Light Guards

Is gravel from dirt roads smashing your auxiliary lights, or do you want to shield your lights on off-road trips? Light guards are covers and grilles that protect headlights, tail lights and auxiliary lights against impacts and dirt. Some covers have tinted lenses and can therefore also change the colour of the light.

Covers or guards – what do they protect?

Light guards come in two main types. Covers fit over the front of the auxiliary light, e.g. soft and hard covers from KC HiLiTES for 5- and 6-inch round lights, or ARB Intensity SOLIS covers with clear, amber or black lens. A solid cover without a lens is typically used to shield the light when it is switched off, while covers with a lens can stay on while the light is on – it depends on the product. Guards, e.g. Elite Euro Guards and Tail Light Guards from Rugged Ridge for the Jeep Wrangler JK, mount on the outside of the light and take hits from stones and branches while still letting the light through. The category also includes products from Hella and Fishbone Offroad.

How to choose a light guard

• Light series and size: covers are made for specific light series and diameters, so check that the cover fits your exact light.
• Car and model year: guards for headlights and tail lights are made for specific vehicles, so check the model year, e.g. 07-18 for the Wrangler JK.
• Purpose: should the light be shielded when it is off, protected while driving, or should the lens change the colour of the light?
• Mounting: check whether the guard clamps onto the light or bolts into the vehicle's existing holes.

Tinted lenses and covers can affect visibility and legality. It depends on the product and the vehicle, so check the approval, e.g. E-mark, for the specific part number. You can find more solutions under light covers, and protection for the headlight lens itself under headlight covers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with a cover on my auxiliary lights?

It depends on the cover. A solid cover without a lens typically shields the light when it is off, while covers with a clear or tinted lens let the light through. Check the product description and the rules for road use.

Does a light guard reduce light output?

A guard can cast a little shadow and slightly reduce light output, depending on the pattern and the distance to the lens. In return, it takes the hits from stones and branches that could otherwise shatter the lens.

How do I maintain light guards?

Rinse off gravel and dirt before wiping, so the lens doesn't get scratched. Use mild soap rather than solvents on plastic lenses, and regularly check brackets and screws, as vibrations can loosen them.