What to Do If the Rear Light Cover is Cracked?
3 Answers
If the rear light cover of your car is cracked, you can repair it with glass glue or replace the cover. You can do the replacement yourself or take it to an auto repair shop. You can also spray paint on the cover, but prepare a masking film to cover the parts other than the rear light cover to avoid accidentally spraying the car paint. Below are some methods to deal with a cracked light cover: 1. Depending on the extent of the damage, continue using it for a while if it is still functional. 2. Simple repairs can be done using glue and plastic. 3. If only the rear light cover is cracked, you can replace the cover. 4. Check if the wiring of the rear light might be affected by short circuits during rain. 5. If it looks too unsightly, consider replacing it. 6. In future driving, prioritize prevention to avoid damage to the rear lights.
When I noticed the cracked rear light cover on my car, it was quite frustrating because cracks in the cover can allow rainwater or dust to enter the light assembly, leading to bulb burnout, electrical short circuits, or even a potential fire hazard. What's more troublesome is that if the taillight isn't working, driving at night increases the risk of rear-end collisions or traffic fines. As a temporary fix, I used transparent waterproof tape to seal the crack and prevent further damage, but this isn't a permanent solution. The real fix is replacing the light cover: I searched online for parts and purchased a matching cover based on my car model (OEM parts offer better quality but are expensive, while aftermarket parts are cheaper and suitable for tight budgets). Then, I proceeded with the DIY replacement—first disconnecting the battery's negative terminal to avoid electric shock, removing the screws from the old cover, carefully unplugging the wiring connectors, cleaning off residual adhesive, and finally installing the new cover with a proper seal around the edges. The entire process requires attention to detail to ensure the new cover fits snugly without leaks. After installation, I tested the lights to confirm the brake and turn signals were functioning correctly. If the crack is too severe or I'm unsure about the repair, I’d take it to a repair shop and pay to get it fixed properly—procrastinating could turn a minor issue into a major repair.
When the rear light cover of my car cracked, my first thought was the safety risk, as this issue is not a minor one. A broken light cover allows moisture to easily seep in and corrode the wiring, which could lead to minor issues like bulb failure affecting visibility, or more severe problems such as short circuits or even spontaneous combustion. More importantly, a non-functional light makes it difficult for vehicles behind to see your brake signals, increasing the risk of accidents, especially on highways. I recommend taking immediate action: first, use household tape to temporarily seal the crack as an emergency measure, but make sure to replace the cover as soon as possible. Avoid opting for cheap DIY fixes like using regular glue or hot glue, as these are ineffective and may damage the paint. The best approach is to visit a professional repair shop, where they use specialized tools to replace the light cover, thoroughly clean any internal residue, and ensure a tight seal to prevent future water ingress. In terms of cost, standard vehicles might spend around 500 yuan, while luxury models could be more expensive. After the repair, remember to test the lights during nighttime driving to avoid issues during annual inspections, and also check for signs of aging on the light cover to prevent recurrence.
