Tail Lights

You may recall last year the SAVVA Chairman, Fred Rascher, after attending the
Milligan Rally in Port Elizabeth, voiced his concern about the ineffectiveness of some of the
older vehicles taillights. The 2006 Milligan had it’s share of rain and mist that year and he
had followed cars that were virtually impossible to see under these conditions.

Originally is very important, but road safety and our well being is even more important so may
we suggest you check the “brightness” of your tail and brake lights on a regular basis and if
necessary fit larger wattage bulbs where possible. If the bulb holders are of an older and obsolete
type and cannot take a larger wattage bulb – fit modern ones – it’s really not that difficult.
If the reflectors in the fittings are dull paint them white or glue in tinfoil as a reflector.  
 
We recently had a situation with a popular English sports car. The taillights seemed o.k.
until we decided to fit new lenses as the old ones were looking a bit grotty.  When we came
to remove the old lenses we found the insides of the lenses and bulbs covered in dust and grime.
How anyone travelling behind this car ever saw the brake or tail lights will remain a mystery.
The lenses were cleaned out some five or so years ago but
the gaskets had obviously hardened (or badly fitted)
and weren’t very effective.
 
If you have an older collectable car - don’t take it for granted the lenses
and bulbs are clean - even if they look o.k’ish from the outside – for your own safety,
remove them and clean them every few years.