Fix your brake lights on your cars!!!!!

[Shaner]

Please, for the safety of yourself and everyone else on the road, check your brake lights and fix them IMMEDIATELY when needed. If they aren't working, don't drive your car!

I was on the 401 today, doing about 120. I was changing radio stations but half paying attention to the car in front of me at the same time. I would have noticed if his brake lights had come on. All of a sudden I realized he had hit his brakes really hard and I was about to drive right through him. I would have realized it a second earlier, but he didn't have working brake lights (both were out). I was just barely able to avoid him because I left lots of room between him and I, but if I was driving a heavier vehicle, someone probably would have been killed. I realize it was only about a second before I realized he hit the brakes, but when you're doing 120 km/h, one second is a very long time and can mean life or death.

Please, please don't drive if you don't have working brake lights. I don't much care about turn signals or anything else, but without brake lights, you are risking your life and everyone elses too. Check them regularily and don't drive if they don't work!!!!!!!!!

[purple_rabbit]

Oh man...good thing you're ok.

We would have had to do a memorial in the offtopic :)

[GangStarr]

I wish VW would do a recall on those damn jetta's electrical systems. I probably see 8 VW's a week with one tail light burnt out. From what I hear they pop frequently and owners dont bother replacing lights. grrr

[jedijome]

Please, please don't drive if you don't have working brake lights. I don't much care about turn signals or anything else, but without brake lights, you are risking your life and everyone elses too. Check them regularily and don't drive if they don't work!!!!!!!!!

hear hear! quoted because i feel the same way.
it's ok if one of the taillights is burned out (well relatively) but fixing the third brake light is an absolute necessity.

[mushrooms]

and also turning on headlights when it's raining during the day...

just because it's daytime doesn't mean your lights shouldn't be on....
it's impossible to see some of these cars on the highway when it's raining...

[Oni-kun]

maybe take that as a lesson to yourself too, dont speed?

[Siefer999]

maybe take that as a lesson to yourself too, dont speed?
does any body else consider 120 speeding? i dont

[Shaner]

maybe take that as a lesson to yourself too, dont speed?

Unless you do exactly 100 on the 401, 404, 400, etc. don't preach. Even if I was doing only 100, I still would have had trouble avoiding the car. I had no idea the guy had even hit his damn brakes until well after he actually did so.

[vladislav]

I agree 100%, if any of your lights are broken fix them asap and try not to drive until you do, you are endangering yourself and everyone else.

[dolphie]

that happened to me in the city the other day.....i was changing lanes tucking in behind a guy so i could make my upcoming lefthand turn. I tucked in behind him and was immediately slamming on my brakes because i was coming up on him way to fast. Turns out the buggar had no brakes lights. grr!
Same thing.....you need to see brake lights to warn you he is slowing down...i guess the depth perception doesn't work well at those speeds...or we are dependant on brake lights to much....but whatever, i didn't notice 'til it was almost too late.

[shawn99]

why don't you just report it to the cops or traffic enforcement people? how else are things gona get done?

[TheBrain]

I drive a manual and I usually downshift to slowdown. Often I only apply my brakes when I'm getting down to 15~20kkph. However I try to keep an eye on the rearview mirror to see if anyone following me is going too fast. If so I'll tap my brakes to tell them I'm slowing down.

[dolphie]

shawn, if you're talkin to me....I was a little more concerned with making sure i didn't end up this guys arse end then recording his licence plate number.
I don't think "hello, police? a red honda that was on princess street ten minutes ago doesn't have brake lights" would do anyone any good.

[The_Madz]

I drive a manual and I usually downshift to slowdown. Often I only apply my brakes when I'm getting down to 15~20kkph. However I try to keep an eye on the rearview mirror to see if anyone following me is going too fast. If so I'll tap my brakes to tell them I'm slowing down.


yeah i see that a lot, manual drivers just down shifting to slow down instead of breaking. I heard some saying the reason for this is they dont want to wear their brakes :rolleyes:

so those cars you see who have their brake lights out may just be newbie manual drivers with the attitude that if you drive into them it's all your fault.

[DragonZealot]

You should record down the plate number plus the description of the car not just the description and report to police. Poilice would call up the owner to request for an inspection within 48 hours. The owner would probably fix it before the car got inspected.

Problem solved.

