Brake light switch for your car

Hidden but of vital importance: the brake light switch The brake light switch is technically a simple part with a great importance. It must at all times function reliably in order to ensure the rear brake lights' functioning at all times, at least as far as the switch is concerned. Although these parts in fact last a car's life span, an occasional check is always useful. In this text you learn everything you need to know about the brake light switch. The most important light signal in the car To know if the car in front of you is going to slow down is important in any given road situation. Due to the perspective shift, the slowing down of car in front is not immediately noticed. Here lies the reason for the invention of the brake light. Its importance is emphasised by the fact that internationally the application of at least two (and since ca. 10 years even three) brake lights is mandatory. Since the light bulbs of the brake lights gradually are being replaced by modern LED lamps, the reliability of brake lights has increased considerably. In case of a malfunctioning brake light it is advisable to replace the lamp with these modern alternatives. They are considerably more reliable, durable and have a shorter responsivity. Finding the brake light switch The brake light switch is automatically triggered by applying the brakes. Instead of a pressure switch, this is a pull switch. This is to prevent the switch from getting clogged with dirt, getting stuck and making the light burn permanently. In every car it can be found close to the brake pedal. It is always connected to the pedal with a spring or a small wire. Following the connection, you will eventually find the brake switch. In most cars it is connected to a bracket with a bolt, and hereby with the bodywork of the car. Replacing the brake light switch Driving backwards in the direction of a wall or garage door and checking the function of the brake lights by applying the brakes should be part of the daily routine. The reflections on the wall should be sufficiently intense for the driver to be able to check the function of this safety device by himself. If only one brake light lights up, a defect of the other light is more than likely and should be replaced. If both lights fail, although they have been functioning until recently, there is probably something wrong between pedals and lights. Taking systematic action Removing a brake light switch is not very difficult, but it involves working in the footwell of the car. Therefore it makes sense to check the more accessible failure source first. In this case that would be the lamps of the brake light. It is unlikely, though possible that both blew simultaneously. When this possibility has been eliminated, it is useful to check the fuse of the brake light circuitry. The problem is not solved with the replacement of the fuse. There must be a reason why the fuse blew. This is most of the times the resistance in the brake light switch being too high. Replace or repair? A brake light switch is a simple pull switch with a return spring. Braking closes a contact, which is opened again when the brake is released and the brake lights go out. Following defects can occur:

- The brake light switch fixation has become loose - The connecting wire / spring has stretched or is broken - The plug contacts of the cables are corroded or have become loose - The switch is corroded on the inside - The guide sleeve has disintegrated

Brake light switches are simple parts and can be disassembled and cleaned if necessary. Nevertheless, repair attempts of this important car part are not recommended. The spare parts are so cheap, that tinkering of an old brake switch is not worth it. The cheapest models are available for ca. 5 euro (£4). In exceptional cases, a brake light switch of a brand manufacturer costs more than 19 euro(£16). The choice of too cheap offers from obscure manufacturers for this important part is unwise. If the brake lights are still not functioning after replacement of the switch, the most likely cause is a cable rupture. This can be checked with a systematic search and can be repaired very easily in most cases.