Changing your tail light bulbs is an easy form of maintenance that you can perform on your vehicle. If you’re changing a bulb in a vehicle that does not require you to remove the assembly, this is what you’ll see, only from inside the trunk or hatch.

You’ll likely need either a flathead or Phillips screwdriver. Grab whatever tools you need and remove the screws holding the taillight housing in place. If your vehicle provides easy access to the taillight housing, you might not need tools. Just snap off the fabric covering to expose the bulb in its socket.

Don’t panic. Find an area to pull over safely and turn off your engine. After a few minutes, check your brake fluid, topping it off if it appears low. Restart your vehicle and check to see if the light has turned off.

Pull the lamp housing straight out from the rear of the cab. Twist the bulb socket at the rear of the housing in a counterclockwise direction and pull it straight out of the housing. Pull the bulb from the socket and insert a new bulb. Replace the lamp housing in the reverse order.

If a bulb goes out on your tail light, it will cost around $20 to replace. If the assembly needs to be replaced costs vary greatly. If you go to a dealership or auto body shop for your new tail light assembly, you will pay anywhere between $200 to $2000 for each assembly.

Changing a faulty brake light is something anyone can learn to do. A replacement bulb costs about $10, and replacing it on your own will save about $20 in labor and the time it takes to travel to the shop and wait for the work to be done.

JIFFY LUBE PRICES

Part 1 of 1: Replacing a brake light bulb. Step 1: Easy access bulb replacement. Some manufacturers have made it easier to replace bulbs in cars and SUV’s by allowing access through the inside of the vehicle. If you have easy access, you may need to easily open the flap or panel over the inside of the brake light lens.

In most cars, the brake light switch is installed right above the brake pedal. Inside, it has a one- or two-way electric switch.