Will Custom Tail Lights Void Your Extended Warranty?
Will custom tail lights void your extended warranty? Most stock tail lights are boring, it’s a generally accepted fact. Mainly, car manufacturers treat tail lights as an afterthought in the overall car design. And this is why most car mods enthusiasts prioritize custom tail lights too – to catch attention on both the street and Instagram feeds. But good custom tail lights aren’t just for flair but also for function. If you are looking to ditch the cookie-cutter lights and transform your car from ordinary to extraordinary, then guide is for you.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrading with a custom tail light can offer many benefits, such as enhanced safety and visibility, boost resale value, and improved aesthetics.
- Choose from different types of tail lights to match your lighting needs and vehicle aesthetics.
- Upgrading to custom tail lights won’t void your extended warranty, as long as it is properly installed and does not damage other wiring and electrical components.
Reasons to Upgrade to Custom Tail Lights
Let’s face it, factory-installed tail lights look generic, they don’t match your personal style. They do their job, but they don’t have that character. Here are some compelling reasons to upgrade your car’s tail lights.
Improved Aesthetics
Custom tail lights let you add your personal touch to your car. You can choose unique designs, styles, patterns, or even colors to match the vision you want for your vehicle. Whether you are looking for a classic round tail light to match, edgy and futuristic, bold and aggressive, or modern and minimalist, there is a tail light design and style for you.
Enhanced Safety
Tail lights play an important role; they make your vehicle visible to other drivers on the road and let other drivers know your next move (braking, switching lanes, or turning left or right). Thus, it is vital for safety. While stock tail lights do the job in normal conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic and nighttime driving, they are not the brightest. You will need brighter tail lights during dense fog, heavy rain, high-speed highways, driving in snow or ice, or when driving through mountain roads with sharp turns. This is where the benefits of brighter custom tail lights get into the picture.
Increase Resale Value
Upgrading your vehicle’s lights, both headlights and tail lights, will definitely increase its resale value. For tail lights, higher-end bulbs, such as LED, fiber optic, and laser, will add more value to your vehicle.
Types of Tail Lights
Incandescent Tail Lights
Incandescent light bulbs are the traditional option used in many vehicles. They are in stock for most vehicles, cost-effective, and very easy to replace. However, they are an old technology that is no longer energy efficient in today’s standards. Plus, they have a shorter lifespan compared to newer tail light options.
LED Tail Lights
Light-emitting diode (LED) is the most common upgrade option for custom tail lights and is also used in newer vehicle models. It is brighter and has better energy efficiency. The response time is also instantaneous, improving your vehicle’s safety. However, it is more complex to repair and replace compared to its incandescent counterpart and a little more expensive.
Fiber Optic Tail Lights
Fiber optic tail lights are more energy efficient than LED and last longer. They also allow for more unique and customizable designs and provide a more uniform light output. However, they are also more expensive to install and more complex to repair and replace.
Euro Tail Lights
As its name suggests, this type of tail light is all about European style. It comes with clear lenses and black or chrome housing, making a sleek and more polished look. It’s the top choice for a modern and more refined appearance. They are typically affordable and have durable construction that can last for years. They are also easy to install and replace.
Smoked Tail Lights
If you are looking for a more aggressive vibe or tail light that looks stealthy to highlight other areas of your vehicle’s aesthetics, the smoke tail light is a good choice. It comes with dark-tinted lenses and is typically priced higher due to the specialized tinted lenses. There are plug-and-play options, while some may require complex installation, depending on the type and model of your vehicle.
Custom Sequential Tail Lights
This type of tail light work in customized sequential pattern, adding a moving light to your signals. It may be a small change from the standard blinking style, but this small detail can add a huge impact to your car. They are expensive, but they can also last longer. Most cars require straightforward installation with plug-and-play option, but some may require additional work in the wiring for the sequential effect.
Maintenance Guide for Tail Lights
Regular Cleaning
The tail light doesn’t require complex cleaning. All it needs is regular removal of dust, dirt, and grime that can cause obstructions in light emission. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to avoid scratching the lenses.
Electrical Connection Check
Make sure to get your tail lights checked each time you take your vehicle for periodic maintenance. Have the cables inspected thoroughly, and make sure the lights are in good condition. Check the functionality of the brake lights, turning lights, and reverse lights, too.
Advanced Maintenance for Adaptive Tail Lights
LEDs for adaptive tail lights may experience performance degradation after a few years. This usually only requires cleaning, but in some cases, firmware updates may be needed. The tail light manufacturer can provide these.
Will Custom Tail Lights Void Your Extended Warranty?
No. Upgrading your stock tail lights with custom ones won’t void your extended warranty. Make sure that the lights are properly installed and won’t cause damage to other components, especially wiring and electrical components. It’s also a good idea to speak with your warranty provider about any modifications, including adding custom tail lights. Also, it pays to check if tail lights covered under warranty.
The Takeaway
Custom tail lights are more than just a car modification – it’s an expression of your personality and style. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, there is a custom tail light for you. Explore your options and improve your car’s style and safety today!
FAQs
Can aftermarket tail lights void warranty?
No. Using aftermarket parts alone, such as modifying your tail lights with aftermarket components, won’t void your warranty. The only way that happens is if the installation causes damage to the covered parts as per your warranty coverage. As a result, you lose warranty on that covered part. Therefore, it is crucial to hire professionals to perform the installation of aftermarket tail lights to avoid damage.
Can you replace tail lights with LED lights?
Yes. LED lights are increasingly popular in the automotive industry as a replacement light bulb for tail lights, making it a suitable option if you want to upgrade your stock tail lights.
Is a tail light covered in warranty?
Tail lights are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage ensures repair or replacement of parts for the tail lights within the warranty period.
Can you customize tail lights?
Yes. You can customize tail lights but it is important to meet your warranty provider’s guidelines about changing the stock tail lights with aftermarket or custom ones.
Are LED tail lights worth it?
LED lights are more efficient as they use fewer electrical currents, which means they last longer. However, they are quite expensive.
