Summary
A large number of modern cars integrate LED bulbs because they are accessories that enhance the appearance of your car and increase driving safety. The benefits of this type of bulb arise through its powerful white light illumination, which is more pleasing to the eye and provides a wider range of vision.
Which LED bulb should I choose for my car
Modern cars often integrate LED bulb compatible technology into their design. In these cases it is important to know if the car has CanBus and Check Control technology (integrated in a significant percentage of cars manufactured since 2005), which detects if a bulb has blown. The consumption of an LED bulb is usually very low and the ECU interprets this low consumption as a blown bulb, therefore, it turns on a warning light on the dashboard.
To avoid this fault, CanBus LED bulbs are used, which send a specific signal to the ECU indicating their operation. Cars manufactured before 2005, which have provided for the installation of LEDs, can use any LED bulb. For older cars, however, a mounting set must be purchased that will allow the installation of LED headlamps.
How to install LED headlights on a car
If your car is older, the mounting set will require disassembling the entire headlight and adapting the electrical system. The installation is simple, each headlight will take about an hour, you will only need to patiently disassemble and verify that the new bulb can be inserted into the internal structure of the headlight. If this new bulb cannot be easily inserted, it is recommended that you desist from complex modifications or adaptations, it is better to buy a special LED headlamp.
The LED bulb sets have an electrical dimmer that makes compatibility between the car’s electrical system and the bulb’s needs possible. It’s just a matter of installing the LED bulb connectors and everything will be working perfectly.
In modern cars the installation of LED bulbs is easier, no need to use mounting sets, just buy CanBus or Non-CanBus LED bulbs, according to the technology of your vehicle.
What are the standards for LED bulbs?
Changing halogen bulbs for LED bulbs is a wise decision, however, it is not such a simple procedure, your car will have to pass up to three different homologations and you will have to face expenses close to 300 euros.
Only vehicles with factory-fitted LED headlamps will not need homologations or certifications. That is, the headlights that come from the factory in your car are approved to work with a specific bulb, if you make any changes you must approve your vehicle. Otherwise, you will be driving illegally and you could face fines and driver’s license suspension.
What are the advantages of switching to LED bulbs
- Better illumination: the range of vision offered by LED headlights is wider, drivers will be able to appreciate obstacles on the road more easily, distinguish bicycles, pedestrians and pets on poorly lit roads.
- More durability: an LED bulb offers more than 10 000 hours of operation. That is, an LED bulb can offer a lifespan ten times longer than a halogen bulb can offer.
- Better appearance: white light is more elegant and distinctive. Having LED bulbs brings a superior clean feeling, the whole surrounding environment will be able to be appreciated with a pleasant white light. In addition, this white light is less tiring to eyesight, people will have less risk of drowsiness when driving.
