Tail Lights

Are your tail lights dim, cracked, or just not working? Replace your Tail Lights at KGCAR.PH, the Philippines Online Auto Parts Store. Tail lights are really important because they provide rear visibility, which alerts other drivers to your vehicle’s location and movement. Tail lights illuminate when you turn on your headlights and include brake lights, turn signals, and also reverse and fog lights in some cases. If one bulb or circuit fails, other drivers may not be able to see your vehicle clearly, and this is even more critical during low-light conditions. Bulbs can burn out or wiring can corrode over time, and lenses can crack (or chip) or get hazy (or foggy). Driving without working taillights increases your risk of getting rear-ended and can also be a traffic infraction.

Tail Light Replacement Intervals and Factors

The life expectancy of a tail light varies by bulb type, usage, and electrical system consistency. In general, here’s what you can expect:

• Halogen: Under normal use, comfort, it’s typically for 1 to 2 years before you will need to replace it
• LED: Approximately >10,000 hours, maybe even more
• Incandescent: Typically 1,000-2,000 hours

You should replace your tail light, check it regularly, specify your inspection intervals, and especially before long trips or nighttime driving, if you see:

• One or more bulbs aren’t lighting
• Compromised brightness or inconsistency in brightness
• Cracks or holes in the lens housing
• Water or condensation has accumulated inside the assembly
• Brakes or turn signals that are working inappropriately
• Dashboard indicators indicating rear light failure (if properly equipped)

Choosing the Right Tail Lights for Your Vehicle

Tail light replacement must match your vehicle’s specifications. Always verify bulb type, socket fitment, and housing size using your owner’s manual or a parts compatibility guide.

For any upgrade, check if the lights comply with DOT or ECE regulations. Some aftermarket units may not be road legal unless specified.

Symptoms of Faulty Tail Lights and Related Risks

Tail light issues can go unnoticed until night driving or a vehicle inspection. Watch for these signs:

• No illumination when headlights are on: Likely a blown bulb or wiring issue
• Brake lights not working: Could indicate a faulty switch or wiring fault
• One tail light is dimmer than the other: May result from partial filament failure or poor ground
• Turn signal blinking faster than normal: Usually signals a burnt-out bulb
• Water buildup in housing: A broken seal can damage internal wiring and components

Malfunctioning tail lights reduce your visibility to others, especially at dusk, in fog, or during braking.

Types of Tail Lights and Their Differences

Tail light technologies differ in brightness, efficiency, lifespan, and replacement cost:

Halogen Tail Lights

Technology: Tungsten filament in halogen gas
Pros: Inexpensive and widely available
Cons: Shorter life, lower brightness compared to LEDs

LED Tail Lights

Technology: Multiple light-emitting diodes per function
Pros: Bright, energy efficient, long-lasting
Cons: Higher cost, may require resistors or CAN bus compatibility

Incandescent Bulbs

Technology: Simple filament inside a glass bulb
Pros: Classic appearance, low cost
Cons: Fragile, prone to burning out

Fiber Optic Tail Lights (less common)

Technology: Light distributed via fiber cables
Pros: Smooth and modern appearance
Cons: Expensive and complex to replace

Tail Light Fitment and Compatibility

Tail lights must match your vehicle’s mounting points, electrical connections, and signal configuration. Fitment factors include:

• Bulb size and base (e.g., 1157, 7443, etc.)
• Housing design and screw patterns
• Connector type and number of wires
• Compatibility with CAN bus systems
• Integrated functions (e.g., combo brake/turn/reverse)
• Reflector requirements to meet safety regulations

Using the wrong tail light can cause malfunctions or fail to meet road safety standards.

Common Mistakes in Tail Light Maintenance

• Replacing only one bulb, resulting in a mismatched brightness
• Using incompatible LED bulbs without load resistors
• Overlooking cracked seals that let in moisture
• Failing to clean corroded bulb sockets
• Installing aftermarket units without checking legality
• Ignoring dimming, flickering, or intermittent operation