Numerous drivers lack awareness about the unique functions of tail lights versus brake lights. In this blog post, you’ll explore what sets tail lights apart from brake lights.

Recognizing the distinction between the two rear lights is necessary. With our expertise in the car lighting industry, we’ll guide you through everything about tail lights and brake lights.

Ready to learn about brake and tail lights? So, let’s get into it.

What Do Tail Lights and Brake Lights DO?

Understanding Tail Lights

Tail lights are located at the rear end of the vehicle and thus also called rear lights. They are an essential safety component of a vehicle’s lighting system. Tail lights are necessary for low light conditions, like nighttime and poor weather. These lights emit a brilliant red glow and activate as you operate the headlights.

A tail light produces a consistent and non-flashing illumination. It makes your car more noticeable to other drivers from the back. The clear visibility enables other road users to locate you conveniently.

Understanding Brake Lights

Brake lights are another rear lights. They light up when you apply pressure to the brake pedal of your vehicle. These lights produce a bright red light. This safety light alerts other road users when you are stopping or slowing down. Brake lights prevent crashes by accurately indicating your actions to other road users.

Technical Differences Between Tail Lights and Brake Lights

While both tail lights and brake lights are essential, they have unique roles. Let’s explore the key distinctions between the two:

Function of Lights

A vehicle’s safety system heavily depends on the functionality of brake and tail lights. They are designed to accomplish different tasks. Tail lights ensure your vehicle remains visible during nighttime or in poor visibility environments. They enable you to drive safely while navigating through unlit areas at night or in poor weather conditions. The rear placement of these lights allows other drivers to spot your vehicle easily. Better visibility of the vehicles helps mitigate the risks of crashes from behind. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards mention that increased visibility angle in taillamps makes your vehicle noticeable. This feature reduces the number of accidents on US highways.

In contrast, brake lights feature a distinct lighting system. It activates when you apply brakes. These lights communicate to other road users that your car is decelerating or stopping. By signaling to oncoming drivers, brake lights play a key role in avoiding rear-end accidents. It is crucial for scenarios where you need to apply sudden brakes.

This rapid action is imperative while driving on highways. The reaction time is more critical there as vehicles are moving at high speed. Brake lights prevent accidents due to delayed recognition of a decelerating or stopping car.

Brightness of Lights

The brightness levels of a tail and brake light also vary. Tail lights are utilized to improve the visibility of the car in low light. They employ a subtler, steady red glow. The balanced brightness ensures the visibility of the vehicle from the back. It helps prevent collisions by making the car prominent for other drivers.

On the other hand, brake lights come with intense red light. They shine significantly brighter to capture the immediate attention of oncoming drivers. The bright light is necessary for situations requiring sudden stops or deceleration. It offers the other drivers sufficient time to react and prevent rear-end crashes.

Activation Mechanism

The activation mechanism of the tail and brake lights is also different. Tail lights are an integral component of a vehicle’s lighting system and are integrated with it. They activate when you operate the headlights or daytime running lights. This connection ensures they activate effectively in low-light scenarios when the visibility drops.

Unlike tail lights, brake lights become active when you apply brakes. They activate when the pedal is pressed. As a result, it turned the brake lights on. The rapid activation ensures that brake lights illuminate when they are required. These lights effectively communicate the vehicle’s braking action to other road users. Timely activation of brake lights greatly aids in reducing and preventing accidents.

Tail Light Design and Purpose

Tail lights are a crucial safety feature of a vehicle’s lighting system. They indicate your vehicle’s presence to others in unlit areas. By lighting up the rear, they help drivers behind them estimate their position and distance. It significantly minimizes the likelihood of rear-end collision.

These lights come in various designs to complement your vehicle. The availability of various designs enhances your car’s overall aesthetics. LED strips and spherical lights are among the most trendy tail light designs.

