4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Reverse Lights

Reverse lights are also called backup lights. They are used to warn other vehicles and people around the car that the vehicle is about to move backwards. The reverse lights also provide some illumination when the car is backing up. Reverse lights on a vehicle must be white in color, and these come standard on all vehicles.

Testing Reverse Lights

If you need to test your reverse lights but do not have anyone around to help, there is a way you can do it by yourself. Turn the ignition switch to the “on” position (without starting it), then put the transmission in reverse with the parking brake on. It is very important to make sure the parking brake is on. Once that is set, get out of the vehicle and look at the reverse lights, they should be illuminated.

Reverse Light Replacement

If the reverse lights do not come on when you test it, you may need a reverse light bulb replacement. Reverse lights are required by law, so have a mechanic properly install the light for you to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Are Reverse Lights Required?

Every vehicle in the United States must have one or two rear-mounted rear-facing reverse lights. The lights should be white in color.

Problems with Reverse Lights

Bulbs can burn out on reverse lights, in which case you need a bulb replacement. Other problems can happen with these lights as well. If you replace the bulbs in your vehicle and the lights are still not working, chances are a sensor has gone bad. If this happens, take it to YourMechanic, as you are required to have working reverse lights on your vehicle as it is a safety feature. Another reason your lights could have gone out is from the reverse light switch. This is a switch that is connected to the gear selector mechanism. When you shift into reverse, the switch completes the electrical circuit and turns on your reverse lights.

Reverse lights are an important safety feature of your vehicle because they inform cars and people around you that you are going to backup. If someone is behind you or about to drive past you, they will know to use caution. Test your reverse lights regularly to ensure they are in proper working order. Having a reverse light out may cause you to get pulled over and receive a ticket. If you are having problems with your reverse light, you might need to have it replaced.


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Attila

20 years of experience
1104 reviews
Attila
20 years of experience
Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.5L - Reverse Light Bulb Replacement - East Orange, New Jersey
Attila was great. He arrived well in advance of the appointment time. He was pleasant, professional and knowledgeable. I was very pleased with the work he did and the suggestions he recommended. I would be happy to tell others about him and use him again at any time.
Volkswagen Tiguan - Reverse Light Bulb Replacement (Driver Side) - Paterson, New Jersey
He was very quick and efficient. Very informative and explained everything that he was doing very well. He was also very friendly and it was a good experience overall.

Jonathan

36 years of experience
522 reviews
Jonathan
36 years of experience
Saturn Sky L4-2.4L - Reverse Light Bulb Replacement (Driver Side) - Brooksville, Florida
Great service, friendly. I had done some basic troubleshooting first, explained all I did, he listened patiently and then quickly identified the problem, explained the issue and got my car running. Fantastic service, A+.
Chevrolet Venture - Valve Cover Gasket - Holiday, Florida
Very nice person! Arrives on time.

Ben

42 years of experience
1589 reviews
Ben
42 years of experience
Porsche Cayenne V8-4.8L - Check Engine Light is on - Houston, Texas
Very knowledgeable, friendly, patient and honest
Toyota Prius C - Car is not starting - Spring, Texas
He is so friendly and understanding. So perfect! Thank you!

Gustavo

18 years of experience
575 reviews
Gustavo
18 years of experience
Chevrolet Avalanche V8-5.3L - Reverse Light Bulb Replacement (Passenger Side) - San Antonio, Texas
Always a masterful job when he fixes my truck

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