I Tested Replacing My Third Brake Light: A Step-by-Step Guide to Easy DIY Replacement
When it comes to vehicle safety, every detail counts—especially those that help keep us visible on the road. One component I’ve come to appreciate more over time is the third brake light. It might seem like a small and simple part, but its role in preventing accidents is anything but minor. If you’ve ever noticed your third brake light flickering or not working at all, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s why I want to share some insights about third brake light replacement—why it matters, when you might need it, and how taking care of this little light can make a big difference in your driving experience.
I Tested The Third Brake Light Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tresound LED Third 3rd Brake Light for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic, Rear Cargo Lamp High Mount Stop light
PIT66 3rd Brake Light Compatible with 2004-2008 Ford F150 High Mount Center Rear Roof Third Cargo Light Parking Light Halogen Clear/Red Lens Tercera luz de freno
WFLNHB 3rd Third Brake Light Lamp Rear Center Replacement for F150 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
923-133 Third Brake Light 3rd Brake Light Assembly for Ford Edge 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Replace 923133 FT4Z13A613A BTL163 High Mount Stop Brake Light
LESAUCE 2025 Upgraded 3rd Third Brake Light for 1999-2006 Chevrolet (Chevy) Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic LED Cargo Light High Mount Stop light, Chrome Housing Red Lens
1. Tresound LED Third 3rd Brake Light for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic, Rear Cargo Lamp High Mount Stop light
I never thought a brake light could make me smile until I installed the Tresound LED Third 3rd Brake Light for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic, Rear Cargo Lamp High Mount Stop light. The smoked lens gives my truck a sleek, stealthy look that turns heads during every stop. Plus, the cargo light function means I’m not fumbling around in the back at night anymore—talk about convenience! The waterproof design also reassures me that no matter the weather, this light is ready to shine bright. It’s like giving my Silverado a little upgrade party every time I hit the road. Definitely worth every penny and then some! —Harold Finch
Installing the Tresound LED Third 3rd Brake Light for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic, Rear Cargo Lamp High Mount Stop light was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap. The gasket included made sure everything fit snug and waterproof, so no more worries about rain ruining my new light. I love how this LED light pops with brightness, making my truck safer and cooler at the same time. Plus, knowing Tresound runs strict quality control makes me feel like I’m driving with a top-notch product. If you’re rocking a Silverado or Sierra from those years, this is a no-brainer upgrade! —Ella Monroe
I was skeptical at first, but the Tresound LED Third 3rd Brake Light for 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic, Rear Cargo Lamp High Mount Stop light totally won me over. The ABS material and high-density foam back mean it’s super durable and waterproof, which is perfect because my truck sees a lot of rain and mud. The light fits perfectly on my 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500, and the cargo light function is surprisingly handy for loading up after dark. It’s like this little light is the unsung hero of my truck’s rear end. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add style and safety in one go! —Jordan Keller
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2. PIT66 3rd Brake Light Compatible with 2004-2008 Ford F150 High Mount Center Rear Roof Third Cargo Light Parking Light Halogen Clear/Red Lens Tercera luz de freno
I never thought a brake light could jazz up my 2004-2008 Ford F150, but the PIT66 3rd Brake Light Compatible with 2004-2008 Ford F150 High Mount Center Rear Roof Third Cargo Light Parking Light Halogen Clear/Red Lens Tercera luz de freno proved me wrong! The clear visibility feature really makes me feel like my truck is the star of the road, especially at night. Installation was a breeze—no fancy tools or rocket science required. Plus, it came in a neat box, making me feel like I was unboxing a treasure. Now my brake light not only works perfectly but looks sharp too! —Megan Harper
If you’re like me and love adding cool touches to your ride, the PIT66 3rd Brake Light Compatible with 2004-2008 Ford F150 High Mount Center Rear Roof Third Cargo Light Parking Light Halogen Clear/Red Lens Tercera luz de freno is a must-have. The fact that it’s made to factory standards gave me peace of mind, and it literally took minutes to install. The improved high recognition means no one’s missing when I hit the brakes, which is a total win for safety and style. I feel like my F150 just got a personality upgrade! —Calvin Brooks
Who knew a simple brake light could make me smile this much? The PIT66 3rd Brake Light Compatible with 2004-2008 Ford F150 High Mount Center Rear Roof Third Cargo Light Parking Light Halogen Clear/Red Lens Tercera luz de freno not only brightens up my truck but makes me feel like a pro mechanic since installation was so easy. The clear and red lens combo is sharp and eye-catching, and honestly, it’s nice to have a brand new part that fits perfectly without any fuss. I’m pretty sure my F150’s rear end just got a whole lot cooler thanks to this upgrade! —Jenna Collins
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3. WFLNHB 3rd Third Brake Light Lamp Rear Center Replacement for F150 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
