What automotive LED bulb do I need for my vehicle?
First, determine the bulb size and type used in your vehicle's headlights, tail lights, or interior.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Consult your vehicle owner's manual: Your owner's manual will usually provide information on the type and size of bulbs used in your vehicle. Your manual is the most reliable source of information.
- Check the existing bulbs: If you can access your vehicle's headlights, taillights, or interior lights, you can remove the current bulbs and check their size and type. Typically the manufacturer prints this information on the bulb.
- Use our online bulb finder tool: Use our Vehicle Bulb Finder to search for the correct automotive LED bulb based on your vehicle's make, model, and year. For additional information on choosing compatible bulbs, check out our quick guide or contact customer service.
When looking for automotive LED replacement bulbs, choose one designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model. Selecting the correct bulb ensures it will be compatible with your vehicle's electrical system and provide the proper light output.
This automotive LED bulb looks longer than my stock bulb. Will it fit my vehicle?
The length of an automotive LED bulb does not necessarily determine whether it will fit your vehicle. The most crucial factor is the bulb's base type, which must match the socket in your vehicle.
Once you determine the correct bulb size and base type, check the dimensions of the LED bulb. Checking the dimensions ensures that the bulb will fit in the available space in your vehicle. Some LED vehicle bulbs may have larger heat sinks or other components that could interfere with other parts of your car.
What color automotive LED bulb should I use for my vehicle?
The color LED you should use for your vehicle depends on the purpose of the light and the regulations in your area. Here are some basic guidelines:
- Headlights: In most areas, white or yellow headlights are legal and provide the best visibility. Blue or red headlights are typically reserved for emergency vehicles only.
- Fog lights: Amber or yellow LED lights are best for foggy conditions as they cut through the mist and provide better visibility.
- Brake lights and turn signals: Red LED lights are standard for brake lights. Turn signals can be red or amber. Front and side mirror turn indicators will be amber. Amber LEDs are ideal as they are noticeable and easily recognized by other drivers.
- Lens color: Matching your automotive LED bulb color to the lens color produces a consistent light that makes it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle. Uniform lens and bulb color are particularly important for turn signals and brake lights, where the color of the light can indicate your intentions to other drivers. It also helps to maintain compliance with vehicle lighting regulations in many jurisdictions.
- Interior and accent lighting: The color of LED used for interior and accent lighting is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer white or warm white for a more natural look, while others prefer colors like blue, green, or red for an eye-catching and personalized look.
It's important to note that states and countries have different laws and regulations regarding vehicle lighting. Check with local authorities to ensure your LED lights are legal and compliant.
What color temperature should I choose for my headlights?
The color temperature of your LED headlights is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some guidelines to consider when choosing the right temperature for your vehicle.
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), which refers to the color of the light emitted by the LED bulb. The higher the Kelvin value, the cooler (bluer) the light will appear. In contrast, lower Kelvin values produce warmer (more yellow) light.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing your LED headlight color temperature:
3000K-4000K
This temperature range produces a warm yellowish light. Lights in this range are best suited for fog lights or driving in conditions with poor visibility. Choose this color range to help maintain the stock look of original incandescent or halogen bulbs.
5000K-6000K
This temperature range produces a bright white light similar to natural sunlight and provides good visibility.
6500K-8000K
LED headlights with a color temperature of 6500K-8000K deliver a cool, bluish-white light that is visually striking. Cool white headlights can be very bright, so selecting a bulb between 1200 and 2500 lumens is essential to reduce glare for other drivers.
Note that some states and countries have regulations on the color temperature of headlights, so it's best to check local laws before selecting a color temperature for your LED headlights.
What is CAN Bus?
CAN bus or "Controller Area Network" bus is a communication protocol used in modern vehicles to allow different electronic systems within the vehicle to communicate. The CAN bus system is a network of controllers or nodes that communicate with each other through a shared data bus.
