Will There Be Any Impact If I Replace the Taillights with Aftermarket Ones?
3 Answers
Replacing the taillights with aftermarket ones may lead to some quality issues. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) taillights have uniform specifications, and their power and illumination meet the vehicle's standards, ensuring normal usage. However, if you opt for aftermarket taillights, the specifications may vary significantly due to the multitude of third-party manufacturers. This can result in mismatched power levels, potentially causing bulb failures or damage to the circuit and fuses. OEM Parts: These are components produced by the automaker's authorized suppliers. Their quality and performance are on par with genuine parts. While primarily supplied to the manufacturer, some are also sold in the market. The production and testing processes for these parts are identical to those used for the manufacturer's supply, and they come with certification. Aftermarket Parts: These are components produced by manufacturers not authorized by the automaker. They bear their own brand names and trademarks but do not feature the automaker's logo (doing so would be illegal). Aftermarket parts are typically produced by smaller manufacturers, though some may come from international giants. For domestically produced models, the longer the vehicle has been on the market, the more aftermarket parts are available. For models released in the last two years, aftermarket parts are relatively scarce, and if available, they are usually limited to items like glass and lighting components.
I previously replaced my tail lights with aftermarket ones, and the impact was quite noticeable. My biggest concern is safety—tail lights are crucial for visibility at night or in foggy conditions. Aftermarket lights might not be bright enough or have uneven illumination, making it hard for others to see and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Some cheaper options also have poor waterproofing, allowing rainwater to seep in and cause short circuits or electrical issues, which are both troublesome and expensive to fix. Additionally, the materials used in aftermarket lights are often inferior to OEM parts, with plastics that yellow and degrade quickly, leading to rapid brightness loss and a lifespan of less than a year. Frequent replacements can end up costing more in the long run. I believe saving money is fine, but it’s important to choose reputable aftermarket brands or certified products that meet national traffic standards—otherwise, you risk fines if caught by the police. During installation, pay attention to connector compatibility; sometimes wiring modifications are needed, and if you’re unsure, it’s best to hire a professional rather than risk safety to save a little money. In short, OEM parts are the most reliable unless absolutely necessary.
Using aftermarket taillights definitely has an impact, primarily regarding reliability issues. Taillights aren't just decorations - they're responsible for brake and turn signals. Aftermarket products have looser quality control, and bulbs or circuits may malfunction, causing erratic flashing that makes your intentions unclear to following vehicles, which is extremely dangerous. Moreover, those cheap aftermarket lights have short lifespans. The plastic deforms in summer heat and frost obscures visibility in winter, often failing within six months. The labor cost for repairs often exceeds the light's price. From an economic perspective, while you save money short-term, long-term calculations show it's better to buy OEM or mid-range aftermarket products for hassle-free operation. Additionally, always check for safety certification marks like CCC when selecting lights - non-compliant products risk fines and wasted time during inspections. My personal suggestion: if budget is tight, choose reputable aftermarket brands rather than courting trouble by going for the cheapest option.