[dmatthew]

good thing no accident occurred

about the engine braking if you're using a manual car...you probably shouldn't do that since fixing your transmission costs way more than replacing your brake pads. I drive manual as well and while I do occassionally engine break, I try to use my brakes more if I want to slow down

on a side note, if you did in fact rear end the person who didn't have working brake lights, are you still 100% at fault in the eyes of the insurance company?

[Paolo]

I drive a manual and I usually downshift to slowdown. Often I only apply my brakes when I'm getting down to 15~20kkph. However I try to keep an eye on the rearview mirror to see if anyone following me is going too fast. If so I'll tap my brakes to tell them I'm slowing down.

You see. I used to think that too. and even though engine breaking in my car is more efective than manual breaks. id still avoid doing it.. Its better to put more wear on your breakes than your transmission and clutch.. breaks are cheaper to replace, a tranny and clutch isnt so cheap...

[dolphie]

on a side note, if you did in fact rear end the person who didn't have working brake lights, are you still 100% at fault in the eyes of the insurance company?
good Q
Anyone know the answer to this?
Just thinking......If you smash up their taillights hitting them, you might have a hard time proving they weren't working to begin with ...lol

[NDman]

You could have called OPP to report a car with failed brake lights siting that it causes hazards on the highway

[mlc2000]

yeah i see that a lot, manual drivers just down shifting to slow down instead of breaking. I heard some saying the reason for this is they dont want to wear their brakes :rolleyes:

so those cars you see who have their brake lights out may just be newbie manual drivers with the attitude that if you drive into them it's all your fault.


For the manual drivers, take note: brakes are cheaper to replace than is a clutch.

[mlc2000]

I wish VW would do a recall on those damn jetta's electrical systems. I probably see 8 VW's a week with one tail light burnt out. From what I hear they pop frequently and owners dont bother replacing lights. grrr


Get off this little rant.

I have an 03 Jetta, haven't replaced a single bulb.
In fact, the car has been very good, except for some minor things, which all cars suffer. Even Honda.

[alkaseltzer01]

Get off this little rant.

I have an 03 Jetta, haven't replaced a single bulb.
In fact, the car has been very good, except for some minor things, which all cars suffer. Even Honda.


He's sure in love with his jetta.

[mlc2000]

and also turning on headlights when it's raining during the day...

just because it's daytime doesn't mean your lights shouldn't be on....
it's impossible to see some of these cars on the highway when it's raining...

Canada requires Daytime Running Lights for all vehicles built after December 1, 1989.
So, its only the old wrecks out there who don't turn on their headlights.

[mlc2000]

He's sure in love with his jetta.

at 975km to tank, yes I am.
with standard heated seats, yes I am.

When my lease expires next Feb, I'll be getting another one,
unless they offer the new Passat in diesel.

Maybe VeeDubs are a mess after 4 yrs, do I care?
Nope. I'm on a lease.

[computer01]

Canada requires Daytime Running Lights for all vehicles built after December 1, 1989.
So, its only the old wrecks out there who don't turn on their headlights.

DRLs are a front lights only requirement. Some DRLs include the rear lights, but many do not. (Chrysler for example.)

[Paolo]

Canada requires Daytime Running Lights for all vehicles built after December 1, 1989.
So, its only the old wrecks out there who don't turn on their headlights.

cars have to be equipped with DRLS but do not necessarily need to have them "enabled" as per say. I verified this with the ontario provincial courts, ontario provincial police, minister of transportation of ontario, as well as the HTA.

as for break lights not working, I believe thats illegal, you can report them. they should check their car every time they fill up on gas for functioning break lights. heck my sisters jetta had a burnt out break light, thankfully the other break lgiht was working and thats why we have the third break light on our cars above the trunk, that light helps too incase bulbs burn out.. so its all good.

[mlc2000]

Checking your brake lights while filling up only works if your passenger gets out and fills the tank. I usually try to let poeple know on smaller artery roads if their brake lights are not working.

[gman]

Does your car give you warning if the bulb is not working? I think mine does but I am not 100% sure.

Anyway, one easy and lazy way to check your brake light is when you back up parking at night, or to the garage or underground parking, you can see if your brake lights are working by watching your mirror. You don't need anybody to help you.

[pfdude]

Don't all cars have three rear brake lights now? So all three were burnt out?

