Whether you’re replacing burnt-out or dim incandescent bulbs or upgrading to LED bulbs, you must know the exact bulb type required. Vehicle bulbs come in various shapes, sizes, and, most importantly, base types. There are several ways to determine which bulbs your vehicle needs, and Super Bright LEDs has you covered with this comprehensive guide.
Factors to Consider
Upgrading to LED Bulbs
Many people choose to upgrade to LED bulbs when replacing their old bulbs. It's a simple, cost-effective upgrade with multiple benefits:
- Longer life span: LED bulbs last 15 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs (up to 30,000 hours).
- Energy-efficient: LED bulbs are 80-90% more efficient than traditional bulbs - reducing the strain on your vehicle's electrical system.
- Better Visibility: LED bulbs put out much more light than traditional bulbs and are available in various colors for the perfect look.
Fitment and Bulb Size
The size of the bulb you are replacing will play an important role in the replacement bulb you choose. The design of LED bulbs is usually a 1:1 match to the size of traditional bulbs. However, more powerful bulbs can be larger than the OEM bulb.
To ensure proper fitment, you will want to find a bulb similar to your existing one or verify that there is enough space to house your new bulb upgrade.
Vehicle Application
Where you place the bulb will be the main factor determining the bulb you must buy. Specifications about each lighting area will also affect your bulb choice, as explained below.
What to Know:
- Check the available space in your headlight or fog light enclosure. Some LED bulbs have larger heat sinks or external drivers that you must consider during installation.
- Some bulbs can be polarity-sensitive. If you plug in your new bulb and it isn't working, try flipping around the connection. Non-polarized bulbs work with either connection.
In the USA, LED bulbs are street-legal for fog lights and off-road use only. Street use in halogen headlights is prohibited. The only exception is vehicles provided with LED headlight housings by the manufacturer.
Tail Lights, Turn Signals, and Reverse Lights
What to Know:
- These bulbs can range in size and brightness. When deciding, consider the bulb size you are replacing and the room available in the installation location.
- You can use a white bulb in any of these positions, but we recommend you match the bulb's color to the lens covering it. Red LEDs are used for tail lights, amber LEDs for turn signals, and white LEDs for reverse lights.
This article provides detailed information on choosing the correct base type for tail, brake, and turn lights.
Dash, Gauge Clusters, and Indicator Lights
What to Know:
- Identify the type of bulb your vehicle uses to ensure the new bulb fits. We have a range of 194/168, BA9s, NEO-wedge, and B8 bulbs.
- Select your color according to your application and preference. For example, if you want to illuminate your gauges or light up indicators or warning lights.
Interior and Courtesy Lights
What to Know:
How to Select the Right Vehicle Bulb Replacement
Follow the steps below to find the correct bulb replacement for your vehicle.
1. Remove the existing bulb.
2. Select the vehicle bulb type you need on our website.
3. Check for the printed bulb type on the bulb.
4. Compare its socket, shape, and size to the online options.
5. Our Vehicle Bulb Finder is also an excellent resource for quickly finding compatible bulbs for your vehicle. Just input the information for the year, make, and model and click ‘submit.’ You will then receive options for front and rear exterior LED bulbs and interior LED bulbs.
6. If the options above don’t help, contact our Product Support Group or conduct an internet search.
Vehicle Bulb Installation
The exact steps for installing a vehicle bulb vary depending on where you’re installing it and your car or truck model. However, you should turn your car off before installing it. Most replacement bulb installations don’t require a mechanic. You can usually wedge or twist the bulbs into the socket.
Next Steps
Start the vehicle replacement process by choosing the correct bulb for your vehicle! You should always check with laws in your state to see if there are any restrictions regarding the bulbs, CCT, or colors that can or can’t be on your vehicle.
Replacing bulbs in your vehicle shouldn’t be stressful. If you have any questions about vehicle bulbs, call 866-590-3533 to speak with one of our customer advocates.
by Emily Willis
LED Lighting Specialist
Emily has undergone training to provide technically accurate lighting knowledge on the uses and benefits of LEDs in residential, landscape, commercial, and vehicle applications. These blogs help understand and select lighting for various projects.
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