Reverse light bulb replacement
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Reverse light bulb replacement
How much does a reverse light bulb replacement cost?
Exiting a parking spot or driveway can be a tricky task, and you want to make sure cars around you known when you’re reversing.
That’s the sole purpose for reverse light bulbs: to tell other motorists when your car is backing up instead of moving forward.
Like all bulbs, reverse light bulbs will eventually stop working at some point.
Reverse light bulbs are one of the least frequently employed lights on your car and often last much longer than other bulbs, even to 150,000km and beyond before requiring replacement.
It’s an inexpensive task, usually costing around $15 to $55 to replace, although some specialty models can be costlier.
What is a reverse light bulb?
A safety standard on all cars is reverse lighting. A reverse light bulb is always mounted on the back of your car and illuminates when your gearbox is shifted into reverse.
On many cars, the reverse light bulbs are fitted in the taillamp housing beside the brake lights, and are always clear, white lights.
You’ll find one reverse light on each side at the back of your car.
When your transmission is shifted into reverse, the reverse light bulb is illuminated through electricity in a powered circuit.
The electricity flowing through the incandescent bulb causes its filament to glow white hot, which is the light that you see.
If the bulb’s contacts are corroded or the filament burns out or breaks, the bulb will no longer light up and you’ll require reverse light bulb replacement.
Symptoms you require reverse light bulb replacement
- Back-up lights don’t illuminate when car is in reverse
- Warning indicator on instrument cluster panel (for some luxury models)
How is a reverse light bulb replaced?
- The technician identifies which bulb is no longer functioning
- The reverse light bulb housing is removed from the car for access to the bulb
- The burnt-out bulb is removed and a new reverse light bulb is fitted
- The light housing is re-installed and the light’s operation is confirmed
Tips to remember
- If light bulb replacement doesn’t correct the condition, it may be a wiring problem or burnt fuse that require repair.
- LED lights are growing in popularity among new cars. LED-style reverse light bulbs are integrated into a circuit board and cannot be replaced individually, but require a replacement assembly instead.
How important is reverse light bulb replacement?
Having a burnt-out reverse light bulb replaced will reassure you that other motorists can see when you are backing up, and can react appropriately to your driving.
While operating your car with a burnt-out reverse light bulb won’t cause a breakdown or additional problems, it can put you in danger of an accident with a driver who doesn’t notice you are reversing.
It’s a small repair that can be addressed quickly to avoid irritating other motorists.
If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru.com.au.
We let you search and book from over 1600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
