How are people supposed to know when their brake light is out on their vehicle?

r/

Aside from a police officer possibly spending the time and effort to pull them over to let them know, how would someone know?

Is there a routine light check that’s recommended?

Comments

  1. AgentElman Avatar

    They are supposed to check to make sure it works.

    It is their responsibility so they are supposed to make sure it works doing whatever it takes.

  2. sexrockandroll Avatar

    I do think you’re supposed to check this yourself periodically. Ask someone to stand behind the car and tell you, or just back up to a wall/fence at night and look in the mirror to see that the red light appears on both sides. I’ve told neighbors and coworkers before when I spot it so someone may tell you.

  3. Icy-Room74 Avatar

    Ask your roomie/spouse/friend/neighbor/stranger to stand behind your car while you apply the brakes.

    I’m guessing you were born post-GenX LOL

  4. euben_hadd Avatar

    I check mine by looking in my mirror whenever I have a glass front building behind me in a parking lot. You can see the reflection. You could also simply have someone stand behind you and check every once in a while. On some cars the hazard lights are also the brake lights, so you can get out yourself to check.

  5. PowerfulFunny5 Avatar

    You can often see a reflection if you are backing up near a wall or car.

    Some vehicles have combined brake and turn signals, and if a turn signal goes out it blinks fast.

    You could also prop something on the brake pedal and walk back and check.(with the engine off) 

  6. BackgroundGrass429 Avatar

    Just take a stick or piece of wood, wedge it on the brake, then walk to the back and look. Check your signal lights as well. And your other lights. Seriously, should be doing this at least weekly, if not every day. Your car – your responsibility to make sure everything on it works.

  7. PhotoFenix Avatar

    I check monthly by pressing on the brake and looking at the reflection on the closed garage door. When I lived in an apartment with no garage I would hold down the brake with a broom and get out to check.

  8. illogictc Avatar

    I use a wedge to hold the brake down and go back and look.

  9. Jim777PS3 Avatar

    Many new vehicles will tell you as they have current sensors that detect when a light goes out.

    They may not be able to tell you which, but they can tell you a light is out.

    But its part of why regulations have the 3rd brake light. More redundancy so that if one goes you can still communicate when braking.

  10. oinkmoocluck Avatar

    I have a 10-year-old Ford and it warns me that a brake light is not working every time I start the car, if I haven’t fixed it. I thought this was common in cars but I guess not.

  11. InformationOk3060 Avatar

    Have a social interaction with another human.

  12. Ok-Letterhead9871 Avatar

    In all of my vehicles, the brake lights are the same bulb used for turn signals. I just turn on my Hazzard lights and do a walk around. Same way I check my trailer lights every time I hook up.

  13. AdInevitable2695 Avatar

    I’m the type to get someone’s attention to let them know, but you can always put something heavy on the brake pedal (with the parking brake applied and the car in park, just to be safe) and take a peek.

  14. onomastics88 Avatar

    Nobody does this, but you are supposed to check all lights and whatnot are in working order before operating the vehicle, not to avoid tickets, but to make sure your car is safe to drive. Since nobody does this, the cop usually says you have 24 hours to fix it and bring the ticket and vehicle to the station and they will cancel it seeing as you fixed it.

    Because the lights go out unexpectedly every so often, it’s a good and normal idea to check every once in a while, and not be paranoid or obsessed about it. The opportunity comes up at locations where you have something behind you like a window or wall, your garage door, etc., when it’s dark out.

  15. silasmoeckel Avatar

    Modern cars will let you know.

    Your supposed to check these things. Same as your oil and other fluids.

  16. mcPiecesInOurTime Avatar

    Light checks are part of the safety (and potential upsell) at Valvoline/similar during their oil change service. They will guide you through checking all your exterior lights.

  17. Overall_Quote4546 Avatar

    It is recommended that you do a walk around inspection of your vehicle every couple of months and before any major travel. 

  18. ClideLennon Avatar

    When I go in for an oil change they always check my lights. You can do this with any person. Just have them look at your car while you try to use the lights.

