How Brake Free Light Works: Benefits, Cost, Installation & More

Brake free lights, also known as third brake lights or high-mount stop lamps, are an essential safety feature in modern vehicles. These lights are located at the back of a vehicle, usually in the center, and are designed to improve visibility and reduce the chances of accidents. In this article, we will delve into the details of how brake free lights work, their benefits, costs, installation process, and more. So buckle up and let's get started!

Symptoms of a Faulty Brake Free Light

Before we dive into how brake free lights work, let's take a look at some common symptoms that may indicate a faulty brake free light:

• The brake light on the dashboard stays on even when the brake pedal is not pressed
• The brake light does not come on when the brake pedal is pressed
• The brake light flickers or is dim
• The brake light stays on even after the vehicle is turned off

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get your brake free light checked and replaced if necessary to ensure your safety on the road.

How Does a Brake Free Light Work?

Brake free lights are simple yet crucial components of a vehicle's safety system. They work by illuminating when the driver presses the brake pedal, alerting drivers behind the vehicle that the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Let's take a closer look at how this process works:

Step 1: Signal from Brake Pedal

When the driver presses the brake pedal, a signal is sent to the brake light switch, which is usually located under the dashboard. The switch then closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow to the brake lights.

Step 2: Power Supply

The electricity from the brake light switch is supplied by the vehicle's battery. This power supply is necessary to illuminate the brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed.

Step 3: Illumination of Brake Lights

When the electricity reaches the brake lights, they are illuminated, providing a visual signal to drivers behind the vehicle that the brakes have been applied.

Step 4: High-Mount Stop Lamp

The high-mount stop lamp, also known as the third brake light, is located at the back of the vehicle, usually in the center. This light is designed to be at eye level for drivers behind the vehicle, making it more visible and effective in reducing the chances of accidents.

Benefits of Brake Free Lights

The main purpose of brake free lights is to improve vehicle safety by alerting drivers behind the vehicle that the brakes have been applied. However, they also offer other benefits that make them an essential component of a vehicle's safety system:

• Improved visibility: Brake free lights are more visible than traditional brake lights due to their location at eye level for drivers behind the vehicle. This makes them more effective at alerting other drivers of the vehicle's movements.
• Reduced chance of accidents: By providing a clear visual signal, brake free lights help reduce the chances of rear-end collisions, especially in situations where the driver behind may not have noticed the vehicle slowing down or stopping.
• Legal requirement: In many countries, it is a legal requirement for vehicles to have functioning brake free lights. This means that having a faulty brake free light could result in a fine or even a failed safety inspection.
• Added safety for motorcycles and bicycles: For drivers of motorcycles and bicycles, brake free lights can provide an additional warning of a vehicle slowing down or stopping ahead, reducing the chances of accidents.

Cost of Brake Free Lights

The cost of a brake free light can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. On average, the cost of a replacement brake free light can range from $15 to $50. However, the cost may also include installation fees if you choose to have a professional do the job for you. It is recommended to consult with a mechanic or refer to your vehicle's manual for the exact cost and installation process.

Installation of Brake Free Lights

Installing a new brake free light can be a DIY project for those with some mechanical knowledge and experience. However, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic do the installation to ensure it is done correctly and safely. The installation process may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Remove the old brake light: This can be done by unscrewing the light from its housing and disconnecting any wiring or connectors.
2. Install the new brake light: Connect the wiring or connectors to the new brake light and secure it in place with screws.
3. Test the new brake light: Make sure the new brake light is working properly by pressing the brake pedal and checking that it illuminates.

Comparison: Brake Free Lights vs Traditional Brake Lights

Traditional brake lights, also known as taillights, are located at the back of the vehicle and are designed to illuminate when the headlights are turned on or when the brake pedal is pressed. While both traditional brake lights and brake free lights serve the same purpose of alerting drivers behind the vehicle, there are some key differences between the two:

Features	Traditional Brake Lights	Brake Free Lights
Location	Back of the vehicle	High-mount stop lamp at the back of the vehicle
Visibility	May be blocked by other vehicles or objects	Located at eye level, making them more visible to other drivers
Effectiveness	May not be as effective in alerting drivers of the vehicle's movements	Clear visual signal of braking, reducing the chances of accidents
Legal Requirement	Required in most countries	Required in most countries, with some also mandating a third brake light
Cost	Less expensive than brake free lights	May be more expensive, especially with added installation fees

Pros and Cons of Brake Free Lights

Like any other automotive component, brake free lights have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of brake free lights:

Pros:

• Improved visibility and effectiveness in alerting drivers behind the vehicle
• Reduced chances of accidents
• Legal requirement in most countries
• Added safety for motorcycles and bicycles

Cons:

• May be more expensive than traditional brake lights
• Added cost of installation if done by a professional
• May require additional wiring and modifications to the vehicle

Best Brands for Brake Free Lights

When it comes to choosing a brake free light for your vehicle, it is important to choose a reputable and reliable brand. Some of the best brands for brake free lights include:

• Philips
• Sylvania
• Wagner
• ACDelco
• GE Lighting