Tail lights and brake lights

Tail lights and brake lights are key vehicle lighting components that ensure visibility and safety for both the driver and other road users. Properly functioning tail lights alert other drivers to your vehicle's presence on the road, while brake lights signal braking, helping to avoid collisions. At Global Parts, you'll find a wide selection of used car parts. , including tail lights and brake lights, fitted to BMW , Audi , Mercedes , Volkswagen , Mini and others.

Definition and technical meaning of rear lights

Rear lights are components of a vehicle's lighting system, located at the rear of the vehicle, that serve an informative and warning function. They typically consist of three sections: position lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Their luminous intensity ranges from 4 to 12 candela (cd), in accordance with ECE R7 homologation. Brake lights, on the other hand, generate a significantly stronger light – from 60 to 185 cd – to ensure the brake signal is visible even in direct sunlight.

What are the functions of tail lights and brake lights?

Tail lights and brake lights play a key role in driving safety, performing the following functions:

• Rear lights – Ensure the vehicle is visible from the rear in all weather conditions, especially at night and in poor visibility.
• Brake lights – Signal when braking, warning other drivers and reducing the risk of collisions.
• Rear turn signals – Indicates the intention to change direction.
• Reversing lights – Makes reversing easier and increases safety.
• Rear fog lights – Improve vehicle visibility in dense fog and difficult weather conditions. Modern rear lights, such as LEDs, not only increase safety but also emphasize the modern design of the vehicle.

Types of lighting technologies

There are three main types of tail lights that dominate the market: incandescent, LED and laser . Thanks to compatible OEM connectors, interchangeable installation is possible between different body versions of the same model (e.g. Audi A3 8V hatchback and sedan), which increases the possibilities of part fitment.

Lighting type	Advantages	Application
Incandescent	Low price; easy replacement	Older car models (e.g. VW Golf IV, Opel Astra G)
LED	Long life (up to 50,000 h); low power consumption; quick ignition	Modern BMW, Audi, Mercedes models
Laser	Highest brightness; modern look	Premium vehicles (e.g. Audi A8, BMW 7)

Why is it important to take care of your taillights and brake lights?

Damaged or inoperable tail lights and brake lights can lead to serious problems on the road, such as:

• Reduced visibility – Dull or damaged headlight lenses can reduce the visibility of your vehicle.
• No brake lights – Faulty brake lights can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
• Problems with the law – Driving with faulty lights may result in a fine or even confiscation of your registration certificate. At Global Parts, we offer original used tail lights and brake lights that have undergone extensive quality testing, ensuring their reliability and durability.

Impact on security and statistics

According to data from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), as many as 18% of rear-end collisions are caused by improper braking signals. Functional brake lights can shorten the reaction time of drivers behind by up to 0.3 seconds – which at a speed of 100 km/h translates to a difference of approximately 8 meters in braking distance.

How to choose the right tail lights and brake lights?

When choosing tail lights and brake lights, there are several key aspects to consider:

• Vehicle-specific fit – Every car has specific lighting requirements. At Global Parts, you'll find taillights and brake lights perfectly matched to BMW , Audi , Mercedes , Volkswagen , Mini , and more.
• Technical condition – Used lights should be free from cracks, dullness and damage to mountings.
• Lighting Type – Choose LED, Xenon or traditional lights depending on your equipment and preferences.

Compatibility and installation

An important criterion is the homologation number (E or DOT marking) and the OEM part number, which guarantees full compatibility with the electrical system and body mounts. In many cases, it's possible to use facelift headlights in older models – for example, the headlights from the BMW F30 LCI fit the pre-facelift version with minor modifications.

Why choose used tail lights and brake lights?

Used car parts, such as taillights and brake lights, are an economical solution that allows you to save money while maintaining high quality. By choosing used taillights, you benefit from:

• Lower costs – Used components are much cheaper than new ones, but offer equally high quality.
• Ecology – Recycling car parts supports environmental protection and reduces waste.
• A wide range – In our store you will find tail lights and brake lights for the most popular car brands.

Cost and durability comparison

The average price difference between new and used taillights is 40 to 70%. For example, a set of LED taillights for an Audi A6 C7 costs around 2,500 PLN new, while used originals in very good condition can be purchased for 800–1,000 PLN. With proper installation, used LED lights can last up to 10 years.

How to take care of tail lights and brake lights?

To ensure that your taillights and brake lights work reliably for a long time, it is worth following a few rules:

• Clean your headlight lenses regularly to prevent dirt from accumulating and reducing light brightness.
• Check light bulbs and LEDs – replace faulty components in time.
• Monitor the condition of fixtures and cables to avoid electrical problems. If you need to replace your tail lights or brake lights, you'll find the right used car parts at Global Parts. that will restore your vehicle's full functionality and aesthetics.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about tail lights and brake lights

Question	Answer
What is the function of rear lights in a car?	These are lighting elements placed at the rear of the vehicle that inform other road users about the vehicle's position and its intended manoeuvres.
What is the difference between tail lights and brake lights?	The tail lights are on constantly when driving at night, while the brake lights only come on when you press the brake, indicating that the vehicle is stopped.
What are the most common types of tail lights?	The most common are incandescent, LED, and laser. Each type varies in durability, brightness, and power consumption.
Can LED lights be installed instead of traditional ones?	Yes, but you must ensure that the vehicle's electrical system is compatible with LED technology and that the lights are homologated.
How to check tail light compatibility?	The easiest way is to use the OEM number or VIN number of the vehicle – this way you can be sure that the mounts and plugs are fully matched.
How much do used tail lights and brake lights cost?	Depending on the car model, prices range from approximately PLN 200 to PLN 1,000 for a set in good condition.
Are the tail lights used safe?	Yes, as long as they come from a reliable source and have approval markings. At Global Parts, every part is tested for functionality.

Summary: Tail lights and brake lights at Global Parts automotive store

Tail lights and brake lights are key components that ensure your vehicle's safety and visibility on the road. By maintaining their technical condition, you can avoid dangerous situations and enjoy comfortable driving in all conditions. The Global Parts automotive store invites you to browse our wide selection of original used car parts . Whether you're looking for car parts for BMW , Audi , Volkswagen , Mercedes, Mini , and more, you'll find them at competitive prices. We strive to ensure every customer finds the right parts for their car, and if you have any questions or concerns about selecting the right components, we're happy to help! Please contact us – we're here to help! For more information and interesting facts, visit our automotive blog .