  19. Sorry-Programmer9826 Avatar

    Ideally you’d notice earlier but at the very least the annual MOT (or whatever the annual car inspection in your country is called) should notice

  20. SpankyMcFlych Avatar

    My work truck I can see the edge of the brake lights in my mirrors to see if they light up or not, plus the signal light does the fast blinking thing if one goes. My car if I’m backed up to a wall or garage door I can see the glow on the surface when I hit the brakes and it’s obvious if one is out. I don’t go out of my way to check but I park backed in more often than not and just generally keep on eye out for it.

  21. Far_Tie614 Avatar

    Technically you’re supposed to do a full walk-around your car every time you drive, to check lights, tire pressure, etc. No one ever really does, but you should try to get in the habit of doing one at least once a month, or any time the temperature changes significantly.

    Also, any time you’re parked against a wall or a fence or something, take a minute to check your high-beams, fog-lights, running lights, etc., and if you back in, check the brake lights in the rear-view.

    What actually happens in practice is someone waves to get you to roll your window down at a stoplight, and tells you. People tend to just inform each other. It’s almost always a surly-looking dude over 60.

  22. General-Drag-2741 Avatar

    My vehicles usually alert me by making the turn signals blink faster than usual.

  23. ozyx7 Avatar

    While parked:

    • Ask a friend to look at the back of your car while you press the brake pedal.
    • Get a portable mirror and prop it up behind your car while you press the brake pedal..
    • Use a video recording device (e.g. a smartphone) to record video of the back of your car while you press brake pedal.
  24. Turds4Cheese Avatar

    You’re “supposed” to walk around your car and check your hazards, brakes, washer fluid, oil, and tires. Nobody does, but dems the breaks.

  25. MarkHaversham Avatar

    I rely on strangers yelling at me.

  26. zoned_off Avatar

    Do you guys not have phones?

  27. NortonBurns Avatar

    You’re supposed to visually check every so often, but idk anyone who actually does.
    Very many modern cars can sense if a component is not working & flag it on the dash for the driver’s attention.

  28. dopealope47 Avatar

    I make it a habit when going to the bank at a local strip mall to back into a parking spot in front of a store. The store window makes it easy to do a brake check and check turn signals too.

  29. crlnshpbly Avatar

    My lights get checked with every oil change. I was just informed that I need to replace one of my lights so I need to get on that.

  30. parallelmeme Avatar

    My oil change place always checks those.

  31. richalta Avatar

    Newer cars tell you.

  32. FlashyImprovement5 Avatar

    It is called a walk around. I’m guessing this isn’t being taught anymore.

    This should be done once each month.

    Check turn signals, check brake lights by setting the emergency brake, check the emergency flashers.

    You check the engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid levels. You check the radiator levels and that it has the amount of antifreeze. You check the belts aren’t too worn. You check you don’t have any leaks.

    You check the tire pressure and that you have enough tread. You also check that they are wearing even and have no damaged belts.

  33. Far_Lifeguard_5027 Avatar

    Shouldn’t engaging the E brake illuminate the lights?

  34. Dog1234cat Avatar

    Just another benefit of having someone else change your oil.

  35. Bimlouhay83 Avatar

    I often use the reflection on windows at stores or gas stations.

  36. PAXICHEN Avatar

    My Audi let me know. Was a 2000 A6 Avant.

  37. groenteman Avatar

    My car gives me a warning if there is something with my rear/break lights

  38. Junior_Owl_4447 Avatar

    Periodically checking them. Do you ever notice the reflection of your vehicle when you’re at a gas station? Use that to check your brake lights and signals. Headlights should be obvious.

  39. Parsnip-toting_Jack Avatar

    When it’s dark out I go to a shopping center and back up until I see my lights reflected in the store windows.

  40. theFooMart Avatar

    You check it. Get someone to help you, or put a brick on the brake peddle and go look at it yourself. You don’t even need to turn the car on the do this.

    Most people don’t actually check, but that’s their choice to take the risk.

    Some vehicles will also tell when and what light is out. And all vehicles with a signal light (which is sometimes also your brake light) will flash fast if the light is out.

  41. dragonstomper01 Avatar

    You’re supposed to inspect your vehicle regularly.

  42. lecirage Avatar

    A woman once let me know by pulling up next to me at a stop light and motioning me to roll down my window. “You have a brake light out.” I thanked her for letting me know; she seemed nice enough and I appreciated the heads up. Right before she rolled up her window, she glared at me menacingly and said, “You should be arrested.”

    Absolute legend. I think about her all the time.

