What Are the Different Types of Tail Lights?

A tail light communicates important information to other drivers when you are slowing down, turning or driving at night. The lights also help other vehicles to see your brakes.

Changing your tail lights is easy and should not take more than 45 minutes to an hour. However, it is very important that you perform the job correctly to prevent damage to your car and to other vehicles on the road.

LED

LED tail lights are a great option for drivers who want to upgrade their vehicles. They use less energy and last longer than traditional tail lights. These lights are also much brighter, so they can help drivers stay safer on the tail light road. They are available in many different colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect ones for your vehicle.

The introduction of LEDs gave designers a new range of design freedoms that allowed them to create the unique tail lights seen on many vehicles today. Because LEDs are directional, they eliminate the need for reflectors and allow for thinner tail light designs. Some of the early and less creative LED tail light designs faced the LEDs directly at the vehicles behind them, creating a pixelated look that some found irritating.

Most modern computerised cars and light commercial vehicles have a complex electrical circuit that makes it difficult to add accessories without modifying the base vehicle electrical system. Fitting LED lights may require replacing the original tail light connectors, adding load resistors to prevent overheating and introducing up to 16 additional connections. This is not an optimum solution for vehicle manufacturers, creating potential service and warranty issues.

Halogen

Halogen tail lights use a filament inside to produce light when electricity runs through it. The light is visible through a glass bulb that is usually red or amber in color. The light can also be used to indicate a turn signal or to warn other drivers of slow moving vehicles.

Tail lights are an essential safety feature of all cars. They let other drivers know that you are braking or turning and should be working properly at all times. If your tail lights are burned out, you could be pulled over by the police. This is why it is important to replace them if they are damaged or broken.

LED tail lights are an excellent choice for upgrading your vehicle. These lights are much brighter than stock halogen bulbs and they are also more durable. They can last up to 50,000 hours and are easy to install with plug-and-play connections that eliminate the need for soldering or splicing. You can also find them in various shapes and colors to fit your vehicle’s style.

Xenon

A xenon headlight works by sending electricity through a capsule that contains halogen gas. This causes the filament to glow, giving off a bright yellow light. They tend to last longer than halogen bulbs and are cheap to replace. However, they don’t produce as much light so can be dimmer than other options.

A car with xenon lights will also have sensors that monitor the weight of your vehicle and how it is driven to ensure that the light is properly aligned. This can help prevent dazzling other road users.

If your xenon headlights start to flicker it may be due to a faulty ballast. The ballast controls how much power is sent to the xenon bulbs and if it isn’t working correctly it could cause them to burn out quickly.

You can test this by switching off your daytime running lights and then switching on your xenon headlights. If they flash on and off repeatedly or glow in a yellowish colour it may indicate that the bulb is nearing the end of its lifespan and will need replacing soon.

Bulbs

The tail lights on your vehicle help make sure that you are visible to other road users, especially after dark or in low visibility conditions. The lights can also serve as a warning to other drivers that you are slowing down or about to stop. If the bulb in your tail light goes out, it can be extremely dangerous for everyone on the road. It is important to have your bulbs replaced as soon as you notice them burning out or not working properly. An ASE certified mechanic can inspect and replace your lights, fuse, or wiring to keep you safe on the road.

Most modern vehicles use the same dual filament light bulbs for their tail lights and brake lights. This makes detecting a broken bulb easier.

You can find LED tail light bulbs at most auto parts stores or at online retailers like Amazon and Autozone. These bulbs are designed to last longer than traditional bulbs and can save you money on maintenance costs. They are also more energy efficient than other types of tail lights.

Installation

If your car’s tail light bulbs are burned out, it’s a good idea to replace them as soon as possible. This will keep your vehicle visible in low-light conditions, and will also help other drivers see that you’re slowing down or stopping. It’s a quick and easy job, and the cost of replacement bulbs is relatively inexpensive. Just remember to use nitrile gloves to avoid touching the hot bulbs.

You’ll likely need to remove the tail light assembly to access the bulb holders. If the nuts that hold the assembly are difficult to remove, apply lubricant to them. Once the nuts tail light are loose, you can take out the old bulb and install the new one.

Ensure that the new bulb fits properly in the socket and doesn’t touch any other wiring connections. A multimeter can be used to test the fuse that powers the tail light circuit, and if it’s broken, a replacement should be installed. You can purchase a replacement fuse at most department stores or auto parts stores. If the fuse is fine, the problem is probably with the switch that turns on the lights.