Discover the Car Skull: All About Taillights

When we talk about car parts, we often focus on the engine, tires, or body. However, there are essential safety components that sometimes go unnoticed until they fail. One of these crucial elements, especially for visibility and road safety, is our vehicle’s taillights. Have you ever wondered what that plastic piece that covers the taillights is called? In this article, we’ll unravel the mystery and thoroughly explore the world of the taillight, its vital function, and what to do if you experience problems with it.

What is the Skull or Mica of the Taillights?

The rear fog light, also known as the fog lamp , is a fundamental component of any automobile’s lighting system. It is a translucent or transparent plastic plate, typically red, although it can also be white or yellow, that covers and protects the housings that house the headlight bulbs in the rear of the vehicle. Its name, although it may sound peculiar, is the term commonly used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to this essential element.

The primary function of the rear taillight is twofold: on the one hand, it protects the bulbs and lighting system from the elements, dust, and impacts. On the other hand, it acts as a filter and diffuser of the light emitted by the bulbs, ensuring that the light signals are clearly visible to other drivers on the road. The colors used in rear taillights are not arbitrary; red is universally used for taillights due to its high visibility and its association with stopping and danger, while white is reserved for reverse lights and yellow or amber for turn signals.

Auxiliary Lights and the Skull: An Essential Set

When we talk about taillights, we’re not just referring to the plastic part itself, but also to the set of auxiliary lights it houses. These lights serve various signaling functions and are vital for road safety. Inside the taillight, we can find:

• Auxiliary night lights (or rear lights): These are low-intensity red lights that are illuminated along with the headlights when driving at night or in low-visibility conditions. Their purpose is to make the vehicle visible to other drivers from the rear.
• Turn signals: These may be red or yellow (amber) depending on local regulations and the vehicle’s age. They indicate the intention to turn or change lanes by flashing intermittently on the appropriate side.
• Reverse lights: These are white lights that automatically turn on when reverse gear is selected. They alert other drivers and pedestrians that the vehicle is reversing.
• Brake lights: These are brighter red lights than auxiliary night lights and come on when you press the brake pedal. They indicate to vehicles behind you that your car is braking or slowing down.
• Emergency flashers (or hazard lights): These are red or yellow lights that flash simultaneously, both front and rear. They are used to indicate an emergency, a breakdown, or any dangerous situation in which other road users need to be alerted.

It’s important to note that, on some older vehicles or specific designs, the sidelights (located on the side of the vehicle) could be separate from the taillights. These sidelights, usually yellow at the front and red at the rear, supplemented the vehicle’s visibility from the sides. However, on modern cars, it’s much more common for all rear lights, including the sidelights (if present), to be integrated into a single taillight unit.

Evolution of Taillights: From Separate Elements to Integrated Skulls

The arrangement of rear lights on automobiles has evolved significantly over the decades. In older vehicles, separate sets of lights were common. In past decades, the rear corner of the vehicle was often part of the metal bumper, considered a “crash zone.” This configuration made it necessary to separate the lights to ensure visibility from both the rear and sides of the vehicle.

In this older design, the side lights were usually the auxiliary night lights or rear quarter lights, while the rear end housed the rest of the assembly, which could consist of just two white bulbs for the reverse light and two red dual bulbs for the other functions, managed by combinations of ignition and flashing. In some cases, even the reverse lights could be separated from the taillight and located elsewhere on the rear body.

Over time, the trend was toward specialized lighting, assigning a separate set of bulbs to each function. Yellow (amber) bulbs became more common for turn signals and blinkers, improving signal differentiation. In addition, the integration of all taillights into a single taillight spanning the rear corner of the vehicle became popular. This design allows a single bulb to be visible from both the rear and the side, eliminating the need for separate sidelights. This arrangement, with the integrated taillight, is the most common on modern cars and trucks, offering a cleaner aesthetic and greater signaling efficiency.

What Causes Tail Lights to Stop Working?

Taillights are crucial for driving safety, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. They allow other drivers to see you and anticipate your movements. While brake lights are usually independent and remain operational, the failure of auxiliary taillights at night can be a serious problem. Fortunately, most of the time, the solution is relatively simple. Here are some of the most common reasons why taillights may stop working:

• Blown Fuse: When an electrical component stops working, the first thing to check is the fuse . A fuse is a safety device that protects electrical circuits from overloads. If the fuse for your taillights has blown (usually due to a power surge), your taillights will stop working. The fuse box is usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side or in the engine compartment. Consult your owner’s manual to locate the fuse box and the fuse diagram specific to your taillights. A blown fuse can be identified by a broken or blackened inner metal band. You can use a fuse tester to confirm this and replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
• Damaged bulb socket: The bulb socket is the receptacle where the light bulb is inserted. If the socket is damaged, usually by corrosion or broken pins, it can prevent the bulb from making proper contact and, therefore, the light from working. To check the bulb socket, remove the bulb and examine the inside of the socket for signs of corrosion, discoloration, or broken pins.
• Faulty Wiring: Any interruption in the flow of electricity due to faulty wiring can cause problems with the lighting system. Broken, frayed, frayed, or corroded wires can disrupt the circuit and cause the taillights to not work. Although you can perform a visual inspection of the wiring in the taillight area, a professional with a wiring diagram and the proper tools can more accurately diagnose the problem.
• Burned-out bulb: The simplest and most common cause is a burned-out bulb . Light bulbs have a limited lifespan and, over time, burn out. Fortunately, replacing a bulb is a simple and inexpensive task. To check if the bulb is burned out, remove the cap (usually held in place with screws or clips) and examine the bulb filament. If the filament is broken or burned out, the bulb needs to be replaced.
• Faulty control switch: The switch that controls the taillights is another vital component in the electrical circuit. If this switch fails, it can interrupt the power supply to the lights. The switch is usually located on the steering column or dashboard. You can try inspecting it with a multimeter or take it to a mechanic for a more thorough check.
• Faulty sensor: In modern cars, sensors play an important role in the functioning of several systems, including lighting. If a sensor related to the lighting system fails, it can disrupt the circuit and cause problems. For example, if both the headlights and parking lights fail, along with the taillights, but the brake lights remain functional, a sensor may be the culprit. In these cases, it’s advisable to visit a mechanic for a professional diagnosis.

Conclusion

The taillight , along with the lights it houses, is an essential component for the safety of your vehicle. Knowing its name, function, and possible causes of failure allows you to better understand your vehicle and take preventive or corrective action in the event of any problems. Keeping your taillights in good condition is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental measure to ensure your safety and that of others on the road. If you have any questions or problems with your taillights, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic for a proper check and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is a skull the same as a mica?
   Yes, both “skull” and “mica” are used to refer to the plastic cover over a car’s taillights.
2. What color should the rear taillight be?
   Typically, the rear taillight is red, although it can also include white (for the reverse light) and yellow (for the turn signal lights in some cases) parts.
3. Can I replace my car’s taillight myself?
   In many cases, yes. Replacing the taillight is usually a simple task that involves removing a few screws or clips. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional.
4. What do I do if my taillights aren’t working?
   First, check the fuses. Then, check the bulbs. If the problem persists, it could be a problem with the bulb socket, the wiring, the switch, or a sensor. In these cases, it’s advisable to take the car to a mechanic.
5. Are working taillights mandatory?
   Yes, it is mandatory and essential for safety. Driving with faulty taillights is not only illegal, but it also puts your safety and that of other drivers at risk.