  43. Moist-L3mon Avatar

    Every few months whenever I happen to be out at night, preferably after business hours, I’ll go to a strip mall and with the back of my car facing the giant windows I’ll check my brake lights, taillights, reverse lights, and turn signals.

    No human interaction necessary.

  44. mapsedge Avatar

    At every stoplight I look in the rear view mirror and check how my brake lights are lighting up the car behind me. It’s easy, quick, and effective.

  45. Maximum_Pound_5633 Avatar

    Usually your blinkers blink fast to alert you to a blown bulb

  46. iamthebirdman-27 Avatar

    Back up to a glass store front and look in your mirrors,

  47. kmg6284 Avatar

    Sorta related: how does a driver tell another driver that one or more brake lights on their vehicle are not working? Been wondering how to do this for about 45 years, thanks

  48. Bonnle Avatar

    You’re meant to check the car over before every journey. Lights and tyres obviously being a priority

  49. 1i73rz Avatar

    My indicator light will blink rapidly on the dash.

  50. HairyDadBear Avatar

    Get a rock or something and check if you’re too lazy to check at night like me

  51. Embarrassed-Weird173 Avatar

    Ask friend 

    Use a mirror 

    Put phone back there to record

    Use brick on brake or use umbrella 

    The real challenge is the reverse light since you can’t use the brick/umbrella method to check. 

  52. belsaurn Avatar

    Check them occasionally, if you are alone, back up to something and you should see the illumination of the lights on the object. Don’t even have to get out of your vehicle for the check.

  53. Expensive-Track4002 Avatar

    Once a month I have my wife sit in the car and do all the lights.

  54. fauxdeuce Avatar

    Check the AF-1800

  55. Vicv_ Avatar

    This is supposed to be part of your daily check to make sure all indicators are functional. You can wedge a snow brush or stick or something between the drivers seat and the brake pedal. This will turn on your brake lights and then you can check

  56. stoner_bob_69 Avatar

    Pre-trip inspection.

  57. civilwar142pa Avatar

    My lights flash when I lock the car with the fob, so it’s easy to see.

  58. agbishop Avatar

    Our state has a mandatory annual safety inspection – and they’ll check things like lights, brake pads, tires, …

  59. Plane_Pea5434 Avatar

    You are supposed to check periodically

  60. NeutralGinger8 Avatar

    It’s part of your yearly vehicle inspection.

  61. LetsTry2GetAlong Avatar

    When you are backing up, look to see that they are both on.

  62. realcanadianguy21 Avatar

    Every time you drive past windows of a store in a parking lot at night you have a chance to check your lights.

  63. Confident_While_5979 Avatar

    I know it’s different to a car but everyone who rides a motorcycle has (or should have) a pre-ride checklist that takes about 30 seconds when you get into the habit:

    • Front brakes work
    • Rear brakes work
    • brake lights work
    • headlight works
    • turn signals work
    • throttle snaps closed when released
    • clutch lever engaging and disengaging smoothly
    • tires feel firm
    • No drips / fluids underneath the bike
    • Oil visible to appropriate level in oil view window
    • Fuel cap tight
    • Sufficient fuel for the anticipated ride
    • When seated on the bike, kick stand retracts and stays retracted
  64. Dmunman Avatar

    Pre flight check list. Can be done once a week. Takes minutes. Emergency blinker, turn signals. Lights.

  65. teslaactual Avatar

    It should be part of your somewhat regular checks, tire pressure lights etc

  66. dmbgreen Avatar

    If your lights are on and you engage your emergency flashers or engage turn signal, won’t that light up the brake lights?
    Also get a stick and depress the brake pedal.

  67. JMS1991 Avatar

    Some vehicles have a light on the dashboard to indicate when a bulb is out. My 2005 Dodge truck did this. It doesn’t specify which bulb, it’s pretty easy to troubleshoot from there.

  68. Boredum_Allergy Avatar

    Some states require them for their safety inspection. Though that highly varies by state and even varies by how old your car is.

    Mine is exempt from safety and emissions for probably the next 10 years. The safety exemption is because it triggers at 150k and I’ve only got 24k on mine. The emissions is exempt because it’s all electric.

