How to Remove Red from Tail Lights

Seeing red tail lights while driving at night is a common sight. But have you ever come across tail lights that are no longer red but pink, yellow, or orange? If you have ever wondered how to remove red from tail lights, you have come to the right place. This blog post will guide you on removing red from tail lights and restoring their original color. So, buckle up, and let’s get started.

How to Remove Red from Tail Lights

Can You Remove the Red from Tail Lights?

Tail lights are an essential part of a vehicle, ensuring visibility and safety on the road. However, sometimes the vibrant red color of the lights can clash with the overall aesthetic of a car. So, can you remove the red from the tail lights? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just painting over the red lens. 

Specially designed films and sprays can be applied to tail lights to alter the color, but it’s important to note that tampering with your vehicle’s lights could violate safety regulations and lead to a fine. So, before making any changes, research and consult a professional to ensure your modifications are safe and legal.

Why Should You Remove Red from Tail Lights?

When it comes to car modifications, some may seem purely aesthetic. However, removing red from your tail lights can improve your driving safety. Replacing the red with clear or smoked lenses increases the visibility of your turn signals and reverse lights. 

This can be particularly helpful in foggy or low light conditions where it may be difficult for other drivers to see traditional red tail lights. In addition, changing up the look of your car can be a fun way to express your personal style and stand out on the road. So, if you’re considering a simple and practical modification, removing red from your tail lights might be a great option for you.

How to Remove Red from Tail Lights: A Comprehensive Guide

Before diving into the steps to removing red from tail lights, it is important to understand the culprit behind the discoloration. The color shift in tail lights is caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. 

The UV rays break down the red pigment in the plastic of the tail lights, causing it to fade and change color. This is why we need to use the correct technique to restore them. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Step 1. Clean the Tail Lights

Before you start restoring the tail lights, make sure you give them a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent and a non-abrasive sponge to clean the surface. Once you have cleaned the tail lights, rinse them with water, and let them dry.

Give Them a Thorough Cleaning

Step 2. Sand the Tail Lights

With the help of right fine-grit sandpaper, sand the entire surface area of the tail lights. Make sure you do not apply too much pressure while sanding, as it can cause scratches. You can also use a Sander to get the job done quickly.

Step 3. Apply Rubbing Compound

After you have sanded the tail lights, it’s time to apply a rubbing compound. Apply a small amount of the rubbing compound to a clean cloth and rub it onto the entire surface of the tail lights. Keep rubbing until the compound disappears.

Step 4. Apply a Color Restorer

Once the rubbing compound dries, apply a color restorer to the tail lights. A color restorer is a special solution that helps return the tail lights’ original color. Apply the restorer with a soft cloth and let it sit for a few moments before wiping it clean with another cloth.

Step 5. Spray a Clear Coat

The next step in restoring the tail lights is to apply a clear coat. Applying a clear coat protects the tail light from UV rays and other environmental factors. Spray a thin layer of clear coat on the tail lights, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 6. Buff and Polish

Once you have applied the clear coat, use a clean cloth to buff and polish the tail lights until they shine. This will give them an extra layer of protection from UV rays as well as make them look better.

Step 7. Finishing Touches

Finally, you can give the tail lights a final touch-up when all is said and done. Use a soft cloth with some wax to bring out the shine of the tail lights. Once you are satisfied with the results, apply an anti-UV coating to protect them from further discoloration.

That’s it! You’ve now learned how to remove red from tail lights. With these simple steps, you can restore the original appearance of your tail lights in no time! So don’t wait any longer, and give it a try today!

Original Appearance of Your Tail Lights

5 Considerations Things When You Need to Remove Red from Tail Lights

1. The Severity of The Red Tint.

If the red tint is very severe, replacing the entire taillight assembly may be necessary. However, removing the red tint with a polishing compound may be possible if the red tint is only slight.

2. The Type of Taillight.

The type of taillight will also affect the removal process. For example, LED taillights are made of different materials than traditional incandescent taillights and may require a different removal process.

3. The Age of The Taillight.

Older taillights may be more difficult to remove the red tint from as the material may have hardened over time.

4. The Make and Model of The Vehicle.

Some vehicles have aftermarket taillights that are easier to remove the red tint from than others. Additionally, some vehicles have clearcoat or other protective coatings that must be considered when removing the red tint.

5. The Cost of Replacement Parts.

If replacing the entire taillight assembly is necessary, the cost of replacement parts should be considered. Aftermarket parts may be less expensive than OEM parts, but they may not last as long or fit as well.

By considering all of these factors, you can ensure that the process of removing red from tail lights is as efficient and cost-effective as possible. With a little bit of care and attention, you can have your taillights looking great again in no time!

Entire Taillight Assembly is Necessary

Benefits of Remove Red from Tail Lights

Removing red from tail lights may seem like a small detail, but it can actually have numerous benefits. For one, it can improve visibility for drivers on the road. When the red is removed, the brake light and turn signal colors become more distinct, making it easier for drivers to understand the intentions of the vehicle in front of them.

Removing red from tail lights can also give a car a sleek, modern look. It’s a subtle way to upgrade the appearance of a vehicle without making major modifications. So, whether it’s for safety or style reasons, removing red from tail lights can be a smart choice for any driver.

Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Remove Red from Tail Lights

Tail lights are important safety features of your vehicle. They help other drivers on the road to see you and to understand your movements. You might want to remove the red tint from your tail lights to give your vehicle a unique look. However, this process can be tricky, and people make some common mistakes when trying to do it themselves.

Applying too much heat can melt the taillight assembly, making it useless. On the other hand, trying to remove the red film with harsh chemicals can damage the light, making it cloudy and harder to see. Doing your research beforehand or consulting an expert to help you avoid these common pitfalls is best.

With the right approach, you can get the look you want without compromising your safety on the road.

Are There Any Professional Techniques Used for Removing Paint or Film from Car Taillights?

When it comes to car maintenance, one issue that drivers may experience is that the taillights of their cars become vandalized with paint or film. Fortunately, professional techniques can be utilized to remove this blemish. However, it should be noted that not all methods work the same for every car, and paint or film removal can be complicated.

Additionally, it is important to have the right tools when attempting to remove paint or film from taillights to avoid further damaging the car’s exterior. With the help of a professional, not only can you remove the paint or film from your taillights, but you can also bring back the shine and enhance your car’s appearance.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Now that you know how to remove red from tail lights, you can restore your car’s tail lights to their original color. By taking good care of your tail lights, you can prolong their lifespan and keep them looking new for longer. Remember to clean and wax them regularly to prevent discoloration. We hope this guide has been helpful in restoring your car’s tail lights.

Photo of author

Jennifer Branett

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