Rear light - plastic casing/cover cracked

Paully D

Hi guys,

The car got a tip and as a result the top of my rear headlight plastic casing/cover has cracked.

It’s a little hard to explain without pictures I know, but it has only cracked a little to the right hand side of the top light, and therefore does not cause any real noticeable white light to shine through on those driving behind.

I have got someone to drive behind me and confirm this. All bulbs are working fine and a replacement is on order, however, due to mechanic/stock issues, won’t be fixed until next week.

I have a couple of unavoidable trips to make over the weekend that will involve driving in the dark, so just wondering if there’s any DIY methods that might tide me over until the replacement can be fitted or avoid me getting into any trouble?

As I said, all bulbs are working fine and no white light is shining through so it would probably be okay, but I’d have a concern that rain may get in on it especially in this weather and cause the aforementioned bulb to blow or worse cause some wiring issues.

Thanks guys.

Alanstrainor

Red electrical tape would sort you I reckon.

CJhaughey

Paully D wrote: »

Hi guys,

The car got a tip and as a result the top of my rear headlight plastic casing/cover has cracked.

It’s a little hard to explain without pictures I know, but it has only cracked a little to the right hand side of the top light, and therefore does not cause any real noticeable white light to shine through on those driving behind.

I have got someone to drive behind me and confirm this. All bulbs are working fine and a replacement is on order, however, due to mechanic/stock issues, won’t be fixed until next week.

I have a couple of unavoidable trips to make over the weekend that will involve driving in the dark, so just wondering if there’s any DIY methods that might tide me over until the replacement can be fitted or avoid me getting into any trouble?

As I said, all bulbs are working fine and no white light is shining through so it would probably be okay, but I’d have a concern that rain may get in on it especially in this weather and cause the aforementioned bulb to blow or worse cause some wiring issues.

Thanks guys.

Motor Factors should have the tape that can be stuck over a crack to keep water out and white light in.
It comes in Red and orange for indicators.
https://www.halfords.ie/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/fuses-electricals-fixings/halfords-lens-repair-tape-red

Paully D

Thanks guys.

I have attached an image below.

With tape being suggested as a fix, I fear I may have given the impression that the damage is much less than actually is, or would tape still be an option for this?

https://ibb.co/rQtWYJR

Alanstrainor

Paully D wrote: »

Thanks guys.

I have attached an image below.

With tape being suggested as a fix, I fear I may have given the impression that the damage is much less than actually is, or would tape still be an option for this?

https://ibb.co/rQtWYJR

I think it's still doable. Just use lots of tape in vertical strips and seal it as best you can. Reading reviews of the Halfords tape posted above, it seems you don't get very much, worth keeping in mind I reckon.

Even if you have to use a dark/black tape I don't see much issue here for a short period of time. Both brake and illumination lamps should be visible. Better to have it sealed for now until a replacement can be sourced.

CJhaughey

I have seen larger pieces of that tape in motor factors, Halfords is a bit of a rip for that small amount but you get the idea. Self adhesive book covering material for schoolbooks would cover it until you get a new lens. It comes in big sheets and is cheap.

Gingy_Ste

As said the tape is a good idea. I've used it to cover a smaller hole with no issues and for just a hand full of trips it should be perfect. Just try to do it so water won't get in.

Paully D

Thank you for the help guys.

Got the red lens repair tape and have attached image of same below.

As you can see, DIY is not my forte (!) and I was in a mad rush at lunch, but hopefully it’ll do enough to keep the elements at bay until I can get it repaired properly early next week.

https://ibb.co/Gpd0DDz

colm_mcm

Looks good as new