  69. arealhumannotabot Avatar

    It’s been a long time but back in the day the click you hear in your car becomes a different noise so you know there’s a dead bulb

    I just assumed this was still the norm

  70. aquatone61 Avatar

    Some cars will tell you if a light is out. German cars have done this for decades by reading the resistance of the light bulb, resistance changes when it is out.

  71. breaking3po Avatar

    Ask a random old man next time you go into a gas station.

  72. 6a6566663437 Avatar

    In addition to all the other ways people have told you, my state requires an annual inspection for cars and as part of that they make sure all the important lights are working.

  73. ChrisinOrangeCounty Avatar

    Do people not do an occasional checkup on their vehicle? Every so often I check my lights, tire air pressure/wear, lug nut tightness, fluids and so on.

  74. boingboingdollcars Avatar

    Turn on your hazard lights.

    They use the brake lights.

  75. Raivnholm Avatar

    You should check your lights, fluids, and tire pressure like once a month. This is one of the first things they teach in driver’s ed.

  76. ARandomPileOfCats Avatar

    My previous car (a 2007 model) had a warning light on the dash that would come on for a burnt out light but I had to figure out which one was burnt out myself. Not sure about my current vehicles but a lot of the lights are LEDs now and much less prone to burning out.

  77. Rogerdodger1946 Avatar

    My car will give me a message if a light is out. It’s an older Mercedes.

  78. LiveLongAndProspurr Avatar

    Set your phone to record video. Prop it up against something facing the back of your car. Back towards the camera and apply brakes. Review the video.

  79. AnAnonymousParty Avatar

    When you perform routine maintenance tasks like checking your fluids, tire pressure/condition … you know, the things you should be doing as a responsible owner/operator to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive and poses no risks to others on the road, you have someone look at your lights as you test them.

  80. TootsNYC Avatar

    yearly. inspection should uncover electrical malfunction.

    A walkaround would show you physical damage

    And usually cops write you a ticket that says you can not have to pay it if you get the light fixed and show proof.

  81. Figjam_ZA Avatar

    My car tells me

  82. crujones43 Avatar

    Back up close to a wall at night, and you can see the glow. Alternatively, make a friend and ask them to help you.

  83. MeepleMerson Avatar

    In my state, you need a safety inspection once per year, so you’d find out then. Hopefully, though, some good Samaritan would point it out.

  84. Pup111290 Avatar

    You can usually tell just by looking in your side view mirrors when braking on a dark road, or in your driveway at night. Or you back up into a spot in front of the building and you should be able to see them in the reflection

  85. Odd-Software-6592 Avatar

    If you have a Volvo it is always out

  86. millionsofdollars_ Avatar

    You hit the breaks 😂 the light goes ting at the back 😭

  87. United-Kale-2385 Avatar

    Occasionally inspect your vehicle?

  88. RadicalSnowdude Avatar

    I use my phone and lean it up against something and record a video of the rear while I press the brakes.

    I was a semi-truck driver, and modern trucks have a button that toggle all the lights including the brake lights to flash so the driver can walk around and check them all to make sure they’re in working order. I genuinely do not know why this is not a feature in all cars. This feature should be a government mandate.

  89. Longjumping-Salad484 Avatar

    periodically check. at night back up to a closed business that features large glass panels. hit the brakes, view in your rear view mirror. the glass is reflective enough to reveal the status of your brakes

  90. jaggedcanyon69 Avatar

    Isn’t there a check brake light light on the dashboard?

  91. DaOnly1WhoCould Avatar

    My Hyundai Elantra has a dash light for when one of your bulbs is burnt out. Other than that, put a brick on the brake while you’re in Park and walk around to inspect every now and again

  92. Usual-Hunter4617 Avatar

    I always try to tell people, nicely, not like a douche, when i get the opportunity, because this is how I’ve found out before.

  93. hearse223 Avatar

    Most places do a light check when you get your oil changed.

    If you change your own oil, you should have enough sense to do your checking at home too.

  94. Otherwise_Review160 Avatar

    When I would unlock using the key fob remote for my 98 back in the day, it would flash all the lights.

  95. kenmohler Avatar

    The last few cars I have owned will put a message on the driver information center if any bulb is out.

  96. Hefty-Squirrel-6800 Avatar

    Believe it or not, in the old days, your brake lights were wired through the lights on your dash. If your dash panel went out, it meant that your taillight was out. I had a 1986 Nissan P/U.