I see a lot of cars that only have their middle brake light operating. Those are hard to see on bright days.

[mlc2000]

On some older GM's, the dash lights would not work at all, when the rear lights were not functioning. I think the Grandprix / Bonnevilles had a graphic of the car on the dashboard, showing any problem areas.

[teknoluv]

I think the Grandprix / Bonnevilles had a graphic of the car on the dashboard, showing any problem areas.
I drive a Pontiac Grand Prix; and yes, it shows when you have a door ajar, or tire pressure needing adjustment, and even windshield washer running out. I'm not sure if they have that about the lights though, haven't run into that yet.

[lithiumli]

totally agree with you!

FIX YOUR LIGHTS!!!!!


Please, for the safety of yourself and everyone else on the road, check your brake lights and fix them IMMEDIATELY when needed. If they aren't working, don't drive your car!

I was on the 401 today, doing about 120. I was changing radio stations but half paying attention to the car in front of me at the same time. I would have noticed if his brake lights had come on. All of a sudden I realized he had hit his brakes really hard and I was about to drive right through him. I would have realized it a second earlier, but he didn't have working brake lights (both were out). I was just barely able to avoid him because I left lots of room between him and I, but if I was driving a heavier vehicle, someone probably would have been killed. I realize it was only about a second before I realized he hit the brakes, but when you're doing 120 km/h, one second is a very long time and can mean life or death.

Please, please don't drive if you don't have working brake lights. I don't much care about turn signals or anything else, but without brake lights, you are risking your life and everyone elses too. Check them regularily and don't drive if they don't work!!!!!!!!!

[The_Madz]

I drive a Pontiac Grand Prix; and yes, it shows when you have a door ajar, or tire pressure needing adjustment, and even windshield washer running out. I'm not sure if they have that about the lights though, haven't run into that yet.


i know with my 04 grand prix the display will show if a indicator light is faulty, but for some reason they neglected to put in a sensor for windshield wiper fluid

[mbg]

Get off this little rant.

I have an 03 Jetta, haven't replaced a single bulb.


That was his point :)

Also, VW in general are a POS as far as reliability is concerned....

[Daemar]

Thing is, how often is regularly? Once per servicing (6000km/3 months)?
Did you drive up to the guy you almost hit and TELL him his brake lights were out? If not, how safe is it to other drivers?

I don't think I know ANYONE who checks to see if their brake lights are working. To have both of them go at once is quite unlikely, but it's hard to lay blame for something a simple electrical problem could have caused.

Definately isn't safe, but good luck trying to convince people to check their brake lights. OP, when you got home, did you check your lights to see if they were working?

[Shaner]

Thing is, how often is regularly? Once per servicing (6000km/3 months)?
Did you drive up to the guy you almost hit and TELL him his brake lights were out? If not, how safe is it to other drivers?

I don't think I know ANYONE who checks to see if their brake lights are working. To have both of them go at once is quite unlikely, but it's hard to lay blame for something a simple electrical problem could have caused.

Definately isn't safe, but good luck trying to convince people to check their brake lights. OP, when you got home, did you check your lights to see if they were working?

I didn't check them when I got home, no, but then again I got home late at night and was able to see my brake lights while I was backing up.

I don't expect people to check their lights every day, although you are legally required to. But once every few weeks isn't exactly going to hurt anyone. I'm surprised your being difficult regarding this. Someone almost got killed because of it.

It doesn't take much time to check your lights every couple weeks. If you notice a light is burnt out, don't drive you car for a week before fixing it. Fix it that night. If you can't, don't drive you car until you get it fixed. How hard is that to do?

[gman]

Thing is, how often is regularly? Once per servicing (6000km/3 months)?
Did you drive up to the guy you almost hit and TELL him his brake lights were out? If not, how safe is it to other drivers?

I don't think I know ANYONE who checks to see if their brake lights are working. To have both of them go at once is quite unlikely, but it's hard to lay blame for something a simple electrical problem could have caused.

Definately isn't safe, but good luck trying to convince people to check their brake lights. OP, when you got home, did you check your lights to see if they were working?

It is easy to check. As I said above,

Anyway, one easy and lazy way to check your brake light is when you back up parking at night, or to the garage or underground parking, you can see if your brake lights are working by watching your mirror. You don't need anybody to help you.

