Brake lights do for any vehicle -- Chevrolet Colorado or Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, GMC Yukon, or otherwise -- just as their name suggests: they signal that it's either slowing down or stopping.

They're different from taillights, though. Even though you can usually find both kinds of lighting housed in the same light assembly, you should be able to tell the difference between they by turning on your headlights or engaging the parking brake; your taillights will come on. Your brake lights, though, will only turn on when you step on the brake pedal. They're usually a brighter red, too, and different from reverse lights to boot; those are white.

Signs of Brake Light Problems

If you're experiencing any, there are several reasons why.

Burned-Out Bulbs

For one, a bulb may simply have burned out. It happens, given how frequently car lights get used. Plus, a lot of older vehicles -- take Oldsmobile Alero and Saturn Outlook, for instance -- still use halogen lamps, and these can require more frequent replacement. By contrast, today's LED light bulbs last longer.

Bad Brake Light Switches

Secondly, your vehicle could have a bad brake light switch. If all your brake lights are out at the same time, this is the most likely culprit. The analog kind, for example, wears out over time. Plus, brake light switches can get dirty, and that's bound to interfere with both their contact and their abilities to transmit signals.

Blown Fuses

Thirdly, a blown fuse could be what the issue is. If your brake light switch works fine and neither side's lights turn on anyway, it's the likely scenario.

Bad Sockets

Of course, a socket or two could be bad as well. If just one brake light's out, but the bulb itself is fine, it could be that the socket's connections are soiled or corroded. The wiring could also be so worn out that its connectivity's become erratic.

Regardless of the causes of their failure, when it's time to replace your brake lights (or any of the parts that make sure they work), don't choose just any aftermarket fare; choose the genuine article.

Why Buy Genuine OEM Brake Lights?

GM will have designed them to fit and work with the model you drive, whether that's a Pontiac G6, a Hummer H3, or otherwise. Aftermarket brake lights can be less reliable, even of their brands make similar assurances.

Where to Order Replacement GM Brake Lights Online

From us, here at GM Wholesale Direct. It's easy to browse our catalog quickly, too: all you have to do is choose your make, model, and model year. Options galore will appear, and you'll quickly notice that many are priced well below the MSRPs of other auto parts stores. Put in your order now, and we'll ship and deliver it fast, to any address in the US; if it's in stock, it can leave our warehouse same-day, if you don't otherwise choose overnight shipping. What's out of stock, on the other hand, can ship in 2 to 6 days (usually fewer than 6). Of course, local pickup is also available if you prefer to stop by; you'll find us at 5415 Kelley Moore Drive in Winston Salem NC.

Need to return or cancel your order? It's no problem: simply contact our parts team, and they'll start the process for you. For further store policies info, check out our shipping, returns, and cancellations pages, but if you have any questions or concerns, or you need buying advice, we're here to help; again, just get in touch with us. Our parts specialists will be happy to help.