Tail lights are part of your vehicle's array of lights that should always be working before you even consider driving. The tail lights are made up of multiple lights - the running lights of the tail light assembly are colored red and automatically turn on with your headlights to make your vehicle conspicuous to drivers behind you. Besides the running lights are other lights, such as the brake lights that warn when you're preparing to stop, turn signals that indicate turning, and rear fog lamps, which allow your vehicle to be seen in bad lighting conditions such as rain, fog, or snow.

Much like how the headlights define the front fascia, the tail lights determine the look of your vehicle's rear, so you might want to get them swapped out for cosmetic reasons. Read on to learn about the options available, how to maintain your new tail lights, and more so you can make the right purchase as an educated buyer.

Tail Lights Types

LED

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs for short, are a relatively recent introduction. LEDs are long-lasting and can convert most of the electrical energy supplied into light energy, making them more efficient than other tail lights. Furthermore, they are much brighter than the older halogen bulbs, allowing carmakers to use smaller and thinner tail light designs in their vehicles.

The downside to LEDs is that although they might save energy and preserve the lifespan of your vehicle's battery, they usually come with a higher price tag.

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic tail lights are a different style of tail lights that rely on optical fibers. Light from bulbs is emitted along the length of the optic fiber, giving the appearance of long glowing tubes. Fiber optic tail lights can technically use any bulb, be it LED, HID, or halogen.

HID

Also known as Xenons, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) tail lights are long-lasting and energy efficient. They can also be very bright--up to three times as bright as standard halogen bulbs. However, they are pretty expensive and are thus more commonly found in luxury cars.

Because of their extreme brightness, HIDs might be illegal on your country's roads, so always check your road regulations before buying and installing HID tail lights.

Halogen

Halogen tail lights are the most common type and have been the industry standard for decades. They use an incandescent bulb filled with halogen gas, which raises the light intensity and projector output.

These are usually the cheapest tail lights and are thus commonly found in entry-level cars and older models. However, they are gradually being phased out and replaced with LED lights. Also, in some models, the halogen tail lights are paired with LED-based daytime running lights.

Tail Light Parts

A vehicle's tail lights consist of several essential components, including the outer lens, bulb or LED light source, housing, reflector, and wiring, all working together to ensure visibility and safety while driving.
・Housing: The tail light housing is what holds the wiring, the bulb, and the lens all together.
・Lens: The tail light lens is a transparent cover that protects the bulb and modifies the light emitted from it. They are usually red.
・Assembly: The tail light assembly is the combination of the brake lights, tail lights, and reversing lights as a system.
・Bulb Socket: The bulb socket is where the tail light bulb attaches to.

How to Choose the Right Tail Lights

Vehicle Compatibility

To guarantee a proper fit, ensure that you're getting tail lights specific for your vehicle, as they can differ between models and even model years.

Aftermarket or OEM

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

We recommend investing in OEM tail 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.

Common Tail Light Problems

Any issues with a vehicle's tail lights can compromise visibility, driver communication, and safety on the road. Below is a list of symptoms saying it's time to replace them.

Burned Out Bulb

Burned-out bulbs might flicker, become dim, or not light up at all. These should be replaced immediately.

Dim or Flickering 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.

Slow Response Time

Slow or unresponsive tail lights are a safety hazard as they might fail to make you visible/ convey your driving intentions in time. These should be repaired/replaced immediately.

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues can manifest as flickering lights or lights that don't turn on at all. Before buying a replacement tail light, check with a trusted automobile professional to see if the problem lies with the electrical system.

Routine Tail Light Maintenance

Over time, environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and road particles will take their toll on your tail lights. It would be best to clean them with a microfiber cloth to remove any buildup and avoid scratching the tail lights. You can also prevent these by installing protective films or covers.

Replacing Your Tail Lights

If the tail light lenses are broken or cracked and cleaning does nothing to solve dim tail lights, the entire tail light might have to be replaced.

To replace your tail lights, remove the old ones by accessing them through the trunk or removing a panel at the rear of your vehicle. Remove the fasteners, then disconnect the electrical connections before you remove the assembly.

Connect the new tail light to the plug. Then align it carefully to the mounting points and secure it with the screws or bolts.

What to Look for When Buying Used Tail Lights

When buying used tail lights, make sure that they are free from damage and that the bulbs are working correctly. Also, double-check that they are compatible with your vehicle. You can find used tail lights in excellent condition and at great prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.