How to install LED Lights in vehicle

Why you should choose LED Lights

LED lights have become fairly popular in the automotive industry due to their numerous benefits over traditional lighting options. Whether you want to enhance the look of your vehicle or improve visibility and safety on the road, LED lights are an excellent choice. 

Benefits of LED lights 

LED Lights has many advantages that your traditional bulbs can’t provide, such as:

• Energy efficiency: LED lights are highly energy-efficient compared to traditional bulbs. They consume less power, which improves fuel efficiency and extends the life of your vehicle’s battery.

 

• Longevity: LED lights have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. On average, LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours(5-6 years), whereas traditional bulbs may only last around 1,000 hours.

 

• Brightness: LED lights produce a bright and focused beam of light, they provide better visibility in dark or foggy conditions.

 

• Environmental-friendly: LED lights are free from harmful substances such as mercury, making them more environmentally friendly.

The Basics of LED Lights

Before jumping into the installation process, it’s better to have a basic understanding of how LED lights work.

How LED lights work

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional bulbs that rely on a filament or gas to produce light, LED lights work by passing an electrical current through a semiconductor material. This process generates light without producing excessive heat, making LED lights highly efficient.

LED lights consist of several components, including a diode, a reflector, and a lens. The diode emits light when an electric current passes through it. The reflector helps to focus the light in a specific direction, while the lens protects the diode and enhances the light output.

One of the key advantages of LED lights is their ability to emit light in a specific color without the need for filters or gels. The color of the light emitted by an LED is determined by the materials used in the semiconductor and the energy applied to it.

If you’re looking to purchase high-quality LED Lights and converters, check out Turborev’s selection.

Tools and Materials Needed for Installation

 

Let’s move on to the tools and materials you’ll need for the installation process. 

List of essential tools required

Here is our recommended list of essential tools you’ll need for installing LED lights in your vehicle:

• Screwdrivers: A set of screwdrivers with various sizes and types will be useful for removing panels and accessing the existing lights.

 

• Pliers: Pliers will come in handy for gripping and bending wires during the installation process.

 

• Wire cutters/strippers: These tools are essential for cutting and stripping wires to ensure proper connections.

 

• Electrical tape: Electrical tape is used to secure and insulate wire connections, preventing any potential short circuits.

 

• Multimeter: A multimeter is a versatile tool that allows you to measure voltage, current, and resistance. It can be helpful for troubleshooting and ensuring proper connections.

 

• Fuse puller: A fuse puller is used to remove fuses from the fuse box, allowing you to disconnect power to the lights during the installation process.

 

• Heat shrink tubing: Heat shrink tubing is used to protect and insulate wire connections. It shrinks when heated, creating a tight seal around the wires.

 

• Zip ties: Zip ties are useful for securing wires and keeping them organized.

 

• Drill and drill bits: Depending on the type of LED lights you’re installing, you may need a drill and drill bits to create holes for mounting brackets or wiring.

Preparing Your Vehicle for LED Light Installation

Before we begin the installation process, it’s important to take some safety precautions and prepare your vehicle accordingly. 

• Disconnect the battery: Before starting any electrical work, disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle’s battery. This will prevent any accidental short circuits or electrical shocks.

 

• Wear protective gear: When handling electrical components, it’s advisable to wear protective gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any potential hazards.

 

• Work in a well-ventilated area: If you’re working in an enclosed space, ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of fumes or gases.

 

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the specific LED lights you’re installing. This will ensure that you follow the correct procedures and avoid any potential risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing LED Lights

Now that you’ve prepared your vehicle and gathered the necessary tools and materials, it’s time to start the installation process.

Installing LED bulbs in headlights, taillights, and turn signals

If you’re installing LED bulbs in your headlights, taillights, or turn signals, follow these steps:

• Access the existing lights: Depending on the location of the lights you’re replacing, you may need to remove panels or access points to reach them. Use the appropriate screwdrivers or tools to remove any necessary panels or covers.

 

• Remove the old bulbs: Once you have access to the existing lights, carefully remove the old bulbs by twisting them counterclockwise or releasing the retaining clips. Set the old bulbs aside for disposal.

 

• Install the LED bulbs: Take the LED bulbs from your kit and insert them into the empty bulb sockets. Ensure that they are securely seated and aligned properly.

 

• Test the lights: Before reassembling any panels or covers, test the new LED lights to ensure they are functioning correctly. Turn on the headlights, taillights, or turn signals to verify that the LEDs are working as intended.

 

• Reassemble panels and covers: Once you have confirmed that the LED lights are working, reassemble any panels or covers that you removed earlier. Make sure they are securely fastened and aligned correctly.

Wiring and connecting the LED lights properly

If you’re installing LED light strips, under glow lights, or any other type of LED lights that require wiring, follow these steps:

• Plan the wiring route: Before you start wiring, plan the route you want the wires to take. This will help you determine the length of wire you need and ensure a clean and organized installation.

 

• Measure and cut the wires: Using wire cutters, measure and cut the wires to the desired length. Leave some extra length for flexibility and ease of installation.

 

• Strip the wire ends: Use wire strippers to remove a small portion of insulation from the ends of the wires. This will expose the bare wire for proper connections.

 

• Connect the wires: Connect the positive (+) wire from the LED lights to the positive (+) wire of your vehicle’s electrical system. Similarly, connect the negative (-) wire from the LED lights to the negative (-) wire of your vehicle’s electrical system. Use crimp connectors or solder the wires together for secure connections.

 

• Insulate the connections: Once the wires are connected, insulate the connections using electrical tape or heat shrink tubing. This will protect the connections from moisture and prevent any potential short circuits.

 

• Secure the wires: Use zip ties or adhesive clips to secure the wires along the planned route. This will prevent them from dangling or getting caught on any moving parts.

 

• Test the lights: After wiring and securing the LED lights, test them to ensure they are functioning correctly. Connect the negative cable back to the battery and turn on the lights to verify their operation.

Common Problems After Installation

As many people are not experienced with installing LED Lights by themselves, they could face a variety of problems. Here are some of the most common problems:

My LED lights are not turning on. What could be the problem?

There are several potential causes for LED lights not turning on. Check the following:

• Ensure that the LED lights are properly connected to the vehicle’s electrical system.
• Check the wiring for any loose connections or damaged wires.
• Verify that the LED lights are receiving power by testing with a multimeter.
• Check the fuse in the fuse box to ensure it is not blown.

My LED lights are flickering. What should I do?

LED lights may flicker due to various reasons. Here are a few things to check:

• Ensure that the LED lights are receiving a stable power supply.
• Check the wiring for any loose connections or damaged wires.
• Verify that the LED lights are compatible with your vehicle’s electrical system.
• Consider installing an LED-compatible flasher or load resistor to stabilize the power supply.

The color of my LED lights is not what I expected. What could be the issue?

LED lights come in various color options, but improper installation or compatibility issues can affect the color output. Check the following:

• Ensure that the LED lights are installed correctly and aligned properly.
• Verify that the LED lights are compatible with your vehicle’s electrical system.
• Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the color temperature or color output of the LED lights.