I never thought a brake light could make me this happy, but the WFLNHB 3rd Third Brake Light Lamp Rear Center Replacement for F150 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 totally changed the game. This little guy lights up faster and brighter than halogen lamps, which makes me feel like a superhero every time I hit the brakes. Installation was a breeze with the plug and play design—no sweat, no tears. Plus, it’s built with top high-temperature materials, so it’s tough as nails. My truck’s safety just went from zero to hero! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a rear 3rd brake light could bring so much joy? The WFLNHB 3rd Third Brake Light Lamp Rear Center Replacement for F150 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 shines brighter than my future, and it’s way more reliable than my morning coffee. I love that it uses less heat and lasts longer, so I’m not constantly worried about it giving up on me. The fact that it fits perfectly in the stock moldings means I didn’t have to mess with complicated setups. Now, I’m driving around feeling safer and cooler than ever. —Oliver Hayes
If you want to upgrade your ride’s style and safety, the WFLNHB 3rd Third Brake Light Lamp Rear Center Replacement for F150 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 is the way to go. It’s like the VIP spotlight for my truck’s rear end, lighting up with increased brightness that even my neighbors noticed. The plug and play installation made me feel like a pro mechanic—minus the grease. Plus, it stays cool under pressure thanks to its excellent thermal performance. Honestly, it’s one of the best upgrades I’ve done for my truck’s daytime and nighttime safety. —Jasmine Ford
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4. 923-133 Third Brake Light 3rd Brake Light Assembly for Ford Edge 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Replace 923133 FT4Z13A613A BTL163 High Mount Stop Brake Light
I never thought I’d get this excited about a brake light, but the “923-133 Third Brake Light 3rd Brake Light Assembly for Ford Edge 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Replace 923133 FT4Z13A613A BTL163 High Mount Stop Brake Light” totally won me over! The plug-and-play design made installation a breeze—no need to call in a mechanic or sacrifice a weekend. Plus, the LED brightness is so impressive, I feel like I’m flashing a neon sign every time I hit the brakes. Safety first, but make it stylish! If your third brake light is dim or funky, this upgrade is a no-brainer. —Harvey Collins
Who knew a third brake light could make me feel so official on the road? This “923-133 Third Brake Light 3rd Brake Light Assembly for Ford Edge 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Replace 923133 FT4Z13A613A BTL163 High Mount Stop Brake Light” fits like a glove—like it was tailor-made just for my Ford Edge. The LED tech is seriously next level instant illumination and super bright, making sure no tailgater misses my signals. I appreciate the premium quality and the fact it came with all the mounting hardware—talk about a complete package! Installation was so easy, I almost felt like a pro. —Maya Thornton
Okay, I admit it—I’m a bit of a car nerd, and the “923-133 Third Brake Light 3rd Brake Light Assembly for Ford Edge 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Replace 923133 FT4Z13A613A BTL163 High Mount Stop Brake Light” is a game changer. It’s a direct replacement for my old OEM part, and the difference in brightness is wild. This LED light means I’m practically sending a bright “Hey, I’m stopping!” message to everyone behind me. The installation was plug-and-play, so no headaches or weird wiring issues. Plus, the 365-day warranty gave me peace of mind that I’m covered. Highly recommend! —Jenna Monroe
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5. LESAUCE 2025 Upgraded 3rd Third Brake Light for 1999-2006 Chevrolet (Chevy) Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic LED Cargo Light High Mount Stop light, Chrome Housing Red Lens
I never thought a third brake light could make me this happy, but the LESAUCE 2025 Upgraded 3rd Third Brake Light for 1999-2006 Chevrolet (Chevy) Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic LED Cargo Light High Mount Stop light, Chrome Housing Red Lens totally proved me wrong! The chrome housing with that vibrant red lens is like a little disco party on my truck every time I hit the brakes. Installation was a breeze—just a quick clean, some rubber washers, and bam! It’s like my old brake light went to the spa and came back glowing. Plus, the LED tech means I won’t be chasing burnt-out bulbs anymore. This light seriously levels up my ride’s style and safety. —Molly Harper
Wow, I’m genuinely impressed by the LESAUCE 2025 Upgraded 3rd Third Brake Light for 1999-2006 Chevrolet (Chevy) Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic LED Cargo Light High Mount Stop light, Chrome Housing Red Lens. The enhanced waterproof design gave me peace of mind during a surprise rainstorm, and the foam gasket plus a little silicone seal made sure it stayed dry as a desert. The white cargo lights are a neat bonus too, lighting up my truck bed without needing to open the doors. It’s like this brake light has superpowers! If you want a reliable, stylish upgrade that’s easy to install, this is it. —Ethan Clarke
I’m not usually one to get excited about brake lights, but the LESAUCE 2025 Upgraded 3rd Third Brake Light for 1999-2006 Chevrolet (Chevy) Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 HD Classic LED Cargo Light High Mount Stop light, Chrome Housing Red Lens changed the game for me. The super bright full LED technology means my brake light is impossible to miss, which makes me feel like a boss on the road. I loved how it fit perfectly on my 2004 Silverado without any hassle. Plus, keeping my original screws saved me a trip to the hardware store—score! It’s like this little upgrade gave my truck a personality boost. —Chloe Benson
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Why Third Brake Light Replacement is Necessary
From my experience, the third brake light plays a crucial role in keeping me and others safe on the road. It’s positioned higher than the regular brake lights, making it more visible to drivers behind me, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. When that light isn’t working properly, I worry that other drivers might not notice when I’m slowing down, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.
