How do you change a tag light on a car?
Changing a tag light on your car is a straightforward task that can enhance your vehicle's safety and compliance with local regulations. Tag lights illuminate your license plate, making it visible at night and ensuring you avoid potential fines. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to change a tag light efficiently.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- New tag light bulb (check your vehicle's manual for the correct type)
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on your vehicle)
- Gloves (optional, to keep the bulb clean)
- Towel or cloth (to protect your car's surface)
Steps to Change the Tag Light
Follow these steps to successfully change your tag light:
- Locate the Tag Light Assembly: The tag light is usually found near the rear license plate. Depending on your vehicle, it may be housed in a plastic cover or directly attached to the bumper.
- Remove the Cover: If your tag light has a cover, use the screwdriver to remove any screws holding it in place. Carefully lift the cover off to expose the bulb.
- Remove the Old Bulb: Gently twist or pull the old bulb out of its socket. Be cautious not to break it.
- Install the New Bulb: Take your new bulb and insert it into the socket. Make sure it fits snugly and is properly aligned.
- Replace the Cover: If you removed a cover, place it back over the light assembly and secure it with screws.
- Test the New Light: Turn on your vehicle's lights to ensure the new tag light is functioning correctly. If it doesn’t light up, double-check the bulb installation.
Tips for Maintenance
To keep your tag lights in good condition, consider the following tips:
- Regularly check your tag lights during routine vehicle inspections.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs promptly to avoid fines.
- Use gloves when handling new bulbs to prevent oil from your skin from damaging them.
Changing a tag light is a simple yet essential maintenance task that every car owner should know how to do. By following these steps, you can ensure your vehicle remains compliant and safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to have one license plate light out?
If one of your license plate lights is out, it may potentially be a violation of the law, as it can impact the visibility of your license plate, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.
How do I install a new license plate light?
Remove the license lamp from the rear bumper fascia. Remove the bulb/socket from the license lamp by rotating it counterclockwise. Remove the bulb from the socketInstall the bulb to the socket, Install the bulb/socket to the license lamp. Rotate the bulb/socket clockwise to secure it to the license plate lamp.
Does AutoZone sell tag lights?
AutoZone is happy to help you in your search as our catalog has the best license plate light mini bulbs for cars and trucks.
How much does it cost to replace a license plate light?
How Much Does a License Plate Light Replacement Cost? Aftermarket license plate lights can cost anywhere between $2 and $250 depending on light source, color, finish, recommended use, and series. License plate light sets usually cost more than individual license plate light replacements.
How to fix tag light?
Accessing the Lights from Inside the Trunk
- Get tag lights that are compatible with your vehicle.
- Remove the plastic fasteners holding the top trunk liner in place.
- Unscrew the bases holding the light bulbs inside your trunk.
- Pull the light bulbs out of their bases.
- Push the new bulbs into the bases until they're secure.
Can you replace your own license plate light?
The number plate light bulb illuminates a vehicle's rear license plate. To change it, you'll need to remove the previous bulb and its connections before installing a new one.
How much does it cost to replace a number plate light?
The price of car parts within the auto Number plate bulb category ranges from £5 to £26, depending on the vehicle type, manufacturer, and product specifications.
Is a broken tag light illegal?
In California, it is generally required for vehicles to have functioning license plate lights. If one of your license plate lights is out, it may potentially be a violation of the law, as it can impact the visibility of your license plate, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.
Can you drive with one tag light out?
Having a burned-out license plate light is a valid reason for police to pull you over. However, it is not a valid reason on its own for an officer to search your vehicle. If you are in this situation, the officer may ask to search your vehicle. If you say yes, they are legally allowed to search your car.
Can you change the number plate light?
To remove the bulbs, simply pull gently. Try not to pull too hard, and if they don't come out straight away, be patient. Now you should be able to insert the replacement bulbs. As with all bulbs, take care to handle them gently as the glass of the bulb is often quite thin and delicate, and therefore easily damaged.
