What to Do If the Car Rear Light Cover is Cracked?
4 Answers
If the crack is not severe, it can be covered with light color-changing film. If it is serious, it is recommended to replace it directly. The tail lights indicate the presence of a vehicle ahead during night driving and show the positional relationship between the two vehicles, so they are installed on both sides at the rear of the car. Below are the solutions for a cracked car rear light cover: 1. Depending on the extent of the crack, continue using it for a while if it is still functional; simple repairs can be made with glue and plastic. 2. If only the car tail light cover is cracked, the cover can be replaced; check if the tail light wiring is affected by short circuits when it rains. 3. If it is really unsightly, it should be replaced; in future driving, prevention should be prioritized to avoid damage to the car tail lights.
Last time when my rear light cover got cracked by a stone, I bought a set of light cover repair tools online to fix it myself. First, I thoroughly cleaned around the crack and roughened the area with sandpaper to ensure the adhesive would bond firmly. Applying the specialized repair glue required patience—I carefully spread it evenly along the crack, making sure not to apply too thick a layer. It took me most of the day to let it dry completely. Although the repair still showed slight traces upon close inspection, the waterproofing held up well and lasted two years without issues. The DIY fix only cost me 50 yuan, saving me hundreds compared to replacing the entire assembly. However, if the crack exceeds 5 centimeters or pieces of the cover are missing, it's better to replace it outright to avoid water ingress during rain, which could short-circuit the tail light wiring.
From my experience, a cracked taillight cover needs immediate attention. Last time I ignored a crack, water seeped in during car washing and caused the brake light to short circuit. I ended up spending over 700 yuan to replace the entire assembly. As a temporary fix, you can cut a piece of transparent tape to cover the crack, but this is only an emergency solution. To save money, you can buy an aftermarket replacement cover online for around 200 yuan. Follow video tutorials for installation: first unscrew the trunk liner screws, disconnect the power plug, and remove the old cover. When installing the new cover, pay special attention to the waterproof gasket position - improper alignment may cause leaks. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, leave it to a repair shop where labor typically costs 100-200 yuan. Remember that cracked covers may fail annual inspections and increase rear-end collision risks.
The treatment for a cracked rear light cover depends on the severity. Small cracks can be easily and cheaply repaired with epoxy resin adhesive. For large cracks, it's recommended to replace the cover entirely—aftermarket parts cost around 200 yuan online, while OEM parts exceed 500 yuan. DIY replacement isn't difficult: open the trunk, remove the interior trim to locate the mounting screws, and disconnect the power cable to detach the light assembly. When installing the new cover, pay attention to three key points: first, ensure the clips are properly aligned; second, lay the sealing strip flat; and third, test all lights after installation. To prevent recurrence, identify the root cause—common culprits include high-pressure car wash sprays or aging-induced brittleness. Park away from direct sunlight and avoid using stiff brushes on the cover during car washes.