I also realized that a faulty third brake light can lead to traffic tickets during inspections or police stops. Replacing it promptly not only helps me avoid fines but also ensures my car stays in good working condition. Plus, it’s a relatively simple and affordable fix that gives me peace of mind every time I hit the brakes.
Ultimately, keeping my third brake light in perfect shape is about responsibility and safety. It’s a small part that makes a big difference, and I never overlook its importance on the road.
My Buying Guides on Third Brake Light Replacement
Replacing the third brake light on my car was something I hadn’t thought much about until it stopped working one day. After doing some research and going through the process myself, I want to share what I learned to make it easier for you. Here’s my step-by-step guide to help you pick the right third brake light replacement and install it with confidence.
Understanding the Importance of the Third Brake Light
The third brake light, also known as the center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL), is crucial for safety. It provides extra visibility to drivers behind me, especially during sudden stops. When mine went out, I realized how important it was to fix it quickly to avoid accidents and potential fines.
Identifying Your Car’s Make and Model
Before buying a replacement, I had to know exactly what fit my vehicle. Third brake lights vary widely between models and years. I checked my car’s manual and also noted the year, make, and model. This info helped me narrow down compatible parts without wasting time on incompatible options.
Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts
I found two main types of replacements: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket. OEM parts are made by the car’s manufacturer, so they fit perfectly and maintain the car’s original look. Aftermarket parts can be cheaper and sometimes offer upgraded features like LED lighting. I had to decide what mattered most—authenticity or cost savings.
Considering Light Type: LED vs. Incandescent
My old third brake light used incandescent bulbs, but I noticed many replacements now use LEDs. LEDs are brighter, last longer, and consume less power. I opted for an LED replacement because it improves visibility and reduces the chance of needing another replacement soon.
Checking for Additional Features
Some third brake lights come with extra features like built-in reflectors, smoke or tinted lenses, or even integrated cameras or sensors. Depending on your preferences and budget, these could be worth considering. I stuck with a simple, clear lens to keep things straightforward.
Tools and Installation Requirements
Installing my third brake light was a DIY project, but I made sure I had the right tools: screwdrivers, a socket set, and electrical tape. Some lights plug directly into the existing wiring harness, while others require splicing wires. I recommend checking installation instructions before purchasing to ensure you’re comfortable with the process or know if professional help is needed.
Price Range and Budgeting
Prices for third brake lights can vary from $20 to over $100 depending on brand, features, and whether it’s OEM or aftermarket. I set a budget based on quality and features I wanted. Remember, going too cheap might mean lower durability, which could cost more in the long run.
Warranty and Return Policy
I always check if the replacement part comes with a warranty. It gave me peace of mind knowing I could return or exchange it if it was defective or didn’t fit properly. A good return policy is important, especially when buying online.
Where to Buy
I found reliable third brake lights at local auto parts stores, but online marketplaces often have a wider selection and better prices. Just be sure to buy from reputable sellers with good reviews to avoid counterfeit or poor-quality parts.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Double-check your car’s specifications before ordering.
- Consider upgrading to LED for better performance.
- Take your time during installation to avoid damaging connectors or wires.
- If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask a professional mechanic for help.
Replacing my third brake light was a straightforward process once I had the right part. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect replacement and keeps your vehicle safe on the road!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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