[Jaytee]

Same thing happened to me on the 401. Almost ploughed into the guy ahead of me when they hit the brakes hard and didnt have any working brake lights. Its hard to tell when you are moving quickly on a highway.

I can understand having one brake light out. But having all of them out, there is no excuse for that. My car dashboard gives me a warning when a brake light is out, actually if any light is out for that matter. Thats quite useful.

[devious9191]

As part of your safety alert, you should add:

- Don't speed
- Don't 'half pay attention' to the person in front of you

[Earthworm]

Wow, I thought I was the only one who can't stand this!

I rear-ended a Jetta because of bad brake lights. I don't have an issue with the newer Jettas...these are the 1990 era Jettas. Some of which don't even have the 3rd brake light. The brake lights are so dim you wouldn't even know the brake lights were on.

Another vehicle with bad brake lights are Ford Aerostars.

I'd complain about the people who don't signal and cut you off when YOU signal but I'll save that rant for another thread.

[teknoluv]

As part of your safety alert, you should add:

- Don't speed
- Don't 'half pay attention' to the person in front of you
And don't tailgate a non-speeding car. I must confess that I sometimes INTENTIONALLY use the gear (as mentioned by another member here) to slow down the car instead of the brake to teach the tailgater behind a lesson.

[konfusion666]

going off on a slight tangent, if any of you have current-gen. Toyota Corolla's, you should quickly verify that both of your brake lights (L and R) are working. i've noticed an abnormally large number of current-gen 'Rollas with only 1 of the 2 brake lights working. it stands out because i don't notice the same thing on Toy's other models, i.e. Camry's, or even any of the Honda's.

[lovelimelody]

I don't think you should fix your radio and drive @ 120 on the highway, because you don't pay full attention to the road, and it is dangerous!

[The_Madz]

And don't tailgate a non-speeding car. I must confess that I sometimes INTENTIONALLY use the gear (as mentioned by another member here) to slow down the car instead of the brake to teach the tailgater behind a lesson.


so if he slams into you are you going to be happy? intentionally making it more unsafe on the roads can not be justified under the assumption that you are giving the other person a "lesson". two wrongs dont make a right.

[Shaner]

I don't think you should fix your radio and drive @ 120 on the highway, because you don't pay full attention to the road, and it is dangerous!

You've never changed radio stations while driving on the 401?

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

The car that slammed on it's brakes wasn't packed with like 4 to 6 people was it? I heard about an insurance scam where people load up a car and drive around causing rear-enders by intentionally slamming on their brakes in front of another driver.

This was on some news show (W5?) I saw a while ago. Is it still happening in TO? They would make some outrageous insurance claims to cover their strangely persisting MVA "injuries."

[teknoluv]

so if he slams into you are you going to be happy? intentionally making it more unsafe on the roads can not be justified under the assumption that you are giving the other person a "lesson". two wrongs dont make a right.
Let me clarify a bit: I am not intentionally making it unsafe, I am intentionally making it difficult for the tailgater. Using your gear to slow down is the CORRECT way, it's just that because too many drivers are used to brake outright that brake lights become a signal for slowing down. Moreover, by using the gear, I am NOT like suddenly braking; it's actually SAFER! But yes, it does teach those stupid tailgaters a lesson ... of how to drive, and that they do NOT know too much about driving (like you can slow down a car without hitting the brake right away). Last but not least, I'm NOT talking about some highway driving here.

[hover42]

Driving a 0.8 to 2 kg vehicle on a highway requires intelligence, discipline and reflexes.

1- Don't speed.

2- Don't take your attention off the road.

3- Always keep a 2-second distance between you and the guy in front.

(This is what you learned in driving school umpteen years ago and that you probably forgot.)

If you (or I) don't follow these simple rules, you risk your life or that of the person in front of you. It's your choice, and it's that simple. No cop-out, no ifs or buts.

[Shaner]

Driving a 0.8 to 2 kg vehicle on a highway requires intelligence, discipline and reflexes.

1- Don't speed.

2- Don't take your attention off the road.

3- Always keep a 2-second distance between you and the guy in front.

(This is what you learned in driving school umpteen years ago and that you probably forgot.)

If you (or I) don't follow these simple rules, you risk your life or that of the person in front of you. It's your choice, and it's that simple. No cop-out, no ifs or buts.

