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Brake Lights are Crucial: What You Need to Know if they Fail

Brake Lights are Crucial: What You Need to Know if they Fail

Why Your Car’s Brake Lights are Crucial and What to Do If They Fail on the Road

Isolated severe storms are a threat this evening and even a greater risk on Saturday. But, knowing what to do in an emergency situation is key to handling any circumstance. And the same holds true for unexpected risks that crop up when driving on our Wichita roads.

One of the riskiest situations is having your car or truck’s brake lights fail when your on the road. So, in the blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita look at what to do if your vehicle’s brake lights stop working while you’re driving.

The Importance of Brake Lights

Brake lights are an important part of vehicle safety. Because, they serve as a communication tool to inform other drivers when you are slowing down or coming to a stop. And this is key in keeping us all safe on the road. So, here’s why they are so essential:

  1. Accident Prevention: Brake lights alert drivers behind you that you’re reducing speed. And, without this signal, the risk of rear-end collisions increases significantly.
  2. Legal Requirement: Functioning brake lights are mandated by law. And, driving without them can result in fines or citations.
  3. Nighttime Visibility: Brake lights are especially important in low visibility conditions (nighttime or inclement weather) to help ensure that your vehicle is seen by others on the road.

What to Do If Your Brake Lights Fail While Driving

Discovering that your brake lights are not working while driving can be alarming. So, here are steps to take to handle the situation safely:

  1. Stay Calm and Assess: It’s important to handle the situation without panicking.
  2. Use Hand Signals: If your brake lights fail, use hand signals to indicate your intention to slow down or stop: extend your left arm out of the driver’s window, pointing downward, to signal a stop.
  3. Hazard Lights: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that there is an issue with your vehicle. Because, while hazard lights are not a substitute for brake lights, they can draw attention to your vehicle’s presence and condition.
  4. Find a Safe Stopping Point: Safely navigate to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. And, avoid sudden stops to prevent rear-end collisions.
  5. Check for Obvious Issues: Once parked safely, inspect your brake lights. Because, it might be a simple issue such as a blown fuse or a disconnected wire.
  6. Seek Professional Help: If you cannot fix the brake lights yourself, call for roadside assistance or a tow to the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros. And do not attempt to drive without brake lights for an extended period.

Preventive Measures

To avoid finding yourself in this situation, regular maintenance and checks of your brake lights are crucial:

  • Routine Inspections: Check your brake lights periodically, especially before long trips. And have a friend help by pressing the brake pedal while you observe the lights.
  • Replace Bulbs as Needed: If a bulb is out, replace it promptly. And keep spare bulbs in your vehicle because this can be helpful.
  • Check Fuses and Wiring: Regularly inspect the fuses and wiring connected to your brake lights. Because, corrosion or wear can lead to malfunctions.

Tracy's Automotive | Wichita Auto Care | Wichita Auto Repair

Ensure Your Brake lights stay lit at Tracy’s Tire Pros

Brake lights are more than just a legal requirement; they are vital for safe driving. And regular maintenance and prompt repairs ensure your brake lights remain functional, keeping you and others safe while driving. Remember, Tracy’s Tire Pros is here to help you stay proactive and  prevent problem issues. So make checking your brake lights a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine.

Tracy’s has three locations, serving customers all over Wichita and Goddard: West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. Plus, they are a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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