond Road can help ensure your vehicle is safe for future travels.

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