The CAN bus system allows fast and efficient communication between vehicle systems (e.g., the engine, transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and airbags). These systems can work together more effectively by sharing information for better performance, safety, and reliability.
The CAN bus system can handle a large amount of data, making it ideal for modern vehicles with many electronic systems. The system is fault-tolerant, meaning that the rest of the network can continue to regular operation if one node fails.
The CAN bus system is essential for the proper function of many modern vehicle features, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electronic stability control (ESC), and other safety and convenience features. The system is also used for diagnostic purposes, allowing mechanics to quickly and accurately diagnose issues with the vehicle's electronic systems.
Why are my LED turn signals blinking too fast (Hyper-flashing)?
If your LED turn signals are blinking too fast, it is likely due to the difference in electrical resistance between the automotive LED bulbs and the original incandescent bulbs. This difference in resistance can cause the turn signal flasher to work faster than intended, resulting in hyper-flashing or hyper-blinking.
LED vehicle bulbs have a much lower electrical resistance than incandescent bulbs. This lower resistance causes the turn signal flasher to think that a bulb is out, which triggers the fast blinking. The more rapid blinking signals the driver that a bulb has failed and needs replacing. However, this warning is unnecessary for LED vehicle bulbs because the bulbs still function correctly.
Install a load resistor or electronic flasher relay to solve the hyper-flashing issue. A load resistor adds electrical resistance to the circuit, which tricks the flasher into thinking the circuit has a standard amount of resistance. The electronic flasher relay is designed to work with LED vehicle bulbs and can regulate the turn signal flash rate. Shop our LED car flasher and load resistor category.
Replacing your turn signal bulbs with automotive LED bulbs compatible with your vehicle's electrical system is essential. Choosing a bulb compatible with your car, truck, or SUV reduces the likelihood of hyper-flashing or other electrical issues. Check out this article with two quick and easy solutions to hyper-flashing.
How long do LED headlights last?
LED headlights are known for their long lifespan compared to traditional halogen headlights. On average, LED headlights can last from 15,000 to 50,000 hours or more, based on quality and use. LED headlights last significantly longer than halogen headlights, typically lasting around 500 to 1,000 hours.
The lifespan of LED headlights is affected by several factors, including bulb quality, frequency of use, and operating conditions. High-quality LED headlights used sparingly and operated under normal conditions can last up to 50,000 hours or more. In contrast, lower-quality bulbs or bulbs used frequently in extreme conditions may have a shorter lifespan.
While designed for long life, LED headlights are not immune to failure. If you notice that your LED headlights are dimming or flickering, it may be a sign that the bulbs are starting to wear out and need replacing. It's vital to have your headlights checked and replaced when necessary to ensure proper visibility while driving at night or in low-light conditions.
How do I aim my headlights properly?
Aiming your headlights is vital for safety on the road, as it ensures that your headlights provide the best visibility while minimizing glare for other drivers. Here are the steps to aim your headlights:
Check your vehicle's manual: The manual should have information on how to aim your headlights and any special instructions for your specific vehicle.
Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is on a level surface with properly inflated tires.
Check your headlight alignment: Park your vehicle about 25 feet away from a wall or garage door, and turn on your headlights. Observe the height and direction of the beams and note any irregularities.
Adjust the vertical aim: Use the adjustment screws on your headlights to adjust the vertical position. The center of the headlight beam should be at or below the height of the headlight center and should not blind oncoming drivers. If the beams are too high, they will blind drivers; if they are too low, they will not provide adequate visibility.
Adjust the horizontal aim: To ensure that both headlights point straight ahead and not off to one side. You can do this by adjusting the screws on the sides of the headlights.
Repeat: After making adjustments, recheck the alignment to ensure that both headlights have the correct aim.
If you're unsure how to do it yourself or suspect a problem with your headlights, it is a good idea to have them checked and aligned by a professional.
See our step-by-step headlight adjustment guide here for more information.