Brake lights still available without ignition ?

[robbie601]

I've had a '53 Vectra Elegance for about a year now and I've only just noticed that the brake lights are still 'available' even with the ignition off ? I even sat in the car, turned off the ultrasonics, deadlocked it and waited for the alarm to set before trying it again and the brake lights came on when I pushed the pedal. Is this normal for a Vectra C as I've never seen it on a car before ?

[Chris SRi]

Think its the same on mine. They might stop working after 30 mins (?) like the radio / interior lights are left on when the ignition is off?

[robbie601]

Ok, seems strange.

[Mark Evison]

Its normal its the same on the Insignia

[Big Dave]

Its normal

Some of the old Rovers (200 model?) were the same, along with countless other cars that have brake lights constantly powered up.

[robbie601]

Ok cool, one less problem with mine to investigate.

[Mark Evison]

Think its incase you brakedown and our being towed your lights still work even if your engines switched off

[Big Dave]

Unless you're being privately towed, most breakdown companies will either use a trailerboard on the back of your vehicle that's hooked up to their tow socket, or simply load it on a flatbed.

[Mark Evison]

Unless you're being privately towed, most breakdown companies will either use a trailerboard on the back of your vehicle that's hooked up to their tow socket, or simply load it on a flatbed.

Very True, forgot about that