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How do you fix reverse lights on a car?

Reverse lights are one of those things that you never really know you need to fix unless someone tells you. I was backing out of a space, and since my lights don’t work, someone hit me. I don’t blame them, and they were nice after the accident. Fortunately, the damage is minimal to both cars, but I do know I need to fix my reverse lights. How can I fix the reverse lights on my car?

avatar
Rachel Juillerat · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m glad that neither one of you–nor your cars–faced serious damage! Fixing your car’s reverse lights may require some electric work, so if you don’t feel comfortable working with your car’s electronics, it may be best to
leave this to a professional
.
If you want to try your hand at fixing your car’s reverse lights, there are a couple of causes to look out for.
First, check that the bulbs don’t need replacing. This is one of the easier fixes. You can buy new backup lights through a dealership, an auto parts store, or online. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, these can be fairly inexpensive; you can expect to pay about $25 for a pair of bulbs.
Next, try replacing the fuse. If both bulbs are blown, it’s more likely that your fuse went bad. If the fuse died, other aspects of your car are likely showing signs. Check your owner’s manual to see which fuse controls your reverse lights (and potentially other car lights). The good news is that replacing a fuse is easy and cheap; you can expect to pay about $20.
From here, things get a bit trickier. You may have a problem with wiring or the current is overheating the system. These both require more technical tools to check, so it’s best to leave these to a professional.
While this is an easy and cheap fix, there are some car fixes you may need assistance with, so it’s always a good idea to invest in a strong car insurance policy.
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