Who exactly are you directing your post towards? And what kind of vehicles have you been driving that only way 2 kg? If my car only weighed 2 kg, I would pick it up and throw it at people that pissed me off. lol

[konfusion666]

Driving a 0.8 to 2 kg vehicle on a highway requires intelligence, discipline and reflexes.

Indeed, driving such a lightweight vehicle on a modern 400-series highway would certainly require substantial skill... :lol: :lol:


If you (or I) don't follow these simple rules, you risk your life or that of the person in front of you.

Your life would be risked, yes. But chances are, the person in front of you is in a vehicle which weighs more than 2 kg so I'm sure he'll be fine. :D

[hover42]

Who exactly are you directing your post towards? And what kind of vehicles have you been driving that only way 2 kg? If my car only weighed 2 kg, I would pick it up and throw it at people that pissed me off. lol

I admit it, I made an obvious mistake. I was thinking in terms of tons, so my statement should have referred to 800 kg to 2000 kg vehicles. That was an OBVIOUS mistake.

You, on the other hand, are skirting the issue, which is also OBVIOUS. You are avoiding the simple fact that YOU made a mistake and are trying to pass on your mistake to the driver of the car ahead of you. Classic case of the "It's the other guy's fault" syndrome. :cheesygri

[Shaner]

I admit it, I made an obvious mistake. I was thinking in terms of tons, so my statement should have referred to 800 kg to 2000 kg vehicles. That was an OBVIOUS mistake.

You, on the other hand, are skirting the issue, which is also OBVIOUS. You are avoiding the simple fact that YOU made a mistake and are trying to pass on your mistake to the driver of the car ahead of you. Classic case of the "It's the other guy's fault" syndrome. :cheesygri

What mistake did I make?
I wasn't tailgating at all, believe me, if I was I would have driven right through the car in front of me. There was more than two seconds between us, thankfully.
Yes, I was speeding, but I was doing 120 and the person in front of me was doing about the same. I had been behind him for maybe a few minutes, but didn't notice he didn't have working brake lights.
I wasn't half-paying attention. I was changing the radio station, but that doesn't mean I can't watch the car in front of me too. I glance down at the radio to find the knob, look back up, and continue to glance at the radio and the road every second or so.

That's like saying you can't check your rearview mirror and watch the road at the same time.

If he had working brake lights, I would have stopped with tons of room. But it took me a second to figure out that he had hit the brakes (for a reason still unknown to me).

[lkn4deals]

ugh...when I was driving today, this woman stopped suddenly in front of me and then just started reversing towards me to get into a parking spot....the kicker? no turn signal (if it was even working) AND even worse, her reverse lights did not come on!!!

[new_vr]

Get off this little rant.

I have an 03 Jetta, haven't replaced a single bulb.
In fact, the car has been very good, except for some minor things, which all cars suffer. Even Honda.
Just wait. If you have the car for 4 years I know you will go through at least one set of headlights, and probably a set of brakelights as well.
You might also get to replace your brake light switch that fails randomly. They are on their fifth version of the switch now...maybe 5th time is the charm

[Shaner]

Just wait. If you have the car for 4 years I know you will go through at least one set of headlights, and probably a set of brakelights as well.
You might also get to replace your brake light switch that fails randomly. They are on their fifth version of the switch now...maybe 5th time is the charm

I have a 2000 Sunfire with 230,000 km's on it. I've never had to replace my headlights or brake lights or the switch.

[dealguy2]

yeah i see that a lot, manual drivers just down shifting to slow down instead of breaking. I heard some saying the reason for this is they dont want to wear their brakes :rolleyes:

so those cars you see who have their brake lights out may just be newbie manual drivers with the attitude that if you drive into them it's all your fault.

Funny thing is clutches cost a lot more than brake pads.

[lovelimelody]

...
You, on the other hand, are skirting the issue, which is also OBVIOUS. You are avoiding the simple fact that YOU made a mistake and are trying to pass on your mistake to the driver of the car ahead of you. Classic case of the "It's the other guy's fault" syndrome. :cheesygri

Totally Agreed!

[Shaner]

Totally Agreed!

Agree with what? I'll ask again since I didn't get an answer the first time. What did I do wrong?

