The Cost Of Replacing Tail Light Plastic Covers

Tail light covers are essential for safety on the road. They protect the fragile bulbs of tail lights and prevent accidents by making sure other drivers can see your vehicle in low-visibility conditions. If a tail light cover is damaged, it can usually be replaced with a screwdriver, a wrench, and some plastic adhesive. The cost of replacement parts ranges from \$61 to $300, but there are inexpensive options available that closely resemble OEM parts.

Average cost to replace plastic tail light cover: $50 to $300

The average cost to replace a plastic tail light cover is $50 to $300. This is a fairly straightforward service that takes about an hour to complete. The tail light cover is the protective part of the tail light that keeps the fragile bulbs inside safe. If the lens is damaged or faded, allowing white light to shine through, you could be issued a traffic citation by a police officer. In most cases, a tail light cover replacement simply involves replacing the cover with limited screws, bolts, and/or fasteners. Aside from the new tail light assembly, all you need is a screwdriver, a wrench, and some plastic adhesive.

If you feel comfortable, you can replace the tail light cover yourself. You will need to use a screwdriver to remove the assembly, and you may have to wiggle it a bit to get it out smoothly. You can also use duct tape in the short term, but this does not allow light to pass through and does not look good on a car.

If you notice wear and tear on your vehicle's tail lights, you should schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic. They might ask you to replace the tail light bulb as well to ensure that the entire tail light is working. While legislation is being passed in some states to ban low-level traffic stops for tail light issues, drivers should still consider a malfunctioning tail light to be a safety hazard. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most rear-end crashes result from a failure to respond to a decelerating vehicle. LED tail lights are effective at getting a driver's attention and can be used as a warning signal to deter crashes.

Required tools: screwdriver, wrench, plastic adhesive

The tools required to replace a tail light's plastic covering can vary depending on the type of car you have. However, for most vehicles, you will need a screwdriver and a wrench to remove and replace the plastic cover. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace the plastic covering of a tail light:

Step 1: Put on Safety Gear

Before beginning any car repair or maintenance work, it is important to put on the necessary safety gear. In this case, you should wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any falling debris or fragments.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

Locate the negative battery cable and disconnect it. This is a crucial step to ensure your safety and prevent any electrical short circuits during the repair process.

Step 3: Remove Rear Bumper or Interior Trim Panel

Depending on the make and model of your car, you may need to remove the rear bumper cover or interior trim panel to access the tail light assembly. This usually involves unscrewing and/or detaching clips that hold the cover or panel in place.

Step 4: Remove the Tail Light Assembly

Use your screwdriver to carefully remove the tail light assembly. The assembly may be held in place with retaining clips or fasteners, so take your time and be gentle to avoid damaging the surrounding components.

Step 5: Replace the Plastic Cover

Once the tail light assembly is removed, you can now replace the plastic cover. Use a screwdriver to attach the new or repaired plastic cover securely. Ensure that the cover is fitted correctly and securely in place.

Step 6: Reassemble the Tail Light Assembly

After the plastic cover has been replaced, carefully reassemble the tail light assembly. Make sure that all the components are securely fastened and connected.

Step 7: Reattach the Rear Bumper or Interior Trim Panel

If you had to remove the rear bumper cover or interior trim panel, now is the time to reattach it. Screw it back into place and ensure that all clips are securely attached.

Step 8: Reconnect the Battery

Locate the negative battery cable and reconnect it. Now, your new plastic tail light cover should be fully installed and functional.

The cost of replacing just the plastic covering of a tail light can vary depending on the make and model of your car. For example, for a Ford Maverick Truck, the cost of the plastic outer cover is reported to be around $300, while the total cost of replacing the tail light, including the plastic cover, can range from $240-$340.

Difficulty: straightforward, takes about an hour

Replacing the plastic covering of a tail light is a straightforward task that can be completed in about an hour. The process may vary depending on your car model, but here are the general steps to follow:

First, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will likely need a screwdriver, a wrench, and plastic adhesive. Some vehicles may require additional tools to remove the rear bumper cover or interior trim panel to access the tail light assembly. It is recommended to refer to your car's repair manual or a subscription service like ALLDATA for specific instructions.