• LED strips cast a sleek and futuristic appearance. This design looks great on modern cars. These are an energy-efficient pick and boost your car’s appeal.
• Spherical tail lights add a distinctive and bold look to your car. They provide a retro-modern appearance to your vehicle that blends vintage charm with contemporary functionality.

How to Check Your Rear Lights?

Checking your rear lights is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Their efficient performance is essential not only for your safety but also for other road users. Inspecting them periodically ensures a safe driving experience. Here is a guide to checking your vehicle’s rear lights:

Checking of Tail Lights

To inspect the rear lights of your vehicle, you’ll need the help of a family member or friend. Ask them to stand behind you while you turn the tail lights on.

Start by switching on the headlights. This action should automatically turn the tail lights on. The lights should illuminate and emit a consistent red glow. If the tail lights illuminate without an issue, it means they are working properly. However, if you observe any flickering or delay in the activation of lights, you need to consult a professional.

Checking of Brake Lights

You also need a companion to observe the illumination of brake lights from the rear end. If you don’t have anyone to assist you, you can use a reflective surface. You need to park your vehicle near a reflective surface like a wall or door.

Press down the brake pedal, and your companion needs to observe the brake lights. The lights should have brighter illumination than the tail lights. The intense illumination will indicate the braking. If your brake lights fail to illuminate instantly as you press the pedal, you need to repair them. Check the issue and resolve it to prevent accidents.

Common Issues with Rear Lights

Both the tail light and brake light are crucial for maintaining the safety standards. However, a rear light can occasionally fail due to various issues. Here are some common issues with the rear lights that can pose safety risks:

Burnt Bulb

A burnt tail or brake light bulb is a common issue many vehicles encounter. It arises as the filament of the bulb breaks over time. It causes the light to become non-functional. If your rear light bulb is burnt, replace it with a new one. Utilize the same bulb type for replacement.

Circuit Problem

Sometimes, faulty wiring or worn connections disrupt the power flow to the rear lights. These issues lead to malfunctioning of the vehicle’s electrical system. They can cause intermittent or complete failure. You should inspect the electrical connections and wiring for any issues. Repair or replace the faulty connections. You can opt for professional help if you don’t have any idea about fixing the circuit.

Blown Out Fuses

The rear lights of your car will not work if the fuse has blown. This may happen as a result of a power surge or an electrical short. You need to inspect the fuse box to detect the blown fuse. Use a fuse with the proper amperage to replace the old one.

Faulty Brake Light Switches

A switch connected to the brake pedal controls the brake lights. If the switch is defective, the lights may not turn on. You need to check the switch. If it’s not operating, you should replace it.

Switching to LED Tail Lights

LED tail lights are an advanced choice. Switching from traditional tail lights to LED lights can improve your vehicle’s lighting system. Here’s why LEDs are a smart choice:

Improved Visibility at Night

An LED light has a higher brightness and more focused illumination than halogen bulbs. These features offer better visibility during night driving. LED lights make your vehicle more noticeable to oncoming traffic and offer more safety.

Stylish Appearance

LED lights add a sleek, contemporary look to your car. Their exceptional crisp and vibrant light transforms the appearance of your old vehicle. LEDs boost its visual appeal and make it look more stylish.

Energy Efficiency

LED bulbs convert maximum electrical energy into light rather than heat. A study shows that LED lights are about 40% to 60% more energy-efficient than traditional lights.

Longevity

LED lights are more durable than traditional bulbs, offering tens of thousands of hours of use. The US Department of Energy states that LED lights have a lifespan of three to five times longer than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Moreover, LEDs are about 30 times more durable than incandescent lights.

Customization Options for Rear Lights

Customizing rear lights can improve the aesthetics of your car. It allows the lights to blend seamlessly with your vehicle’s design. However, before opting for any modification, you need to comply with the safety standards and local regulatory guidelines. It will help you avoid penalties and ensure safety.

RSA recommends the vehicle’s light colors. According to its regulations, rear lights must be red. Bright red color offers sufficient illumination to make the car more prominent.

