The MK6 R20 Golf 6 is the sixth generation of the classic Volkswagen hatchback, the Golf. Many Golf 6 owners decide to upgrade their taillights for various reasons. Style enhancement is the most prevalent.
R20 LED taillights provide a more aggressive and modern look than stock height ones. Installing modern LED technology with dynamic indicators in an older car gives it a renewed appearance.
OEM vs Aftermarket Tail Lights: What’s Available
The original equipment (OEM) tail lights fitted to the VW Golf 6 were usable but were reasonably simple. The majority of models had halogen light sources with simple red lenses.
Although these units of stock were good, they were not as impressive as modern drivers are used to being and lacked sophisticated, advanced features. Styling was conservative, and even new technology was getting out of style.
In recent years, the market has burst with Golf MK6 R20 LED taillight aftermarket sales. Many manufacturers are selling upgraded versions, which would make the rear end of your Golf.
Supernova, VLAND, and Osram brands are regarded as the popular ones, and each of them has its own design in public and has its own peculiarities.
These aftermarket products are characterized by complete LED interiors, darker or tinted lenses, and movable turn signal covers that align with the housing of the lights. This variety is great since you select the same style that perfectly suits your taste and financial means.
This study also found that LEDs (and neon) have much faster rise times than standard incandescent bulbs.
4 Key Features & Tech in R20 Tail Lights
The newest R20-type LEDs introduce a new level of light technology, enhancing visibility and smoothing the lines in the rear profile of the Golf 6.
1. Full LED Internals
Modern R20 VW Golf taillights incorporate full LED technology across all functions. It would imply that all running lights, brake lights, and reverse lights, as well as even the fog lights, are run on LED bulbs.
Research has shown that LED brake lights cause significantly faster reaction times compared to incandescent ones.
The benefits are obvious as LEDs are brighter, use less power, have a much longer lifespan than halogen, and light quicker when one presses the brake pedal. This then-emerged safety could, in fact, be enhanced as the following drivers enjoy more time to respond.
2. Dynamic Turn Signals / Sequential Turn Signals.
Progressive or moving turn signals are now a luxury item of aftermarket taillights. The tail light will have a dynamic indicator sweeping across instead of the whole turn signal flashing on and off simultaneously.
It produces an interesting visual effect that is stylish and useful. Other drivers are able to see the sequential animation more in their field of view. LEDs reach full brightness almost instantly. In brake/turn signal applications, this provides greater reaction time for drivers behind and improved safety than incandescent halogen bulbs in emergencies.
3. Color and Style Variants
You have a wide choice of colors and styles. Cherry red is a vibrant and classic appearance that remains faithful to the traditional car appearance. In some markets, red is among the top 5 popular car colors, with about 8-11% of new cars being red in many Western markets.
Smoked lenses give it a more aggressive look and appearance that is in demand among lovers.
Red and clear selections divide the difference with corners of the lens left transparent, whilst other areas continue to be red-tinted. The two styles have noticeably varying looks on your Golf 6 VW.
4. Plug-and-Play Installation
There are numerous good aftermarket tail lights that can be fitted as plug-and-play. This implies that the connectors are compatible with your factory wiring harness and can be used directly, meaning that you do not have to cut or splice any wires.
But there are units for which it could be necessary to do coding to help your dashboard not show error messages. An adapter harness may be required by others to fit well into the electrical circuit of your car.
Fitment & Compatibility Checklist for VW Golf 6 (2009–2012)
It is important to ensure the perfect fit – not all Golf 6 types fit any R20-style unit, so we included the things to examine before purchasing.
Confirm Your Body Style
You need to ensure that you affirm what your body style is before buying some taillights. The Volkswagen Golf MK6 was available in a few different models, such as the regular three and five-door hatchback, the Variant (wagon), and the Cabriolet (convertible).
There is a big difference between the tail light styles in these body styles. The majority of the R20-type upkeep is specific to the hatchback models.
Check Production Year and Market.
Make sure that your car is within the 2009-2012 production years. Even among members of this generation, slight modifications were made. Certain rear light companies indicate the years to support which of their products work.
Also, make sure that the tail lights accommodate the right-hand drive (RHD) and left-hand drive (LHD) markets. Other units prove to be market-specific in terms of varying regulatory imperatives.
Check Factory Tail Light Type.
A major compatibility factor to take into account is whether your automobile was fitted with halogen tail lights or with LEDs. MK6 generation vehicles also came standard or optional with basic LED taillights.
Some aftermarket R20 models are specifically crafted to fit in a halogen original equipment and might not fit you at all if your vehicle already has a battery of LED units.
