my brake lights have started to stay on when car is turned off. tapping the brake seems to turn it off but sometimes they turn back on. what can i do besides taking to dealer

Get under the dash and find the switch on the brake pedal, then give the piston that the pedal pushes on a shot of WD-40 or silicone lubricant.

Thank you for the information.

Have you looked into your break master cylinder? you may be low on break fluid. My 2002 Spectra had that problem and I had discovered to that I had a leak in my rear break.

For others who might find this, for me it was due to the brake switch nuts coming loose. When that happens, the brake pedal doesn't come back far enough to turn off the lights. This is in a 2006 Kia Spectra. To fix it, recline the driver's seat and grab a head lamp. Put your head down where your feet usually are and follow the brake pedal up to see how when it comes back up from the floor it contacts the brake switch, see if the switch is loose, if so, tighten the nuts so it's in place.

Is there supposed to be a small rubber bit/piece at the end of the tip of the bolt that touches the brake (after you tighten the nuts)? Thanks.