The humble tail light, although seemingly simple, is an intricate device holding vast significance in vehicle safety. Its design is a result of careful planning, top-quality materials, and advanced engineering, with a few essential components contributing to its function. The major components include the tail light lens, bulb, and the backbone of its operation – the circuit board.
In essence, a perfect tail light is a sturdy housing that contains multiple lighting units. Each of these units is designed to illuminate in various colours and intensities, depending on the signal sent from the vehicle. This signal is translated by the circuit board, which then instructs the proper lighting unit to respond.
Functionality and Importance of a Tail Light Circuit Board
The circuit board inside a tail light is the technological heart that controls the operation of the bulb. The circuit board is where the electrical connections are made that power the tail light. It interprets and responds to the commands it receives from the central control system of the vehicle. Each time you step on the brake, switch on the turn signal, or activate your fog light, it’s the tail light circuit board that responds and initiates the corresponding light.
Circuit boards are specifically designed to resist heat and vibration – two common conditions in a vehicle’s rear end. However, these aren’t its only adversaries. Water, dust, and other particles can also pose a threat to the circuit board’s performance. The tail light design counteracts these potential infiltrators with seals and gaskets, keeping the circuitry safe.
Considering the vital role the circuit board plays, a malfunctioning one can result in impaired communication between the driver and other motorists. A faulty tail light circuit board can consequently lead to devastating accidents due to harsh road conditions and misguiding other drivers about the vehicle’s actions. Therefore, the importance of a well-functioning tail light circuit board is undeniably immense.
The Role of Flash and Water Resistance in Tail Lights
Flash, or the use of oscillating light in tail lights, serves as an immediate attention-grabber. It’s a feature commonly used in hazardous or emergency situations to alert other vehicles. The circuit board governs this flashing mechanism in accordance with the driver’s input or in response to pre-set programs in some advanced vehicle models. The flash feature is of crucial importance as it significantly contributes to road safety.
Another indispensable feature of tail lights is their resistance to water. Tail lights are structured to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow. The light units are sealed off with water-resistant materials, preventing any moisture from reaching the circuit board or other internal components. This design not only ensures uninterrupted functionality but also prolongs the life of the tail light.
Even the posts and screws used in the assembly of tail lights are typically made of rust-resistant materials for added protection against water. This meticulous attention to detail underlines the importance of water resistance in maintaining the integrity and performance of tail lights.
What are the different types of Tail Light and its uses
In Australia, there are primarily three types of tail lights used on vehicles:
- Halogen Bulb Tail Lights: These are the traditional tail lights commonly found on older vehicles. They use halogen bulbs to produce light, which are relatively inexpensive to replace. However, they tend to consume more power and have a shorter lifespan compared to newer technologies.
- LED Tail Lights: LED (Light Emitting Diode) tail lights are becoming increasingly popular in modern vehicles. They offer several advantages over halogen bulbs, including lower power consumption, longer lifespan, and quicker response time. Quality LED tail lights also provide a brighter and more vibrant high-quality light output, enhancing visibility and safety on the road.
- Custom LED tail lights: Refer to tail light assemblies that have been modified or customized to meet specific aesthetic preferences or functional requirements. These modifications typically involve replacing the stock tail light housings with aftermarket options that feature LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology.
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Tail Lights: HID tail lights utilize a different technology compared to halogen bulbs and LEDs. They produce light by passing an electric current through xenon gas within a quartz tube. HID tail lights are known for their exceptionally whiter light and intense illumination, providing excellent visibility in various driving conditions. However, they are less common than halogen and LED tail lights due to their higher cost and complexity.
Each tail light serves the primary purpose of making vehicles visible to other road users, especially during low-light conditions or adverse weather. Additionally, tail lights also indicate when a vehicle is braking or signalling a turn, contributing to overall road safety.
Famous stores in Australia where we can buy tail light
In Australia, there are several famous stores where you can buy tail lights for vehicles. Some of these stores include:
- Supercheap Auto: Supercheap Auto is a popular automotive retailer in Australia, offering a wide range of car parts and accessories, including tail lights.
- Repco: Repco is another well-known automotive retailer that stocks a variety of car parts and accessories, including tail lights, for various makes and models.
- Autobarn: Autobarn is a chain of automotive retail stores across Australia that offers a comprehensive selection of car parts and accessories, including tail lights.
- BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing): While primarily focused on outdoor and recreational equipment, BCF also carries a range of automotive accessories, including tail lights, suitable for trailers and recreational vehicles.
- eBay Australia: For those who prefer online shopping, eBay Australia provides a platform where you can find a wide selection of tail lights from various sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tail Lights
Tail lights have a vital role in ensuring road safety. The tail light circuit board interprets and responds to driver inputs, ensuring that the right signals are relayed to fellow road users. Features like flash and water resistance add to the tail light’s effectiveness, once again emphasising the intricate and significant design behind this essential vehicle component.
Whether it’s a leisurely drive or a heavy-traffic commute, the functionality of tail lights is crucial. Therefore, understanding these devices’ anatomy, particularly the role of the circuit board, is essential for any driver or vehicle owner. It allows for timely maintenance and replacements, contributing to vehicle safety and a smoother driving experience.
