Your car’s taillights are vital safety features, ensuring that other drivers can see you during dark or stormy conditions. While taillights should normally turn on automatically when ambient brightness drops, they can occasionally stop working. Buying used taillights can often get you back on the road, but it’s important to know why the lights stopped working in the first place. Review this brief guide to discover a few possible causes.

Why Aren't Your Taillights Working? 

1. Faulty Ambient Light Sensor

Your car’s ambient light sensor is located on the dash. Depending on how much light it detects, it will turn the taillights on or off. A dirty or malfunctioning sensor won’t get a good reading, which could keep the lights from turning on.

If you have automatic daytime headlights, this would also keep them from working. When both your headlights and taillights aren't working, have a professional inspect the sensor. 

2. Bad Fuse

While your first instinct might be to check the lightbulb, you should actually start by looking at the fuse. The fuse panel is typically located beneath the dashboard, while the fuse box is found under the hood.

Your owners manual or a sticker near the panel should provide a diagram indicating where the fuse for the taillights is located. If the metal band inside the fuse has broken, you should replace it. Make sure the replacement is the same size and amperage.

3. Bulb or Socket Failure

After checking the fuse, look at the bulb. After taking off the light cover, check if the filament inside the bulb has broken. If this is the case, you’ll need a new light bulb.

If the bulb is in good condition, the socket may have suffered from corrosion from moisture exposure. It may also be experiencing a wiring issue. Purchasing a used taillight will resolve these issues.

If you’re looking for a used taillight, Stewart's Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT, has you covered. With a wide selection of new, recycled, and quality auto parts, they make it easy to perform DIY repairs at affordable prices. They'll ensure you receive a perfect match that will get your vehicle back on the road quickly. To learn more about their parts and services, visit them online or call (860) 379-7541.