How to Choose the Right Tail Lights for Your Car
Date Posted: 19 July 2024
Proper tail lights are more than a bright idea. Tail lights are a crucial component of your car’s safety system, making sure that you’re visible to other drivers — especially in low-light or adverse weather conditions. Is there anything worse than driving behind a car without tail lights on a foggy night or in torrential rain? Whether you’ve been in a car accident or your tail light assembly has degraded, choosing the right aftermarket tail lights is essential for maintaining safety and enhancing the look of your vehicle. At Machter, we’re here to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect new tail lights for your car.
Why Do I Need New Tail Lights?
There are several reasons why you might need to replace your tail lights:
- Accidents: Even a minor fender bender can damage your tail lights, making them ineffective or completely non-functional. Reversing mishaps have been known to cause a cracked tail light or two — we promise you wouldn’t be the only one!
- Cloudy Plastic: Over time, the plastic lens of your tail light can degrade, becoming dingy and opaque. A faulty or very dim tail light is not only a safety hazard but can also lead to fines if you’re pulled over.
- Upgrading for Style and Performance: Aftermarket tail lights can give your car a fresh, modern look while also improving visibility. They may also have improved impact resistance.
Choosing the Right Tail Lights for Your Car
Selecting the right tail lights involves a few key considerations:
Compatibility
Before diving deeper, you have to find out what type of connection your car requires. Make sure that the tail lights you choose are compatible with your ride’s specific make and model. You can avoid any issues during installation by checking the specifications on our website. Each tail light assembly has a ‘fitment’ section in the description that will tell you the make, model, and year range that the light is compatible with.
Types of Tail Lights
- LED Tail Lights: These are a popular choice due to their brightness, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. They also tend to have a quicker response time compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Turn the knob, and your lights will come on in a flash.
- Halogen Tail Lights: While not as bright as LED tail lights, halogen bulbs are still a reliable and cost-effective option. However, they’re not as common these days and are only necessary for older models.
- Fibre-Optic Tail Lights: These offer a unique, sleek look and are often used in high-end vehicles.
Style & Design
Tail lights come in various styles, featuring everything from clear and smoked lenses to different shapes and patterns. Choose a style that complements your car’s aesthetic. You may like to go with a design that exactly mimics the tail lights you used to have (no one will need to know they’re new).
Brand & Quality
You should always opt for reputable brands known for their quality and durability. At Machter, we design a wide range of high-quality car lights to suit your needs. Plus, we also stock respected brands like Intec, making sure we have the broadest possible catalogue.
How To Install Tail Lights
Thankfully, tail light assemblies are designed for easy installation. Follow these general steps for a straightforward process:
- Gather Tools: You’ll need a screwdriver, appropriately sized wrenches, and the new tail lights.
- Disconnect the Battery: Don’t zap yourself! For safety, always disconnect the car battery before starting.
- Remove the Old Tail Lights: Open the boot or tailgate, locate the screws or bolts holding the tail light assembly, and carefully remove them.
- Install the New Tail Lights: Place the new tail light assembly in position, secure it with the screws or bolts, and reconnect any wiring.
- Test the Lights: Reconnect the battery and test the new tail lights to ensure they work correctly. Not all assemblies come with lightbulbs, so make sure to add the bulbs to the assembly before installing the new tail lights.
Unlike the process of replacing brake pads, the risk-to-reward ratio is in your favour when it comes to installing your own tail lights. But if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional.
Don’t Forget About Your Headlights
While upgrading your rear lights, consider enhancing your visibility further with Machter’s range of LED headlights. They provide superior brightness and durability, ensuring a safer driving experience in all conditions.
Shop at Machter Online Today
Choosing the right tail lights is an important decision that impacts both your car’s safety and appearance. Machter is your trusted source for all car lights, including LED tail lights, headlights, and more. Visit our website today to explore our extensive range of high-quality, aftermarket tail lights and other auto parts. Drive safely and stylishly with Machter!