Brake and tail lights stand as indispensable safety components within the realm of automotive engineering. These luminous beacons serve as crucial signals to fellow road users, effectively communicating your presence and driving intentions. By illuminating your path with clarity and precision, these lights play a pivotal role in enhancing road safety and mitigating potential collisions.
Discover the Distinction Between Brake Lights and Tail Lights:
- Tail lights, positioned at the rear of a vehicle, are red lamps designed to enhance visibility to other road users. Their primary function is to ensure that your vehicle remains conspicuous, especially in low-light conditions or adverse weather.
- Brake lights, on the other hand, are activated when the brake pedal is engaged, signalling to other drivers that your vehicle is decelerating or coming to a stop. These lights are operational whenever the vehicle is in motion, irrespective of whether the headlights are on or off.
- In certain vehicle models, plastic or metallic reflectors are utilised alongside other light sources to produce a red radiance. Unlike traditional lights, these reflectors do not emit light themselves but rely on external sources for illumination. These reflective elements may also be integrated into the vehicle's doors, serving a dual purpose of both aesthetics and safety.
History of Tail Lights
As the 1920s approached, advancements in technology saw the introduction of headlights and tail lights in some vehicles. This development coincided with the incorporation of dynamos to generate minimal electrical power for these lighting systems.
One notable figure in the history of automotive lighting is Florence Lawrence, an early film star credited with two significant vehicle inventions. She devised the auto signaling arm, which featured flags on either side of the vehicle to indicate a driver's intention to turn. This innovative design later evolved into the modern turn signal system. Subsequently, Lawrence pioneered the stop signal, a bumper-mounted sign displaying "STOP" that would activate when the brake pedal was pressed. This early concept laid the groundwork for the creation of the brake light. Despite the groundbreaking nature of her ideas, Lawrence chose not to patent them, allowing others to benefit from and expand upon her innovations.
In 1925, Edgar Walz Jr. obtained a patent for a turn signal and brake light indicator. Regrettably, manufacturers at the time overlooked his concepts, and they were never formally embraced or integrated into mainstream automotive production.
The journey of tail lights from oil lamps to sophisticated turn signal and brake light systems showcases the continual evolution and improvement of safety features in vehicles, driven by the pioneering spirit of inventors and the quest for enhanced road safety standards.
Requirements
Ensuring compliance with regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is crucial when it comes to the design and installation of brake and tail lights on vehicles. These regulations serve the important purpose of enhancing road safety for all drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, individual states may have specific rules and statutes pertaining to the minimal required equipment on vehicles, further emphasising the importance of adhering to these guidelines.
According to the NHTSA, new vehicles are required to be equipped with two red tail lights and brake lights positioned at the rear of the vehicle. These lights must be of the same height and placed as far apart as is practically feasible. By following these specifications, vehicle manufacturers and designers can contribute towards creating a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.
Two Filament Bulbs
With the emergence of lamps featuring two filaments, automakers were presented with a range of possibilities. This innovative design allowed for one filament to emit a softer light output, ideal for functioning as a tail light. Meanwhile, the activation of the second filament via the brake circuit enabled a brighter light to shine, effectively serving as a brake indicator. This clever setup meant that a single lens housing a dual filament bulb on each side of the vehicle could efficiently fulfil both the tail light and brake indicator functions. Such dual filament bulbs revolutionised the automotive industry by offering enhanced functionality and practicality within a single lighting component.
Maintenance
Ensure your vehicle's tail lights and brake lights are in top-notch condition by conducting regular maintenance checks. While these lights are typically reliable, they can be affected by weather conditions over time. Make it a habit to inspect your vehicle's lights quarterly to identify any faulty bulbs, lamps, or LEDs. For newer vehicles equipped with advanced CAN Bus electrical systems, be aware that these systems can provide alerts in case of a bulb failure. Stay proactive in maintaining your vehicle's lighting system to ensure optimal safety on the road.
How to Replace Brake Lights and Tail Lights
When faced with the task of replacing a burnt-out bulb in your vehicle's brake lights or tail lights, the first step is to consult your vehicle's manual to identify the correct replacement bulb. The bulbs are typically marked with a specific model number to ensure compatibility. In some vehicles, accessing the bulb requires removing the red lens cover. This cover is usually secured in place by screws, which, once removed, grant access to the bulb itself. Most bulbs can be easily twisted out of their sockets by gently pushing in and rotating them out of the connector.
