How To Properly Inspect Your Tail Lights

Driving without tail lights is illegal and dangerous. Not having working tail lights makes it difficult for drivers behind you to see your vehicle, which could lead to an accident. The last thing you want is to cause an accident because your tail lights weren’t working properly.

That’s why it’s important to inspect your tail lights regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. These are a few tips on how to properly inspect your tail lights. 

Clean the Tail Lights

One of the first things you should do when inspecting your tail lights is to clean them. Dirt, grime, and other debris can build up on the lens, making it difficult for light to shine. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any dirt or debris. Ensure you don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these could damage the lens.

Check the Bulbs

Another important step in inspecting your tail lights is to check the bulbs. If one of the bulbs burns out, you will need to replace it. You should also check the connections to ensure they are tight and secure. Loose connections can cause the bulb to not shine or burn out prematurely.

Inspect the Lens

In addition to cleaning the lens, you should also inspect it for any cracks or damage. Cracks in the lens can allow moisture to get inside, leading to corrosion. If the lens has a significant crack, you’ll want to consider replacing it as soon as possible.

Reasons Why Inspecting Your Tail Lights Is Important

Inspecting your tail lights is important for several reasons. First, it’s the law. Driving without functioning tail lights is illegal in most states. The police may pull you over and give you a ticket if your tail lights aren’t working. The ticket can be expensive, so it’s worth it to take the time to inspect your tail lights.

Second, tail lights help keep you safe. They make your vehicle visible to other drivers, which can help prevent accidents. If your tail lights aren’t working, there’s a higher chance that other drivers might rear-end you, especially on a dark road. Driving with tail lights you know aren’t working can open you up to liability for the accident.

Finally, inspecting your tail lights can save you money. If you catch a problem early on, it will be cheaper to fix it now than if you wait until the damage is extensive. For example, if you notice a crack in the lens, you can replace it before it worsens. However, if you wait too long, you may need to replace the entire tail light assembly, which is much more expensive.

How To Replace a Tail Light

If you find one of your tail lights is not working, you will need to replace it. Replacing a tail light is a fairly simple process that you can do in just a few minutes. You’ll need to purchase a new tail light. Most stores will have various styles and colors for you to choose from.

Start by locating the burned-out bulb and unscrewing it from the socket. After you remove the old bulb, screw in the new bulb and reconnect the wires. Make sure the new bulb is tight in the socket to ensure it doesn’t come loose while you’re driving.

After the new bulb installation, test it to make sure it’s working properly. You can do this by turning on the tail lights and walking around to the back of your parked vehicle. If they aren’t shining, check the connections and make sure you’ve inserted the bulb all the way.

Signs Your Tail Lights Are Not Working

There are a few signs that your tail lights are not working. If you notice any of these issues, consider replacing the bulbs or bringing your vehicle in for servicing.

Dimmer Than Usual

First, you may notice that the tail lights are dimmer than usual. This difference could signify that the bulbs are out and need a replacement. You can test this by turning on the tail lights and seeing how bright they are. If they are significantly dimmer than usual, the bulbs have lost their intensity and will need replacing.

No Light at All

Another sign that your tail lights are not working is if there is no light at all. This lack of light could mean the bulbs burnt or the connections are loose. You can check the connections by disconnecting them and then reconnecting them. If this doesn’t work, you will need to replace the bulbs.

Flickering Lights

If your tail lights are flickering, it could mean that the bulbs are loose in the sockets. You can check this by screwing the bulbs in tighter. If the flickering persists, you will need to replace the bulbs.

Different Styles of Tail Lights

Tail lights come in a variety of styles. Let’s look at a few of the most popular types.

Incandescent Tail Lights

The most common style is the incandescent tail light, which uses a filament that glows when electricity passes through it. These bulbs are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

LED Tail Lights

LED (light emitting diode) tail lights are becoming more popular because they last longer than incandescent bulbs and use less electricity. Aftermarket LED tail lights are available for most vehicles.

Halogen Tail Lights

Halogen tail lights are similar to incandescent bulbs but use different types of gas. Halogen bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs and produce a brighter light. You should regularly inspect your halogen tail lights to ensure they are in good working order.

Xenon Tail Lights

Xenon tail lights are the newest type of tail light on the market. They use a gas ignited by an electric current, which produces a bright light. Xenon bulbs last longer than other types of bulbs and use less electricity.

Knowing how to inspect your tail lights properly is an important part of vehicle maintenance. It’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes but can help keep you safe on the road. Be sure to inspect your tail lights regularly and replace any burned bulbs. If you notice any cracks or damage, be sure to replace the lens as well.

American Modified has a wide selection of tail lights for all types of vehicles. Our website makes finding the right tail light for your car easy. We also offer a wide selection of other aftermarket parts and accessories. Visit us online today to find the perfect tail light for your car or truck.