The Golf Mk8 (2020–2021) is the Mk7.5 facelift, built to offer better styling and advanced LED lighting. However, some owners still go for MK8 tail light upgrades for enhanced style.
This switch is often aimed at tackling the issues with the factory dull tail lights of the Mk8. Here’s a style guide for you if you’re planning to invest in new MK8 golf tail lights for brighter output and better performance.
OEM Factory Dull Tail Lights vs Aftermarket Styles – Comparison
Genuine OEM taillights often come in the higher trims of the Volkswagen Golf MK8. These offer perfect factory-grade fitting, proper LED functionality, and a sleek look to the vehicle. These OEM LED taillights are almost always compatible with the car’s existing housing. Hence, no modifications are required.
In comparison, the base trims of the Golf MK8 come with halogen taillights. These factory dull tail lights often lack brightness and style. You also don’t get the advanced dynamic indicators. Hence, many Volkswagen MK8 owners choose to upgrade to LED taillights for better aesthetics and visibility.
Investing in aftermarket LEDs for your eighth generation MK offers greater control over the lighting compared to the factory finish. By choosing taillights from renowned aftermarket LED brands, you can access popular styles. These include smoked or red lenses, and get your car to match your personality.
Beyond aesthetics, aftermarket taillights often come equipped with advanced features. These include sequential turn signals, switchback indicators, and brighter illumination. These LEDs can ensure improved visibility and road safety, especially during nighttime driving.
Top aftermarket brands provide high-quality, plug-and-play solutions. These brands include names like WLAN, R-Style, and Eurotech Parts. Their offerings are mostly compatible with most base variants of the MK8. These options offer a perfect balance of sleekness and functionality.
Key Features to Look For in MK8 Golf R Euro Tail Lights
Opting for a facelift taillight alternative for factory dull tail lights? Confused about the spec kit to choose? To begin with, look for sequential amber indicators.
These not only add a nice lighting effect but also give your car a modern, sleek aesthetic. This feature is found in options from renowned premium brands.
Another feature is full LED functionality. This refers to running lights, fog lights, brake lights, and reverse lights. This ensures maximum visibility and safety, especially on longer routes during foggy conditions.
For those who want to elevate the car’s look further, lens colour and housing finish options are also a good way. Popular choices include smoked clear, matte black, and classic red finishes, each adding its own unique touch to the vehicle’s design.
Lastly, always make sure to invest in trusted brands that offer certified and safety-tested taillights. Ask for certifications such as SAE, DOT, ECE, and E-MARK. This will ensure that the taillights meet international safety and performance standards.
Choosing a reliable, well-certified set of aftermarket LED taillights not only boosts your Golf MK8’s appearance. Rather, it also guarantees long-term safety, minimal issues, better visibility, and peace of mind on every drive.
Fitment & Compatibility Checklist
To ensure that the taillights are a perfect fit for your Volkswagen Golf MK8, it’s essential to verify a few details before selecting the LEDs.
First, confirm that the taillights are designed specifically for your vehicle’s model year. They should also comply with your region’s legal lighting requirements. This ensures that your upgrade not only fits correctly but is also safe and legal for road use.
Next, check whether your vehicle originally came with factory LED taillights or halogens. This is crucial because many aftermarket LED taillights are designed only for halogen models. Such LEDs may not be compatible with vehicles that already have factory-installed LED systems.
Similarly, some aftermarket taillight options are not compatible with GTI and R trims. So, always double-check your vehicle’s trim level before finalising your purchase.
Lastly, confirm whether the new taillights require additional wiring modifications or coding. Some LED upgrades offer simple plug-and-play functionality. On the other hand, some require coding or adapter harnesses to function properly and avoid dashboard warning lights.
Popular Aftermarket Options & Variants
Choosing from a pool of options when investing in an aftermarket technology for your MK8 Golf Euro taillight is not easy. Below are a few options that you can consider:
- VLAN Taillights: Often available in red or smoky colours. They come with sequential indicators and are compatible with most trim levels.
- R-Style LEDs: These retrofit taillights have sequential indicators. These are perfect for those looking for an affordable yet stylish option.
