Your GMC truck taillights are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Having a strong set of taillights greatly reduces the chances of getting into an accident. There are many different types of taillights to choose from. The main difference between the various GMC truck taillights is the type of bulb.
There are three primary types of bulbs to choose from. Most trucks come standard with halogen bulbs, which use a special filament to generate light. There are also HID lights, which use xenon gas. The last type of bulb is LED lights, which are considered the best lighting source.
GMC LED Tail Lights
GMC LED taillights have many advantages over other types of bulbs. For many drivers, the main advantage is the price. LED bulbs last significantly longer than either HID or halogen bulbs.
Even if you frequently use your truck, you can easily get between five and 10 years of service from your LED light bulbs. Additionally, LED bulbs use significantly less energy than either HID or halogen bulbs, which is better for your truck overall.
GMC LED taillights also shine brighter than halogen or HID taillights. This makes it much easier to spot your vehicle, even in difficult weather conditions. This is especially important for trucks. In difficult weather, drivers in small vehicles focus on the road in front of them.
Your truck being taller, it is possible to miss dimmer taillights. With LED GMC truck taillights, the shape of your vehicle is easier to identify, even in heavy rain, snow or fog.
Overall, GMC LED taillights are also safer than other types of bulbs. Halogen bulbs create light through a chemical reaction, which also causes the bulbs to heat up. While it is rare, the bulbs can potentially burn too brightly and cause minor damage to your vehicle. LED lights generate a minimum amount of heat and barely require any power to operate, so there is never a strain placed on your vehicle.
Types of GMC LED Tail Lights
There are dozens of GMC truck taillights to choose from. This may initially seem overwhelming, but most GMC LED taillights are the same product, with the only difference being the lights' size.
Which taillights you need depends on the year your truck was produced. GMC uses different generational designations for their vehicles. You can search for the GMC truck taillights for your specific generation, which greatly reduces the number of available lights.
Another difference between GMC LED taillights is whether the lights are clear or smoked. Clear GMC truck taillights produce a brighter, more visible light than other variants.
Smoked taillights have a tint along with the lens. The tinted lens produces a darker light. Smoked lenses also direct the light closer towards the road, making it easier for drivers in lower vehicles to see.
GMC truck taillights come in different shades of red. Some drivers prefer a brighter shade since it makes the vehicle easier to spot. Unlike with other lights, such as brake lights, you are limited on what color bulbs are available due to state laws.
Installing GMC LED Tail Lights
GMC LED taillights are easy to install. For the most part, the process is the same, no matter what type of truck you have. There may be a few minor distances, such as having a screwed in access panel at the back of your taillights. No matter what kind of truck you have, the first step is to disconnect your battery.
The next step to install your GMC truck taillights is to remove the existing lights. If necessary, open the hatch on the back of your truck to get access to the rear section of your taillights. You may have to remove an access panel to access the lights.
All you need to get rid of the access panel is a screwdriver. With older trucks, be careful when removing any plastic connectors or tabs. These parts often get brittle with age and may snap if you handle them roughly.
Your old GMC truck taillights are held in place with a series of nuts. Once you unscrew these nuts, you can slide the old taillight out. If you are having trouble with the nuts, apply a small amount of penetrating oil. This is often needed with older trucks.
Slide your new GMC LED taillights into the empty spot. Place the bolts into your new lights to secure them in place. If necessary, reattach your access panel, then close your hatch. Reconnect the battery and test out your new lights.
Trucks Supported with GMC LED Tail Lights
GMC LED taillights are compatible with most vehicles, such as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, GMC Dually, or Terrain. There are different sizes available depending on both your truck type and when it was manufactured. Many of the lights are labeled by size, generation, and type of truck. GMC truck taillights are also compatible with any Chevy Silverado.