Car Lighting – Headlights and Tail Lights

Automotive lighting (auto optics) includes headlights, tail lights, fog lights with daytime running lights, turn signal repeaters, and headlight protectors made for a specific body type and production years. Options differ by execution: OEM manufacturer original parts, OEM-style replicas (“like original”), or restyling and tuning lights that change the car’s appearance—for example, LED, in the style of a newer body version, or smoked. Brands include GBT, 1234 Upgrade, GT Tuning, GPlast, Libao, EGR, and Omsa Line, as well as selected original headlights.

Types of automotive lighting in this category

• Headlights — sets in original (OEM) design, restyling and LED headlights, including versions styled like a newer body revision, such as V-class or Maybach design for Mercedes Vito W447.
• Tail lights — LED tail lights, restyling sets (LCI design for BMW 5 F10, GX-type for Prado 150), smoked Black and Dark versions, as well as rear reflectors.
• Fog lights — lights for the OEM location for passenger cars and vans; some already come with an LED bulb, plus DRL daytime running lights.
• Turn signal repeaters — side fender indicators, mirror indicators, and corner lights.
• Headlight protectors — clear EGR Airplex polycarbonate covers that mount in OEM points and take the impact from stones and dirt.

How to choose headlights or tail lights for your car

1. Select the make and model in the filter. Headlights and tail lights are made to match the geometry of the factory mounting points, so lighting from another body or another version won’t fit—even if it looks similar.
2. Check the years, facelift version, and current lighting type. The same body often has separate products for before and after a model update—years are listed in the product name. The year or VIN alone may not be enough: in a transition year, or after replacing the bumper or lights, use photos of the parts currently installed on the car.
3. Confirm what is actually LED. On some tail lights, only the brake/parking lights are LED, while turn signals and reverse light still use a standard bulb—this is specified in the specs. An LED strip or a replaceable LED bulb doesn’t make the whole unit Full LED, and “Black” or “Dark” in the name refers to the housing/lens color, not the lighting technology. Bulbs are selected in the car bulbs section.
4. Pay attention to quantity and what’s included. Most headlights and tail lights are sold as a set of two: left and right parts are not interchangeable. A tail light on the quarter panel and the section on the trunk lid are different parts. Bulbs, modules, trims, and wiring are not always included—check the exact contents in the “Package contents” field.

What’s the difference between original, OEM-style, and tuning lights?

Original lighting is sold under the car maker’s brand and costs significantly more than aftermarket alternatives; in this category it’s marked as “Original”, and used headlights are additionally marked “Used”. OEM-style, or “like original”, is an aftermarket part that visually matches the factory lighting. Restyling and tuning headlights change the look of the car: they replicate the lighting of a newer body version or use a smoked design. Projector lenses, LED, electric leveling, and adaptive cornering light are separate features, and aftermarket versions don’t always include them. If your car has these features and you want to keep them, compare the description of the specific product.

Installation and wiring

Model-specific headlights and DRLs usually fit the factory mounting points and connect plug-and-play, without modifying the wiring. If the car is switching from halogen or xenon to LED headlights, you may need an electronic “decoder”—a CANBUS adapter—to remove bulb-check errors; it’s best to have the wiring done by an electrician experienced with LED lighting. European and US-spec lights may differ in turn signal color and connectors: on most cars no coding is needed, but for some models it may be required. Fog lights must match the actual bumper: openings, frames, and covers must line up; on cars without factory fog lights, additional wiring with a switch may be required. After installing headlights, check and adjust the beam pattern if needed to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Replace tail lights in pairs: a new unit will differ from an old one in shade and brightness.

Popular models

The largest selection in this category is for SUVs and vans: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 lighting, Land Cruiser 200, Range Rover L322, Nissan Patrol Y61, Mercedes G-class W463, and Mercedes Vito W447. To complete the look, also check headlight covers, headlight eyelids, and headlight polishes.

Description prepared with AI based on analysis of over 1 million phone calls between DD Tuning managers and customers, as well as the company knowledge base. We collected the questions customers ask most often and answers verified in real practice.