[Emancipated]

That's completely moronic. You should have given this person an ear full and if he gave you attitude, a swift kick in the arse would of suffice and fully justified.

I would be angry if my life came within an inch of ending like that because of some douche bag.

I'm surprised you didn't lose it, considering your last altercation involving roller blades.

[Emancipated]

Agree with what? I'll ask again since I didn't get an answer the first time. What did I do wrong?


You know full well they're referring to the fact that you should have your eyes on the road at all times. Changing radio station while doing 120 clicks isn't the wisest thing.

[Daemar]

You know full well they're referring to the fact that you should have your eyes on the road at all times. Changing radio station while doing 120 clicks isn't the wisest thing.

It doesn't take that much attention to change radio stations.
The point of the thread was to make people aware of the dangers of not checking your lights... so to all, please check your lights regularly. If you see someone with burnt out lights, let them know if it is safe to do so (drive along side at a red light).

[konfusion666]

with steering-wheel mounted audio controls, even Shaner can change radio stations at 120 klicks without having to make another OT thread about people with malfunctional brake lights! :lol:

[chlorine]

People like to use their brakes when slowing down, way too often... simply lifting the foot off the gas would suffice most of the time... and I do agree, you have to keep an eye on rear-view to see if there's anyone that's coming real fast...

glad you're okay shaner...

changing radio station while driving 120 is not that big of a deal...

speeding is not the problem on the 401, the ppl driving 70-90 are the problem making ppl pass them on the right at much higher speeds :mad:

[Shaner]

You know full well they're referring to the fact that you should have your eyes on the road at all times. Changing radio station while doing 120 clicks isn't the wisest thing.

But looking down at the radio for a split second is no different than looking at your rearview mirror.

Anyway, some people are just anal I guess. Anyone who says they have never taken their eyes off the road for even a second is a liar!

[new_vr]

I have a 2000 Sunfire with 230,000 km's on it. I've never had to replace my headlights or brake lights or the switch.
I was talking about the VW guy

[lovelimelody]

But looking down at the radio for a split second is no different than looking at your rearview mirror.

Anyway, some people are just anal I guess. Anyone who says they have never taken their eyes off the road for even a second is a liar!

We all know that the person in front of you should have fix his brake lights, but you just can't put ALL the blame on him/her.

[nopn]

We all know that the person in front of you should have fix his brake lights, but you just can't put ALL the blame on him/her.

True.
How would know your break light went off ? Unless you bring your car to have a service ?

[evolution921]

going off on a slight tangent, if any of you have current-gen. Toyota Corolla's, you should quickly verify that both of your brake lights (L and R) are working. i've noticed an abnormally large number of current-gen 'Rollas with only 1 of the 2 brake lights working. it stands out because i don't notice the same thing on Toy's other models, i.e. Camry's, or even any of the Honda's.

You beat me to it. LOL. I guess the reason is that they use the brake light more often than other people, that's why they burn out more often. Which leads to another problem, they don't know how to replace them and are not willing to pay the dealer to change them.

I also hate it when those white vans have a burn out brake lights, coz most of those driver love to tap on their brakes, which appear as if they are signalling to change lanes, when in fact they never actually signal when they change lanes.

[seftonm]

True.
How would know your break light went off ? Unless you bring your car to have a service ?

Some cars will throw a MIL when a taillight burns out.

[Desalex]

I back in to parking spots in front of stores and check the reflection in the window to see if my brakes are working.
Jim Kenzie taught us once at university to be aware of your surroundings when you're driving. Then, no matter what speed you're doing, you'd have enough time to slow down or go around. Looking far down the road also helps.
I drive a stick (I never learned how to drive an automatic ;-) ) and use the brakes to either decelerate at a greater rate than engine braking can provide, or to set the car up for a corner.
My Integra went 230K km with only 2 sets of pads and 1 set of rotors. The clutch still had plenty of life on it.

[BEpsilon]

yeah i see that a lot, manual drivers just down shifting to slow down instead of breaking. I heard some saying the reason for this is they dont want to wear their brakes :rolleyes:

I drive an automatic and I often do that when going down-hill or exiting freeway.

Sure, we can tell people to obey the 2-second rule, and the speed-limit, but keeping the lights working is ultra important.

Also, if the lights are out, there is no better time to consider switching to LEDs too.