Everything You Need To Know About LED Tail Lights

Posted 2024-04-13 22:42:48

It's Time to Upgrade Your Vehicle's Factory Lights to LED Tail Lights

If you haven't already upgraded your vehicle's traditional factory lights to LED tail lights, now is the perfect time. LED lighting offers significantly better safety benefits when driving at night or during bad weather compared to its conventional counterparts. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about LED tail lights and why they are worth considering.

What Is the Function of Tail Lights?

Tail lights are located just above the bumper on the back of your vehicle. These lights are red and feature white lights on the side that signal when your car is moving in reverse. While driving, tail lights alert other drivers to your whereabouts, helping you navigate safely through the darkness or poor weather conditions.

Additionally, when you brake, the red hue of the tail lights glows brighter, signaling to other drivers that they should slow down as well. It is essential to replace any malfunctioning tail lights as soon as possible to avoid posing a danger to yourself and others on the road.

How Do Tail Lights Work?

Tail lights operate on a relay, turning on simultaneously with your headlights. Since tail lights connect to the same button that activates the headlights, they are effortless to use. Additionally, tail lights are wired directly to the battery, ensuring optimal performance.

Types of Tail Lights

Tail lights come in various designs and sizes, depending on the automobile type and the available space in the rear. They can be round, oval, or any other shape you can think of. In general, automotive tail lights can be divided into three categories:

LED
Xenon
Halogen

While older cars traditionally utilized halogen lighting, many people are now switching to LED lights due to their superior performance.

What Is an LED?

At its most basic form, a light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that generates light when an electric current conducts through it. LEDs produce light when the current-carrying particles (electrons and holes) collide within the semiconductor material.

LEDs are solid-state devices because light is generated inside the solid semiconductor material. This distinguishes them from heated filament lamps like incandescent and tungsten halogen lamps, as well as gas-discharge lamps like fluorescent lamps.

Benefits of LED Tail Lights

Upgrading to LED tail lights from standard factory lights offers numerous benefits. LEDs make your vehicle much more visible when you are driving at night or in inclement weather. This increased visibility significantly reduces the risk of dangerous rear-end collisions. Here are some of the primary benefits of LED tail lights:

Instant Illumination

Conventional bulbs have a delay between pressing the brake and when they turn on. This is because they require time to warm up and emit light. On the other hand, LEDs begin to glow immediately after a current flows through them. This instant illumination ensures that your taillights are highly visible, which can make a significant difference in avoiding accidents while on the road.

Longer Lifespan

LEDs generate much more light than conventional bulbs while only using a fraction of the energy. Unlike incandescent lamps, LEDs do not burn hot, which prevents unnecessary heat production and the deterioration of plastic lamp cover assemblies.

Incandescent bulbs typically last around 1,000 to 2,000 hours before burning out or dimming, while LEDs generally last about 25,000 to 60,000 hours. This means that LEDs save you money in the long run and spare you the inconvenience of frequently changing bulbs.

Incredible Durability

Stock bulbs can degrade over time due to temperature swings and vibrations while driving. However, LEDs are less likely to break because they do not have a filament, and the heat they emit is more focused.

The durable and shock-resistant components of LED tail lights allow them to withstand extreme road conditions. They offer consistent performance for years without the need for frequent replacements.

Tips for Replacing Halogen with LED Lights

You can have a trusted mechanic replace your car's halogen tail lights with aftermarket LED tail lights. However, it is also possible to do the swap yourself with a bit of effort. Installing LED tail lights not only improves your vehicle's exterior but also provides a sleek, personalized appearance. Here are some tips to keep in mind when replacing halogen lights with LED lights:

Apply Silicone to Your Sockets First

Sealing moisture out and preventing rust is essential for the longevity of LED lights. While LEDs are long-lasting, it is crucial to prevent any unwanted elements from affecting their performance.

Test Out Your Lights Before Finishing Installation

Unlike halogen installations, where bulbs light up in almost any direction, LEDs have a specific current direction. Hence, it is vital to test the lights before completing the installation to ensure they are working correctly and emitting light in the desired direction.

Check for Low vs. High Voltage

LED light sources come in a wide range of options that can fit into existing sockets. However, you must be careful with voltage compatibility. Ensure that the LED lights you choose are compatible with the same voltage as the halogen bulbs you are replacing.

Worry Less About Replacement

In the unfortunate event of a collision, LED tail lights offer supplementary safety benefits over halogen bulbs. While halogen bulbs are prone to damage upon impact, LED lights have durable and shock-resistant components, making them more resilient and less likely to require frequent replacements.

We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insight into LED tail lights. American Modified offers various aftermarket LED tail lights that increase your visibility on the road while improving your vehicle's aesthetics. If you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are LED tail lights legal?

Yes, LED tail lights are legal in most jurisdictions. However, be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding the use of LED lights on vehicles.

2. Can I install LED tail lights myself?

Yes, you can install LED tail lights yourself with some effort. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a trusted mechanic.

3. How do LED tail lights compare to halogen lights in terms of brightness?

LED tail lights are generally brighter than halogen lights. They provide instant illumination and are highly visible, even in adverse weather conditions.

4. Do LED tail lights require any special maintenance?

LED tail lights do not require any special maintenance. However, it is recommended to periodically clean the light covers to ensure optimal performance.

5. Can I upgrade my current halogen bulbs to LED without any modifications?

In most cases, you can upgrade your halogen bulbs to LED without any modifications. However, it is essential to ensure that the LED lights you choose are compatible with your vehicle's electrical system and bulb sockets.

6. Do LED tail lights consume more battery power?

No, LED tail lights consume less battery power than traditional halogen lights. They are more energy-efficient, which can help prolong the life of your vehicle's battery.

Lights

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