emergency repair to brake light

Brie

So we've discovered this morning that a tail light (the red brake bit) has been broken leaving a hole with some of the red plastic missing.  Normally this would be straight forward and we'd get it repaired.  Unfortunately that's not going to be possible before we drive off to Germany on Tuesday.  And it's unlikely we'll be able to get much done about it until January, given our travel dates and holiday closures.

I'm assuming that a small default wouldn't be a problem (correct me if I'm wrong, particularly if you have knowledge of what the Germans will think).  But to save us from scrutiny I'm considering getting some repair tape to hold us over until we get back.  Any experience knowledge of doing a quickie repair would be appreciated.  

Lens Repair Tape 3 Pack | Halfords UK

Car_54

Showing any white light to the rear is an offence, and it's a very obvious one. I can't imagine it's any different in Germany. I'd go for the tape.

WellKnownSid

Call a motor factor in your area - give the reg number - and get the replacement part which worst case ought to arrive tomorrow*.  Most* are relatively quick jobs on the drive or take some beer to your local back street mechanic and get it done there and then.

*usually... New models may not have a ready supply, some designs are trickier than others.

Mildly_Miffed

Short term fix - absolutely some red tape.

Proper fix - a replacement tail light. Used from the 'bay would be where I'd start looking.
What car?

Brie

Mildly_Miffed said:

Short term fix - absolutely some red tape.

Proper fix - a replacement tail light. Used from the 'bay would be where I'd start looking.
What car?

It's a volvo SUV, 2016 but what model I don't know off the top of my head.  Had a recent issue with the security alarm and because we didn't want to pay volvo prices for labour volvo ensured that it took much more time than normal to get the required part.  So there's no way I'm going to suggest fixing this before the holiday.  Unless of course we get pulled over in Germany and are forced into doing something.  I hope not.  

Mildly_Miffed

XC60, XC70, XC90?
XC40 wasn't launched until 2017.

Assuming XC60, even complete new decent-brand lights aren't a lot over a hundred quid. Rear fog is in the bumper light rather than the upper one, so there shouldn't be a difference LHD to RHD.

greyteam1959

Brie said:

Mildly_Miffed said:

Short term fix - absolutely some red tape.

Proper fix - a replacement tail light. Used from the 'bay would be where I'd start looking.
What car?

It's a volvo SUV, 2016 but what model I don't know off the top of my head.  Had a recent issue with the security alarm and because we didn't want to pay volvo prices for labour volvo ensured that it took much more time than normal to get the required part.  So there's no way I'm going to suggest fixing this before the holiday.  Unless of course we get pulled over in Germany and are forced into doing something.  I hope not.  

Look at your vehicle registration document for your model. 
The V5.

born_again

paint bulb red....

Keep checking it, as could get water ingress..

What make? Keep checking local dealers on your trip. One should have a replacement.

Brie

born_again said:

paint bulb red....

Keep checking it, as could get water ingress..

What make? Keep checking local dealers on your trip. One should have a replacement.

It's the covering not the bulb.  And the bulb is sealed somewhere inside the whole unit.  Going for the red tape job.

fyi Volvo XC60.