Electrical & Installation Notes
Making R20-style LED installation can be as easy as you make it – whether it’s wiring adapters or code errors, this is what to expect.
Appropriate Connectors and Adapters.
Connectors and adapters need to be used properly in order to install trouble-free. With the right parts, you will not see any error messages displayed on your dashboard, and other taillights should work correctly.
It is especially important that it allows CAN bus compatibility. The current Volkswagen cars have Controller Area Networks (CAN bus), which are electronic devices that monitor the electrical components.
Aftermarket tail lights that are not incorporated correctly with this system will cause warning lights.
Coding Requirements
Certain tail lights R20 kits must be coded using a diagnosis program, such as via VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System). By doing this, your car computer can automate knowledge that the tail lights are LEDs rather than halogens, after this process.
Without proper coding, you might see bulb-out warnings or experience erratic behavior from the taillights. If you’re not comfortable with coding, find an installation shop familiar with VAG vehicles.
Weather Protection and IP Protection.
One important critical quality consideration is weather sealing. Lower quality replacement parts typically feature poor seals around the lens and housing. This enables the moisture to get inside the taillight.
Once the moisture penetrates, it can be condensed at the back of the lens, thus fogging the vision and possibly breaking the LED circuits. Specifically, premium brands such as Carlikevision design a product with a better IP (Ingress Protection) rating to avoid this problem.
Common Problems & What to Watch For
Even high-end LED replacements may experience such problems as condensation or flickering – here are the most common ones that can be identified and avoided.
Moisture and Condensation
Wetness and condensation in the interior aftermarket tail lights are the most commonly reported. However, this is a concern mostly with low-budget units. When it gets in, it is hard to take all the water.
The condensation will always recur when circumstances are favorable in terms of temperature and humidity. In extreme situations, LED circuits can corrode due to water intrusion. Always look at product reviews with particular reference to water intrusion before you buy it.
Sight Problems during the Day.
Reduced visibility may arise when the tail lights in use are of low quality. There are units that have weak lights as LEDs, which are not bright enough to be easily seen in direct sunlight as turn signals.
This becomes particularly a problem with dynamic sequential signals, where the animation can be used on LEDs flipping on in order as their intensity increases. Make sure that the LEDs are bright enough, or after the following drivers will not have enough notice of your turn signal.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance.
There is legal and regulatory compliance that depends on the country and region. Most nations within the European Union have a tendency to approve tail lights by ECE (Economic Commission for Europe).
The approval of the United States and Canadian vehicles requires the DOT (Department of Transportation).
There are numerous tail lights produced by the aftermarket that do not have these certifications. These uncertified lights might even be illegal on the road, although such enforcement is not always the case.
Check your local regulations before purchasing and installing aftermarket taillight VW Golf units.
Final Decision Checklist Of R20-Style LED Tail Lights
Check this brief list prior to ordering your R20 tail lighting upgrade and make sure it provides the best style, performance, and price.
- Check model year and body style.
- Select the type of lens that you prefer and that is appropriately matched to your car.
- Check CAN bus support or resistor/coding arrangements.
- Check IP rating and weather sealing.
- Consider long-term user reviews on moisture and reliability.
- Establish terms of confirmation and warranty.
Conclusion
Replacing LED taillights in the R20 version can be rewarded. The right lighting provides a contemporary appearance and improved visibility. Research fitment carefully. Select proper connectors and well-chosen seals.
Set up coding strategy or resistor scheme where necessary. With a careful approach, these VW Golf 6 accessories and enhancements will add style and safety over a long period of time.
Looking for the perfect R20-style LED taillights for your Golf 6?
At Carlikevision, we deal with high-performance automotive lights that are safe and stylish. Find something better than that. Why not upgrade your Golf 6 lighting to a safer, sharper ride with carlikevision today?
From R20-style LED tail lights to high-intensity Bi-LED, our products guarantee high brightness and optimal fitment.
FAQ
Q1: Will R20-style tail lights fit a stock MK6 Golf without major modifications?
R20 tail lights usually fit a standard MK6 Golf with a simple adaptation harness, but some designs might need a small portion of the bumper clipped off.
Q2: Do these kits require coding or trigger warning lights?
The majority of the aftermarket R20-style MP3s will need a code in place to evade the display of warning lights on your dashboard bulbs.
Q3: Are these taillights legal in my country/region?
The legality is absolutely dependent on whether your country/region has any rules concerning lighting or not; thus, you do need to look into this with your local traffic authority.
Q4: How to tell which version (body style / original taillight type) my car has?
To determine the body style and original taillight style of your MK6, you can check your VIN or the shape of your light (pre-facelift are rounded, facelift are angular), or your vehicle registration paperwork.
