The Chevrolet Aveo brake light requires a 1157 bulb size for proper installation and function within the rear lighting assembly. Data for the specified component covers the range from 2007 to 2011.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 1157 is an ANSI-standardized dual-filament bulb rated at 12V with a 21W high filament and a 5W low filament, mounted on a BAY15d bayonet base. The dual-filament design allows a single bulb to serve both the brake signal and the tail light function within the same housing.
The Chevrolet Aveo uses the 1157 for its brake lights across the 2007-2011 model years, indicating a consistent fitment across the full production span covered by these specifications.
The BAY15d bayonet base of the 1157 features two offset pins, which physically prevent incorrect single-filament substitutes from seating properly. Substituting a single-filament 1156 bulb, which shares a similar appearance but uses a BA15s base with aligned pins, would result in an improper fit and loss of one lighting function.
The center high mount stop light on the Chevrolet Aveo uses the 12961 across the 2007-2011 model years, a separate and distinct bulb type from the 1157 used in the main brake light positions.
The 12961 is a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, rated at 12V and 5W, and uses a W2.1x9.5d wedge base. The wedge base design relies on the bulb's glass envelope and wire leads to hold it in place rather than a locking bayonet mechanism.
The 12961 is designated by a Philips part number rather than an ANSI standard number, meaning cross-referencing with equivalent T10 wedge bulbs from other manufacturers requires confirming voltage, wattage, and base compatibility independently.
The 1157 and 12961 are not interchangeable. They differ in base type, filament count, wattage, and physical form factor, and each is assigned to a distinct lighting position within the brake light system.