Tail lights: how to replace rear light bulbs

November 2021

3 minute read

How much does a tail light bulb cost?

Tail light bulb

£1-£3

How much could I save by replacing my own tail light bulb?

Replacing a tail light bulb is usually a straightforward task on most cars, and should take a matter of minutes. However, on some models tail light bulb replacement requires panels to be removed either in the bootlid or the boot itself, depending on where the bulbs are installed. This is explained in step-by-step fashion in your Haynes Manual, and you'll be able to complete it with ease, but the time taken will give you a clue as to what a garage will charge you in labour fees, namely up to £100.

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How do I change my tail light bulbs?

Replacing your car’s tail light bulbs is a simple and straightforward procedure. The rear light bulbs are usually housed in a single unit that’s easy to access from inside the boot. Haynes has full step-by-step information on how to do this.

Most tail light bulbs are filled with halogen gas, and are readily available. However, more modern rear lights use LED elements and these units usually have to be replaced in their entirety. Again, Haynes will tell you if that’s the case.

This task requires no experience and only basic tools. It’ll take you a few minutes, depending on your model.

When to change your tail light bulbs

“You risk being pulled over by the police and face a possible fine”

Having a fully functioning set of taill light bulbs is important if you want to avoid someone careening into the back of you, so you should replace the rear bulbs as soon as they fail.

You also risk being pulled over by the police and face a possible fine, although you’ll usually be given a few days to replace the bulb (and prove you’ve done it) before facing further action.

All cars are slightly different, so if it is time to change your rear light bulbs, find your car for specific instructions.

Change tail light bulbs as soon as they blow

Tail light bulbs: why you should change them

If you don’t make the rear of your car visible at night you risk being hit by a following car. The same applies to the brake lights at any time of the day - if you have to stamp on the brakes to avoid something in the road, brake lights give the car behind some warning that you’re stopping. So it’s absolutely imperative that you change the tail light bulb(s) as soon as possible, considering how cheap they are to buy and how little time it’ll take you to do the job.