- Smoked finish LEDs: Often available in the UK from renowned suppliers. These offer plug-and-play compatibility and are perfect to give your car an underground look.
- European-Style LEDs: Ideal replacement for factory LED models. These are easily available across a range of suppliers for a smooth cart add feature.
Installation & Coding Considerations
Proper installation and coding of your aftermarket or upgraded LED taillights is important. It can ensure seamless functionality and performance.
For plug-and-play LEDs, the process is straightforward. These units typically don’t require extra connectors, adapters, or wiring. Hence, they can allow an easy and hassle-free setup. However, LED options like Bi-LEDs, 360 LEDs, or D-series may need additional coding.
This is especially true in the case of replacing factory OEM units. This coding step is important to prevent dashboard warning lights. It also ensures that all the lighting functions, like brake, indicator, and reverse, work properly.
Ensure that the taillights are properly sealed and waterproofed within their housing. This prevents the effects of moisture on LEDs and other weather-related issues. You will especially value this tip during January to September when it either rains or stays humid.
Taking these steps guarantees not only the best light performance but also the safety of the drivers. You can see their value, especially during night and low-light conditions.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Post-installation issues with aftermarket LED taillights are pretty common. These issues take place even when you’ve selected the correct product for your vehicle.
One of the most frequent problems is condensation inside the taillights on the rear. This is a result of improper LED sealing. The issue can easily be fixed by removing the taillight, thoroughly cleaning and drying it, and then reinstalling it. Use sealants or waterproofing solutions around the housing.
Another common problem arises from purchasing the wrong fitment or kit. This is mainly in the case of trims like GTI or vehicles equipped with OEMs. This can result in poor alignment, installation, or compatibility errors. Follow proper LED buying guides and confirm all specifications before purchasing.
Lastly, malfunctioning turn signals, commonly in sequential indicators, can occur after installation. This issue is often caused by incorrect wiring or connector mismatches. If you experience any such issue, consult professional LED resources to ensure proper configuration.
Buying Checklist
Investing in tail lights is an important decision that must be taken with great care. Before you make a final purchase decision, it is essential to consider a few things.
Firstly, it is important to check that the tail lights you’re buying complement your model year and regional requirements. You must be fully aware of the differences between the OEM taillights and the base halogen and aftermarket lights. Once you’re aware, then invest in one that fulfils your needs.
Always ask your supplier for certifications like E-mark, ECE, SAE, OR DOT to make sure you’re not being sold a fake product. Before the purchase, you must also consider your vehicle’s original taillight housing and your colour preferences. This gives you the taillights that suit your needs and preferences.
Don’t forget to check the product’s warranty terms and return policy, especially when purchasing in bulk.
Conclusion
There are several options for your VW Golf R tail lights upgrade that you can go for. Just make sure to recheck your vehicle’s original LED housing and then invest in a certified and compatible option that fits.
Ensuring seamless installation and coding is also essential for proper functionality. Always seek reliable suppliers and seek professional guidance for compliance and safety.
Upgrade Your VW MK8 With Us – Get Personalised Options And Quote Today!
At Car Light Vision, we have the best taillight upgrade for VW Golf MK8 owners. No matter how strict your demands are, we can meet them all. Our experts can provide you with personalised support. Get in touch if you need options for your personal vehicle. We can also provide LED solutions in bulk.
Contact us today for personalised pricing and the highest quality LED solutions. Catering to all your bulk orders and wholesale purchases.
FAQs
Q1: Will an aftermarket tail light fit without modification?
Not always, but mostly. Many aftermarket taillights offer plug & play installation. However, in the case of vehicles having LED units and GTI/R trims, wiring modifications are often needed
Q2: Do I need coding if I switch from halogen to aftermarket LED?
Yes, if you want to avoid dashboard warning signs, coding is required after installing the taillights in most cases.
Q3: Are sequential indicators legal where I live?
Sequential indicators are generally legal within the US and Europe. It is, however, better to check your local LED regulations to be sure.
Q4: What sort of light output/visibility improvements can I expect?
A tail lights upgrade in MK8 will result in better illumination, sharper beams, and faster response time. This overall enhances your vehicle’s visibility and safety.