For certain vehicle models, the process of replacing a bulb may be more straightforward. In these instances, you can access the bulb housing from the trunk area of the vehicle. Simply twist out the old bulb and insert the new one following the same procedure.
In addition to replacing the bulb, it is crucial to inspect the condition of the lens cover. A cracked cover can allow moisture to seep into the bulb housing, leading to premature bulb failure.
While it may be tempting to opt for a larger, brighter bulb as a replacement, exercise caution. Bulbs with higher wattage can generate more heat, potentially melting the plastic lens or housing. Furthermore, the original bulb was specifically designed to work in conjunction with the lens and any built-in reflectors. Introducing a different bulb type may compromise the effectiveness of the original optics.
Remember, both tail lights and brake lights play a vital role in ensuring your safety on the road. Regular maintenance, such as replacing bulbs when necessary, is key to keeping these essential features in optimal working condition. By maintaining properly functioning lights, you enhance visibility to other road users, particularly during night-time driving.
Popular Tail Light
1. LED Tail Light for Dodge Ram
LED Tail Light 55112993AC 55112992AC For Dodge Ram Pickup Truck 1500
2019-2022
Replace Part Number:
Left:55112993AD,55112993AB, 55112993AC
Right:55112992AB,55112992AC,55112992AD
Application:
2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door 3.6L 3604CC 220Cu. In. V6
MILD HYBRID EV-GAS (MHEV) DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door 3.0L 2987CC 182Cu. In. V6
DIESEL DOHC Turbocharged....
Illuminate the night with the LED Tail Light set designed for the Dodge Ram Pickup Truck 1500 models from 2019 to 2022. This dynamic duo, consisting of part numbers 55112993AC and 55112992AC, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle but also ensures optimal visibility and safety on the road. Upgrade your Dodge Ram with these sleek and modern tail lights to make a bold statement wherever you go.
2. Tail Light for Nissan Frontier
Left and Right Tail Light 26550-EA825 26555-EA825 For Nissan Frontier
2005-2010
Replace Part Number: NI2800170, 26555-EA825, 26555EA825, NI2801170,
26550-EA825, 26550EA825
Application:
Fit For Nissan Truck: Frontier
Fit For Suzuki Truck: Equator
Illuminate your Nissan Frontier with the Left and Right Tail Light set, comprising part numbers 26550-EA825 and 26555-EA825. Crafted for models spanning from 2005 to 2010, these tail lights are designed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your vehicle. Upgrade your driving experience with this premium set of tail lights, ensuring optimal visibility and style on the road.
3. Tail Light for Toyota Tacoma
Left and Right Rear Tail Light Brake Lamp 81560-04060 81550-04060 For Toyota
Tacoma 2001-2004
Replace Part Number: 81560-04060, 8156004060, 81550-04060, 8155004060
Application:
Fit For Toyota Truck: Tacoma, 2001-2004
Enhance the style and safety of your Toyota Tacoma from 2001 to 2004 with the Left and Right Rear Tail Light Brake Lamp set. Crafted to precision with part numbers 81560-04060 and 81550-04060, these tail lights not only ensure optimal visibility but also elevate the aesthetics of your vehicle. Upgrade your driving experience with these essential components designed specifically for your Toyota Tacoma.
4. Tail Light for Harley Davidson
4 PCS LED Brake Tail Light TBL0391 For Harley Davidson Motorcycle Dyna
Fatboy Street Glide Softail
Replace Part Number: TBL0391
Application:
Fit For Harley Davidson Motorcycle:
2008-2011 Cross Bones
1996-2014 Dyna
1992 Dyna Glide
1965-2017 Electra Glide
2015 Electra Glide Low
1990-2017 Fatboy
2010-2016 Fatboy Lo
1986-2003 Heritage Softail
1997-2003 Heritage Springer
1999-2009 Night Train
1998-2017 Road Glide
1994-2017 Road King
2008-2010 Rocker
1984-2017 Softail
1988-2009 Softail Springer
1995-2016 Sportster 1200
1994-2014 Sportster 883
2006-2017 Street Glide
2009-2017 Tri Glide
2014-2017 Ultra Limited
Illuminate the road in style with the 4 PCS LED Brake Tail Light TBL0391 designed for Harley Davidson motorcycles, including Dyna, Fatboy, Street Glide, and Softail models. Enhance your ride with these vibrant and eye-catching tail lights, ensuring both safety and a touch of flair as you cruise down the streets. Upgrade your Harley Davidson motorcycle with these high-quality LED lights for a unique and distinctive look that sets you apart from the rest.
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