Taillights keep your vehicle visible on dark roads. When yours are out, not only does it put you at greater risk of an accident, but it could result in a ticket. The auto care guide below explains some common reasons why they might have stopped working.

Why Are Your Taillights Not Functional?

1. Burned Out Bulbs

Like all light bulbs, the ones in your taillights eventually burn out. Low-quality bulbs burn out the fastest, as do those that get left on overnight. Extended sunlight exposure can also reduce their life span. The filament, or wire within the bulb responsible for light, breaks when it burns out, so the entire bulb must be replaced. 

2. Bad Sockets

Sometimes the sockets that keep the bulbs screwed in fail if they are exposed to moisture and corrode as a result. Socket failure can also occur because of poor connections to backing wires. 

3. Blown Fuses

The fuse connected to the taillights will stop working if there’s too much current flowing through it from a vehicle fuse box or fuse panel issue. Cracked light cases that allow moisture infiltration can cause blown fuses as well. 

4. Old Wiring

If the fuses work, the problem could be due to loose, cut, or worn wiring. The wiring may have sustained insulation damage or has simply worn out from old age. If you suspect this is the issue, open the trunk of your vehicle and remove the lid to check for loose or damaged parts.

5. Failing Brake Light & Control Switches

The control switch on your dashboard responsible for telling your taillight to illuminate may need repair. There could also be a brake light problem, such as a pedal that’s out of position that is preventing the part’s switch circuit from completing. 
 

Get your taillights fixed at Professional Automotive, the auto care center serving drivers throughout Anchorage, AK, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. The highly skilled Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified mechanics are known for honest, dependable auto care services that use the latest computer diagnostic technology. Call (907) 562-2471 today to make an appointment or learn more about their capabilities online.