We are often asked why Spoilerlights burn out and begin to malfunction. There are numerous reasons, but the primary reasons are listed below.
There are three primary reasons why Spoilerlights fail:
- Spoilerlights have a lifespan of approximately 10 years or 10,000 light hours. The majority of our customers contact us for spoiler light replacements when their vehicles are approximately 10 years old or older. This is generally the lifespan of most spoilerlights. Some burn out earlier which we will explain in further detail below. If your is 10 years old or older, you are most likely due for a new spoiler light replacement.
- Spoilerlights will often burn out or malfunction due to people slamming their trunks and/or excessive road vibration. We live in a busy hectic world where we are often pressed for time. We have examined many malfunctioning Spoilerlights over the years and have determined the reason for early failure of most lights is due to people slamming the trunks of their cars. Most people do not realize they are doing it. Spoilerlights are generally very tough and will withstand quite a bit of use and abuse. However over time, small cracks often invisible to the eye begin to form on the lens of the light. These cracks begin to compromise the seal of the spoiler light allowing microscopic amounts of condensation to seep into the lens of the light. Once water (condensation) is inside of the light, it begins to damage the internal LED strip and LED circuitry. Often one or more LEDs will begin to burn out as a result. Over time, as the LED strip is exposed to the elements, further LEDs burn out until the entire strip begins to fail.
- Spoilerlights primary cause of failure is due to water damage. As mentioned previously, the primary cause for Spoilerlight failure is water damage. Over time the Spoilerlight lens through wear, oxidation, slamming of the trunk, road vibration, etc. begins to allow condensation (water) into the internal lens of the light. Once this happens it is only a matter of time before the light begins to fail. Usually one or more LEDs burn out one at a time.
How to extend the life of your Spoilerlight?
To extend the life of your Spoilerlight as much as possible do the following:
- Park your vehicle in a garage (if possible) and limit exposure to the elements such as the sun, rain, snow, etc. Extreme temperature fluctuations over time can cause cracking and oxidation of the lens.
- Do not slam your trunk. Try and be conscious of closing your trunk. Most trunks will close without the need of much force to the locking mechanism.
- Take care of your vehicle. Sometimes its that simple. The better care you take of something, the longer it will last.
