Used Car Tail Lights
Tail lights are the red lights at the back of the car: brake lights, indicators, reverse lights and the fog light, usually all in one unit. Other drivers rely on them to know what you are doing, so a broken tail light is a safety fault and an MOT failure. This page explains what to check on a used one, and how to enquire.
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768What a tail light does
A tail light unit packs several jobs into one housing: the tail light itself, which shows at night; the brake light, which brightens when you press the pedal; the indicator; the reverse light; and the rear fog light. On most cars the unit is a single sealed piece with bulb holders or LEDs inside.
The unit is matched to the car and to the side, and on many cars part of it sits on the body and part on the tailgate. A crack lets water in, and water corrodes the bulb holders and the wiring — which is why a tail light that keeps blowing bulbs usually has a leak somewhere.
Signs a tail light may need replacing
Tail light trouble is usually spotted by someone else, or by a warning on the dashboard. It is worth checking the rear lights now and then, because you cannot see them from the driver's seat.
- A cracked or broken lens letting water in
- Bulbs that keep blowing on one side
- Condensation inside the unit that never clears
- A mounting broken, leaving the unit loose
- A brake light or indicator that has stopped working
What to check before buying a used tail light
Tail lights are handed and matched to the car, so the part number and the side come first. Look the unit over for cracks, water damage and broken fixings.
- The part number matches, and left or right is correct
- The lens is clear, with no cracks or heavy damage
- All mountings and brackets are present and unbroken
- Bulb holders are clean, with no corrosion
- The connectors are clean and the pins are straight
How to enquire about a used tail light
Give the registration, make, model and year of your car, and say which side the tail light is for — left or right. A tail light made for the wrong side will not fit, because tail lights are handed.
The parts enquiry form is the quickest route, or you can call 07961 404768. Say whether the unit sits on the body, the tailgate, or both, and whether your car has LED lights, so the right unit can be checked first.
Frequently asked questions
Are left and right tail lights the same?
No. Tail lights are handed, meaning the left and right units are mirror images with different mountings. Always say which side you need when you enquire, or the part may not fit your car. The lens shape differs too, so the wrong side will not sit properly in the body.
Why does my tail light keep blowing bulbs?
A bulb that keeps blowing on one side usually means water is getting into the unit through a crack, corroding the holder. Check the lens for cracks and the holder for green or white corrosion. Replacing the bulb without fixing the leak will not last.
Can I drive with a broken tail light?
A broken tail light is a safety fault: other drivers cannot tell when you are braking or turning. It is also an MOT failure. A cracked lens should be dealt with promptly, and a light that does not work at all should not be left.
What is the difference between a tail light and a brake light?
The tail light is the dim red light that shows at night, and the brake light is the brighter red light in the same unit that comes on when you press the pedal. Both are usually housed together, and the brake light uses a brighter bulb or a separate LED section.
What should I ask about a used tail light?
Ask for the part number and which side the tail light is for, and whether it matches your car. Tail lights are side-specific, so the side matters as much as the number. Give the registration when you enquire, and say which side you need, so the match is checked properly.
Related pages
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Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768Autos Craft Ltd · 295 Cherrywood Rd, Birmingham B9 4UU, United Kingdom · Open 24 hours