Next, locate the tail light assembly and remove any screws, bolts, or fasteners holding it in place. Be gentle when handling the fragile plastic components. Once the assembly is removed, disconnect the electrical connectors at the back. If your vehicle uses bulbs, you may need to remove and reuse the old bulbs and sockets or replace them with new ones.

Now, you can install the new tail light assembly. Ensure it is secure and properly connected to the electrical system. If there are any retaining clips, make sure they are correctly engaged. Finally, test the tail lights to ensure they are functioning correctly.

The cost of replacing the plastic covering of a tail light can vary depending on the damage and your location. The plastic lens part inside the tail light can cost between $150 to $800 to repair. You may also need to factor in the cost of parts and labor. To save money, you can consider purchasing second-hand parts from scrapyards or online platforms like eBay. Additionally, temporary repairs using transparent tape in the appropriate color can be a short-term solution.

Safety: broken tail lights are a safety hazard, can cause accidents

A broken tail light is a safety hazard that can lead to accidents. Tail lights are essential for indicating to other drivers when you are applying the brakes and slowing down. If your tail light is broken, other drivers might not register when you hit the brakes, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. This can cause mild to severe injuries and highlights the importance of replacing a broken tail light promptly.

In some states, such as Arizona, driving with a broken tail light is a traffic violation and is against the law. While a broken tail light may not always result in a fine, it can lead to a ticket or a warning from a police officer. To avoid any legal repercussions and, more importantly, to ensure your safety and that of other drivers, it is best to address a broken tail light as soon as possible.

There are several reasons why tail lights may break. One common cause is a defective fuse, which can be assessed by checking the fuse box under the hood of your car. Another reason could be a burnt-out tail light bulb, which typically lasts about five to six years, although LED bulbs have a longer lifespan. Additionally, tail light sockets can degrade due to corrosion, moisture, or short circuits. If you are unsure of the cause, consulting an auto mechanic is recommended.

Replacing a tail light cover or light bulb is often a straightforward process that can be done with a few tools and some basic knowledge. Aftermarket tail light covers are available that fit like the originals and improve the safety and styling of your vehicle. It is important to note that temporary solutions, such as red lens repair tape, can be used to avoid fines, but a permanent fix should be sought as soon as possible.

Temporary fix: use weatherproof clear tape to prevent debris and moisture

If your tail light lens is broken, it is important to prevent debris and moisture from entering the light. This is because debris and moisture can cause the tail light fuse to blow. As a temporary fix, you can use lens repair tape, which comes in red and amber colours.

There are a few different types of tape you can use to cover a broken tail light lens. Firstly, you can use lens repair tape, which comes in red and amber colours to match the tail light. This tape is designed specifically for repairing lenses and is made by companies such as 3M. Alternatively, you could use a clear, weatherproof tape to cover the lens. This tape will need to be watertight to prevent moisture from entering the light. Before applying the tape, make sure that the light is still functional. In addition to tape, you could also use a plastic resin to patch up a broken tail light cover. This method involves mixing a resin, colouring agent, and catalyst, and then filling the hole with the mixture using a syringe. However, it's important to note that both tape and resin are temporary solutions and will erode over time, so it's best to replace the tail light cover as soon as possible.

When replacing the plastic covering of a tail light, it is important to consider the cost of the replacement part as well as the labour involved in the installation. The cost of replacing the plastic covering of a tail light can vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the quality of the replacement part. For example, aftermarket tail light covers may be cheaper than OEM parts, but they may not match the original styling of the car as closely. Additionally, some basic mechanical knowledge and tools may be required to install the replacement tail light cover, so it may be necessary to factor in the cost of labour if you are unable to install it yourself.

To replace the plastic covering of a tail light, you will need to remove the old cover and install the new one. This process may vary depending on the make and model of the car, but some basic steps may include:

• Using a screwdriver to remove any screws holding the old cover in place
• Pulling the assembly straight out, which may require some wiggling to remove it smoothly
• Installing the new cover by following the reverse steps of the removal process

In addition to the plastic covering, it is also important to consider the condition of the tail light lens itself. If the lens is broken, it may need to be replaced as well to ensure the safety of the vehicle. A broken tail light lens can allow moisture and debris to enter the light, which can cause the fuse to blow. In the event of a broken lens, a temporary fix such as tape or resin can be used to cover the hole and prevent further damage until a proper replacement can be obtained.

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