What causes faded tail lights?
Tail lights go pale or cloudy for the same reason headlights do. The sun breaks down the surface of the plastic. Because the plastic is tinted, a red lens can go orange or washed out. If there is condensation or a water line inside, the seal has failed.
What kind of repair does it need?
Restoration if the damage is on the outside. The surface is sanded back and sealed with a new UV clear coat, the same as headlights. Replacement if the seal has failed or the colour has faded right through.
Restoration works if the damage is on the outside. Moisture inside means the seal has failed, and no outside work fixes that. Check a wrecker before a dealer.
What to do next
Check for moisture inside first, early in the morning when condensation shows. If it is dry, restoration is worth doing. If there is water inside, go straight to replacement, and check a wrecker before a dealer. On some cars the lens is only sold as a full unit.
Sources
- Wikipediaencyclopedia
Over time the factory protective hardcoat breaks down with UV degradation and wear from abrasion, etc.
- PartCatalogparts seller
This indicates a failed seal and allows corrosion of reflectors and internal wiring, which can quickly damage the entire assembly.
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