  97. meowdog83 Avatar

    Pull up to a window at night. You can see.

  98. Waffel_Monster Avatar

    Well, you’re supposed to check that kinda stuff regularly. That your lights & blinkers work properly, that you’ve got enough air in your tires, that your fluids are at the level they’re supposed to be at.

  99. Consistent-Ad-6078 Avatar

    With modern cars, it is fairly simple to include a current sensor in electrical lines. If the bulb is blown, then the circuit is not completed and you’ll have no current flowing. So depending on the manufacturer, the CPU might alert you of any blown bulbs

  100. OldBat001 Avatar

    Put a brick on the brake pedal.

  101. Betaminer69 Avatar

    You know, you are not alone…

  102. CanadaSoonFree Avatar

    You turn on your hazard lights and then go walk to the back at your vehicle and check if the light is out.

  103. Decent-Box5009 Avatar

    When the cops pull you over and you had three beers and a wine with dinner. It’s always the way.

  104. RudeOrSarcasticPt2 Avatar

    People with cars can do a pre-trip inspection, like truck drivers do. Check under for leaks, open the hood and check all the fluids, do a walk around to check all lights and tire pressure, and test the brakes.

    In a commercial vehicle, the driver is responsible for making sure it is road worthy. If you are driving a vehicle and something fails, causing an accident, you are responsible, not the company you work for.

    Pre-trip inspections are not mandatory for passenger vehicles, but they should be.

  105. lurkingknight Avatar

    When I park the car at night in my garage I can see all the front lights, if I were so inclined I can cycle all the lights to see if the fronts are all working. When I back into a parking spot I can also see the refection of all the lights in my mirrors. I also occasionally just take note when I look in the rear view mirror when other vehicles with bigass front ends that can reflect the lights back at me. You can make it routine or not but if you know your vehicle, you should notice things as you are in the process of using your it

  106. Confident-Beyond6857 Avatar

    A long time ago I had a car with a dead bulb indicator. It would light up if a dead bulb was detected. I’m the case of a brake light, it only lit up when I pressed the brake pedal. I miss that feature.

  107. MortimerDongle Avatar

    Many newer cars will tell you, though newer cars also often have LED lights that should last the lifetime of the vehicle

  108. Full_Excitement_3219 Avatar

    Modern cars with LED lighting will often tell you but i’m ancient enough that i got it drilled into my head during my drivers ed to check for reflections on walls or other cars when parking every now and then.
    Rearview camera makes it extra easy as you can clearly see the light even on the road surface when it’s dark.

  109. The_InvertedGoose Avatar

    Park near an object with your lights on. Press the brake, do the lights get brighter? They work

  110. Trains4Fun Avatar

    I think on a lot of cars if your turn signal burns out, you’ll notice it clicks about twice as faster then usual.

    However the easiest way to do it by yourself is at night.

    You can do this by turning on your various signals and looking for reflections of light appearing on other vehicles, walls and other objects close by light up around you car.

    If you don’t see any thing reflecting or light up when testing your signals. It’s probably not working.

  111. Zzz32111 Avatar

    Put on your Hazzard lights most of the time the brake lights will flash.

  112. knowledgeable_diablo Avatar

    Use windows or brake at night backed up to a wall. The red lights will illuminate on both sides…or not.

  113. AssignmentFar1038 Avatar

    You can get someone else to help you check them. Or at night, go to a closed store or strip shopping center and back up to the windows so that you can see your lights in the reflection.

  114. raymond4 Avatar

    If you live and drive sometimes a friendly driver will point it out. Often a not so friendly driver will point it out. If you are out at night and are backing up to park you can always look for the two reflections from the tail lights when you are parking.

  115. peter303_ Avatar

    The oil change service checks lights for me.

  116. NotMyHomePanet Avatar

    Your oil change people are supposed to check this when you get service.

  117. PristinePrincess12 Avatar

    Get a friend or family member or even a work colleague to stand at the back of the car while you press the brake pedal.

    Before I sat my restricted test, the tester/marker/instructor got me to turn on all my lights and made sure they worked, plus the brake pads. My boot light was out but he just took it out and put it back in and that fixed it xD

  118. wornoutseed Avatar

    I check my lights every morning to be sure everything works. Nothing worse than doing the morning commute and getting a ticket.

