Besides the headlights and tail lights, your vehicle also has side marker lights on its exterior. These are the small lights located on the car's sides and are typically found near the wheels or fender areas. They provide visibility of your vehicle, can display vehicle dimensions, assist in parking, and are especially important in low-light conditions. To find out more about side marker lights and to go about making an informed purchase of a replacement, keep reading.

What Side Marker Lights Do

Although small, the side marker lights serve the important role of improving the visibility of your vehicle, particularly at night or in other low-light scenarios. They emit a steady or flashing light that alerts other road users to your presence and also, depending on their position, can show the dimensions of the vehicle, which is particularly useful on larger vehicles. Side marker lights can also have dynamic turning effects that display your intentions to the rear vehicle. Finally, side marker lights can aid with parking at night since they can help with determining the distance of your car from other objects.

If all these aren't good enough reasons to maintain your side marker lights in good condition, take note that your vehicle is legally required to have properly functioning side marker lights in the right color.

Types of Side Marker Lights and Bulbs

Flush Mount

Flush mount side marker lights rest flush against the surface of your vehicle, creating a relatively continuous front profile.

Protruding/Surface Mount

Side marker lights can protrude from the surface of your vehicle, changing the exterior geometry for a more unique look. While they stick out only minimally, they might be more prone to damage than flush-mounted side marker lights.

LED

Some side marker lights, particularly those of newer vehicles, make use of LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, which are energy efficient, offering the same or more illumination while consuming less power. They are also typically more durable and provide instant response.

Incandescent

These are the traditional side marker light bulbs and will be found on older cars. They are cheaper than LED bulbs but have a shorter lifespan and are less energy efficient.

Rules for Side Marker Lights

It's important to note that much like the headlights and tail lights, the type of side marker lights used and their position on your vehicle are regulated by your local laws. Ensure that you're abiding by these laws so that your vehicle can be legally driven on your country's roads.

Color Selections

The color of side marker lights can differ by region, so it's best to double-check with your local laws. However, the following are the most commonly used color designations.

Amber (Front)

Amber lights indicate the front of the vehicle, so side marker lights installed at the front should be this color.

Red (Rear)

The rear side marker lights supplement your tail lights and will be red.

White

The white side marker lights can either go at the front or the rear of the vehicle.

Multi-color or Sequential (Specialty)

Side marker lights can come in a combination of amber and white or red and white. There are also specialty sequential side marker lights that can consist of multiple bulbs that light up sequentially for a different look.

Signs You Need New Marker Lights

Dim, Flickering, or Failed Lights

Dim or flickering lights could be a sign that the bulbs are burning out or that there are electrical issues. In the former case, the bulbs will have to be replaced.

Cracked or Damaged Lenses

The lens of the side marker lights might become cracked or damaged. In such cases, water might enter the light and result in further damage. If you have a lens that is damaged, get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

How to Choose the Right Side Marker Lights

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) side marker lights are those made by either the car brand themselves or their authorized manufacturers, whereas aftermarket side marker lights are made by third-party manufacturers.

We recommend investing in OEM side marker lights to return your vehicle to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Not to mention, aftermarket units may void your vehicle's warranty.

Vehicle Compatibility and Compliance

To guarantee a proper fit, ensure that you're getting side marker lights specific for your vehicle, as they can differ between models and even model years. You'll also want to ensure that the side marker lights you are getting are color- and bulb-compliant with your country's regulations.

Installing Side Marker Lights and Maintaining Your Replacement

Once you have the right set of side marker lights on hand, you can go about installing them onto your vehicle. While the exact type of fasteners holding the side marker lights might differ between vehicles, the general procedure is as follows:

1. Access the side marker lights through the wheel wells. You can reach them more easily by turning the wheels.
2. Remove the bulb and socket from the side marker lens assembly.
3. Unscrew or unbolt the old side marker light assembly from the vehicle.
4. Install the new side marker light assembly, side marker light bulb, and socket by repeating the above steps in reverse order.
5. Test that they're working by turning on your vehicle's lights.

To keep your replacements working well, check them from time to time for damage and discoloration, clean them regularly, and make sure all their electrical connections are secure.

Where to Buy Quality New & Used Side Marker Lights

For new and used side marker lights in excellent condition and at great prices, shop here with BE FORWARD Auto Parts.