Light Covers

Do you run auxiliary lights on the front of your car, or want to shield your tail lights from rocks and branches on an off-road trip? Here we bring together covers and guards that protect the light's lens, can give the light a different colour or cover the lamp when it is not in use.

Covers and guards – what they do

Light covers sit in front of the lens and come in several versions. Hard covers, e.g. KC HiLiTES' round 6-inch hard cover, typically protect the lens against stone chips. Soft covers are mainly used to cover the lamp and keep dirt out when the light is switched off. Coloured covers, e.g. the amber ones from Rigid Industries, change the colour of the light, which can reduce glare in dust and rain. Guards in light protection, e.g. Rugged Ridge tail light guards for the Jeep Wrangler JK, are mounted on the outside of the light and take hits from branches and rocks. For headlights we have a separate category with headlight covers.

How to choose light covers

• Purpose: stone chip protection, a different light colour or covering the lamp when it is not in use.
• Size and series: the cover must fit the specific lamp. Some are round, e.g. 5 or 6 inches, others are made for a specific lamp series.
• Colour: a clear lens typically dims the light the least, while smoked, yellow and amber versions change both the look and the light.
• Mounting: how the cover is attached and how easy it is to take off and put on.

Inspection, legality and maintenance

Whether a cover or guard may be fitted while driving on public roads depends on the product and the car. Coloured and smoked covers on mandatory lighting can affect brightness and colour, so check the approval, e.g. E-mark, for the specific part number. Clean covers with mild soap and water, and check regularly for scratches and cracks, as these can scatter the light. Light covers belong to exterior accessories, and if you want to protect more of the front, you will find push bars and skid plates in a sister category.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a hard and a soft light cover?

A hard cover typically protects the lens against stone chips and, in some versions, can change the colour of the light. A soft cover is mainly used to cover the lamp and keep dirt out when the light is switched off.

Can I drive with smoked tail light covers on the road?

It depends on the product and the car. Smoked covers can dim the light, so check whether the specific part number has the necessary approval, e.g. E-mark, before driving with it on public roads.

Can I switch the lamp on with the cover fitted?

Clear and coloured covers are made to let the light through, but they can affect brightness and beam spread. Opaque covers should be removed before the lamp is switched on – check the product description for the specific model.

How do I find the right cover for my lamp?

Go by the lamp's brand, series and size. Many covers are made for a specific lamp series or diameter, e.g. round 5- and 6-inch lamps, so compare with the lamp's part number or dimensions.