  119. Ok-Business5033 Avatar

    Effectively all modern cars can detect when any light is out- at least to some degree, depending on the model.

  120. Doshos Avatar

    My car has an indicator on the dash that lights up when brakes go on. No brake light = no indicator light

  121. rktscience1971 Avatar

    You should check the functionality of all of your car’s systems on a regular basis.

  122. zebostoneleigh Avatar

    You have your spouse or kid stand behind the car while you press the pedal.

    Or you have it checked when you have your oil changed.

    Or someone sees you and tells you.

    Or during your annual inspection, they find it.

  123. atnchn Avatar

    I guess I’m spoiled.. my car tells me from day/night light, fog light to brake light

    But then again, I also see the brake lights are out at night if I’m parking just from the reflections as I’m backing up

  124. hambonejamstone Avatar

    When you get pulled over.

  125. ThorKonnatZbv Avatar

    I think my last car that didn’t include some warning about nonworking brake lights was during the Reagan presidency.

  126. Hypnowolfproductions Avatar

    Back against a wall and watch. As a truck driver I check my lights daily per DOT regulations. But it’s easy really. If you really need to. Place your camera phone behind you and go through the lights one by one. Each turn then markets and brake lights. Delete video once done.

    Note when I’ve sold the last 2 vehicles I got my wife to turn on the vehicle and do the lights one at a time on video and showing all windows operational. This was the posted and added to the online ad to sell. It showed everything worked when advertised.

  127. 375InStroke Avatar

    Unless you never drive when it’s dark, how can your brain not automatically give you a feeling something’s not right when you’re backing up, and not seeing everything flood with red light when you hit the brakes?

  128. stargazertony Avatar

    My 2014 VW has a warning on the dash when a light burns out.

  129. Susie4ever Avatar

    I had a nice stranger tell me at a stop light it was out. If not, I wouldn’t have known.

  130. DelusiveVampire Avatar

    You always carry a brick in your car that is easy accessible. 

    Have vehicle in park and leave brick on brake pedal. 

    You can also use the brick to throw at aggressive drivers while on the road. It is very handy to have around. 

  131. isaactheunknown Avatar

    I check my lights twice a year. I usually get my brother to check outside while i am inside.

  132. S2Sallie Avatar

    I have a light that comes on in my car

  133. Marty_Mtl Avatar

    200 reply so far, so I might ending un-noticed in this sea of comments, but I`ll say it anyway : As a motor vehicle operator, same for trucks, it is your duty to perform a routine check of the machine you are about to send on public roads. A common rule of thumb is once a month , tire air pressure to be checked as well. I mean, its a responsibility to be fulfilled by any machine operator….

  134. Nutzpdx Avatar

    If you got nobody to help you check it out, set your phone up to record and place it behind the vehicle, then go and press your brakes.

  135. jpepackman Avatar

    In some automobiles if your dashboard lights are not on when you have the headlights on that indicates your brake lights are not working.

  136. AssociateSea5613 Avatar

    You have a camera on you at all times prop it up behind the car and record

  137. AssociateSea5613 Avatar

    You have a camera on you at all times prop it up behind the car and record

  138. Hereiamhereibe2 Avatar

    Ive never had a brake light out and someone not tell me within hours.

  139. NYVines Avatar

    I found out when I went to get my cruise control repaired after about 6 months. The Chevy guy asked me if I didn’t realize my brake lights weren’t working (same relay).

    No, I don’t remember seeing that in the manual. I’m fine to drive without cruise for a while. But I kind of need my brake lights (or maybe not). Seemed like some asshole design.

  140. Jewish-Mom-123 Avatar

    I look for the reflection on a wall every month or so.

  141. BlackCatFurry Avatar

    Every once in a while reverse so the rear of your car is facing a reflective surface (big metal sheet, a large window etc) and press the brake pedal and use your mirrors or reverse camera to see what happens. This method also works for testing regular rear lights, rear fog, reverse light and rear blinkers and seeing if the license plate light is working. Drive to the same spot facing forward and you can test park lights/drls, low beams, high beams (i would suggest wearing sunglasses during this if you have led lights), front fogs and all front facing blinkers.

    Congrants, now you have tested all the lights in your car without ever getting out of the drivers seat.

    Anything else?