You have some lights in your car that are important for safety. The bulb inside the light housing is what provides the light. But when you are driving in reverse, the light is very strong and it can be seen by other people too. These lights should not just be clear because they might get confused with brake lights when they see them go on red
In some states, you need your car's tail lights to work in order to pass inspection. But even if your state doesn't require it, it's a good idea to have them working. Here is how you can test if they are working.
Engine Off
To test your tail lights, turn the key to the "ON" position, where all of the dash lights and the radio come on. Now put the transmission in reverse and engage the parking brake. If you have an automatic transmission, you might have to press the brake pedal to release the shifter (a safety setting). Once you have the car in reverse—and, again, the parking brake is engaged—get out of the car and take a look at the rear end. If you see two bright red lights beaming at you, all is well.
If one or more of your reverse lights is not working, you'll need to replace a bulb. You may need to replace two bulbs. You will unscrew the tail light housing and then put in the new bulb. You might also need new wiring if your wire is bad. This is an easy fix and it won't take long at all.
Double Duty
In some cars, the light is not just for indicators. Some car companies have a back light that helps people see what is behind the car. GM has this on a lot of cars like their SUVs.
Now, your reverse lights are bright. When you go into reverse, the lights come on and you can see. They already do a good job of lighting up things that you're about to back into or run over when driving backward.
Some GM cars have reverse lights that come on when you unlock the car with your key fob. This is a courtesy feature that provides extra security. But it can also mislead other drivers, who might wait longer than necessary for a vehicle to back up, only to discover that the driver and passengers are just now getting in the car. Fortunately, this function can usually be turned on and off as needed. Just check your owner's manual for how.
Reverse Light Bulb Replacement
All cars have a safety standard for reverse lights. A reverse light is always on the back of the car and comes on when you put it in reverse. Most cars have the reverse light in the back near the brake lights. They are always clear, white lights. You will find one on each side of the car at the back. When you are in reverse, the reverse light turns on and you can see it. If the bulb is broken or corroded, then you need to replace it. You can find detailed replacement instructions at https://reverselightbulb.com/.