You can customize the LED lights to innovate your vehicle. You can go with different brightness levels and designs. However, make sure that the modifications do not compromise visibility or confuse other drivers. You should check specific regulations in your region before making changes to ensure compliance.

Choosing the Right Brake Light for Your Vehicle

Selecting the right brake lights is essential for effective visibility on the road. The following factors can help you pick the right brake and tail lights:

Consider the Brightness and Clarity

The brightness level and clarity of the rear lights can affect the visibility of your vehicle. If your vehicle’s rear lights are too dim, it might go unnoticed. On the other hand, if the brightness is too high, you can cause glare and discomfort to other drivers. Striking the right balance ensures maximum visibility without causing distractions.

Adherence to Safety Standards

When selecting brake lights for your vehicle, you need to comply with the safety standards. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) mandate that your vehicle must have three brake lights. The third brake light is located in the top middle of your car’s rear window. In addition, the lights should be bright red. Moreover, these lights should be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. This ensures that other drivers can respond promptly to braking vehicles.

Opt For LED Lights

LED brake lights have revolutionized vehicle lighting. They have superior energy efficiency as they consume less power. They are also incredibly durable, lasting significantly longer than conventional bulbs. It minimizes the need for frequent replacements. These features make them a preferred choice for rear lights.

Maintenance and Repair of Rear Lights

Regular maintenance and repair of rear lights ensure their optimal performance. The following steps will help you maintain your vehicle’s rear lights.

Routine Inspection

The lenses of rear lights can crack or fog over time. The wiring may also loosen or corrode. It can affect the performance of your rear lights. Regular inspection keeps them working effectively. Faulty connections or damaged bulbs can lead to flickering light. If you find any damaged component during inspection, repair or replace it.

Lens Cleaning

The lens of the car lights also affects the visual clarity. Dirt and grim accumulate over the lenses with time. It can reduce the effectiveness of the rear lights. Regular cleaning of the lenses can help maintain optimal visibility. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner to get rid of contaminants. Avoid using strong cleaners as they can damage the lens.

Bulb Replacement

The car light bulbs can burn out or lose their brightness. It can degrade the visibility of your vehicle. Keep an eye on the performance of your rear lights. If a bulb is not working, replace it without due. Always keep a spare bulb in case of emergency. Choose the right type and bulb wattage for your vehicle.

Professional Assistance

You should be capable of handling maintenance issues with your vehicle. However, if you don’t know how to fix an issue, consult a professional. Professional mechanics have the tools and experience to identify and resolve complex issues. They can diagnose electrical faults, repair damaged wiring, and replace components. They can also save you time and effort by avoiding improper repairs that can lead to bigger issues.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, understanding the differences between tail and brake lights can maintain safety on the road. Tail lights boost the visibility of your vehicle in low light. They make your car more noticeable at night and in harsh weather conditions. These lights activate when you operate the headlights. In contrast, brake lights signal to other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping. Both types of lights have distinct functions, brightness levels, and activation mechanisms.

You need to comply with local regulations to prevent any issues. Make sure to opt for the right light color. In addition, maintain your lights regularly. Repair any faulty bulb or wiring to ensure optimal performance. You should also consider upgrading to LED lights for improved visibility, energy efficiency, and lifespan. So, maintain your rear lights and have a safe driving experience.

Ready to Explore Tail lights and Brake Lights with Carlightvision

Are you looking for tail and brake lights for your vehicle? High-quality rear lights are necessary for efficient performance and optimal visibility on the roads. Many manufacturers don’t offer high-quality lights.

Carlightvision is one of the top manufacturers in the vehicle lighting industry. We are recognized for creating innovative lighting products. We complete the manufacturing of millions of models of various vehicle lights every month. You should definitely download our catalog to explore our stunning products. Contact us if you have any queries. You can also get free samples to ensure the quality of our lights.