Like most drivers, you probably don’t think about your car’s tail lights until they stop working. And if they’re not working, the likely culprit is a burned-out light bulb. So what can you do when that happens?
Of course, you could replace the bulb with a new one from the auto parts store. But an even better option is converting your tail lights to LED bulbs.
LED bulbs use less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs, so they’re a great way to save money and help the environment.
In this article, we’ll show you how to convert tail lights to led bulbs and provide tips on what you should consider before doing so. Read on to learn more!
6 Benefits You Get Switching From Regular Taillights to LED
1. Improved Visibility
One of the most important benefits of led taillights is that they offer improved visibility. This is because LED bulbs emit a brighter light than regular bulbs. As a result, drivers behind you will be able to see your taillights more easily, which can help prevent accidents.
2. Longer Lifespan
LED bulbs last much longer than regular bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often. In fact, some LED bulbs can last for up to 50,000 hours! This means that once you convert your taillights to LED, you may never have to replace the bulbs again.
3. Reduced Energy Consumption
LED bulbs use less energy than regular bulbs, so they’ll help save you money on your energy bill. In fact, they use about 90% less energy than regular bulbs.
So if you switch from regular taillights to LED, you may significantly decrease your energy consumption.
4. Durability
LED bulbs are much more durable than regular bulbs, so they’re less likely to break or burn out. This means that you can expect your LED taillights to last for many years, even with heavy use.
As regular tail lights produce more heat than LED tail lights, they are more likely to get damaged over time. So, converting to LED can save you money in the long run.
5. Better Heat Dissipation
As we mentioned before, regular tail lights produce more heat than LED lights. This excess heat can damage the taillights and cause them to break or burn out.
However, because LED bulbs dissipate heat better than regular bulbs, they’re less likely to be damaged by excess heat.
6. Environmentally Friendly
LED bulbs are more environmentally friendly than regular bulbs because they don’t contain harmful chemicals.
For example, regular bulbs often contain mercury, which can be detrimental to the environment. However, LED bulbs don’t contain any mercury, so they’re a much safer option for the environment.
What Tools & Supplies Needed?
To convert your tail lights to LED bulbs, you will need the following tools and supplies:
- A screwdriver
- A drill
- A socket wrench set
- A wire stripper/cutter
- Electrical tape
- LED bulb
Step by Step Process: How to Convert Tail Lights to Led
Step 1: Open the Trunk.
Start by opening the trunk of your car. This will give you access to the tail light assembly, which is what you’ll need to work on.
In most car, the trunk is opened by pressing a button on the key fob or by pulling a lever inside the car. If you can’t find the trunk release, consult your car’s owner’s manual.
Step 2: Remove the Tail Light Cover.
Once you’ve opened the trunk, locate the tail light cover. This is usually a plastic or metal panel that covers the tail light assembly.
In most cars, the cover is held in place by screws, so you’ll need to remove them with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, gently pull the cover away from the car.
Step 3: Remove the Tail Light Assembly.
With the cover removed, you should be able to see the tail light assembly. In most cars, this plastic housing holds the light bulbs in place.
Unfortunately, the assembly is usually held in place by screws or nuts, so you’ll need to remove them with a socket wrench. Once the assembly is loose, gently pull it away from the car.
Step 4: Remove the Light Bulb.
After removing the tail light assembly, you should be able to see the back of the light bulb. On most cars, there is a small tab you can push to release the light bulb from its socket.
Once the tab is pushed in, you can pull the light bulb out of the socket. Ensure the light bulb is completely removed before proceeding to the next step. You can also use a wire stripper/cutter to remove the light bulb.
Step 5: Take Off the Old Filament.
Once the old light bulb is removed, you’ll need to take off the filament. The filament is the small wire inside the light bulb that produces light when heated.
To remove the filament, simply snip it off with a pair of wire cutters. Make sure that you don’t cut the wire too close to the bulb’s base, or you may damage the socket.
Step 6: Insert the New Bulb.
Now it’s time to insert the new LED bulb into the socket. Be sure that the bulb is facing the right way before inserting it. Once the bulb is in the socket, you can push the tab in to secure it.
If your car has a screw-type socket, you’ll need to screw the bulb in until it’s tight. While inserting the bulb, don’t touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers. Also, wearing gloves is a good idea to avoid getting the oils from your skin on the bulb.
Step 7: Connecting With Wires.
After the new bulb is in place, you’ll need to connect it to the wires. To do this, you’ll need to strip away a small section of the insulation from the wire. Once the insulation is removed, you can twist the wire around the metal tab on the bulb’s base.
Make sure the connection is tight so it doesn’t come loose. Once the connection is made, you can put some electrical tape around it to insulate it.
Step 8: Test the Connection.
Before putting the tail light assembly back in place, you’ll need to test the connection to ensure it’s working.
To do this, turn on the tail lights and see if the new bulb is lit. If it is, then you’ve made a successful connection. If not, you’ll need to check the connection and ensure it’s tight.
Step 9: Reassemble the Tail Light Assembly.
Now that the new bulb is connected, you can reassemble the tail light assembly. First, put the back of the assembly in place and screw it in.
Ensure the assembly is tight, so it doesn’t come loose. Next, put the cover back in place and screw it in. Once the cover is in place, you can close the trunk and test the tail lights to ensure they work properly.
Few Tips While Converting Your Tail Lights to LED Bulbs
Choose the Right Size:
One of the most important aspects while upgrading your tail lights to LEDs is to make sure that you choose bulbs of the right size.
This is because even if the LED bulbs are brighter, they might not fit well in your car’s taillight housing and as a result, give out light in all directions instead of just the rear.
Check the Polarity:
Another thing to remember is to check the polarity of your car’s taillights before switching to LEDs. This is because some cars have negative ground while others have positive, and if you don’t check this beforehand, you might end up frying your new LED bulbs.
So before making the switch, it is always better to check with your car’s manual or a professional to be on the safe side.
Consider Resisters:
In some cases, you might need to install resistors to avoid flickering or error codes on your car’s dashboard. This is because LEDs have a lower resistance as compared to traditional bulbs and as a result, might cause flickering.
However, this is not a common problem and can be easily avoided by doing your research or consulting with a professional.
Go for Plug and Play Kits:
If you are not too comfortable with making changes to your car’s electrical system, you can always opt for plug-and-play LED kits. These kits have everything you need to make the switch and are extremely easy to install.
Check the LED Bulb’s Specifications:
Another thing to keep in mind is to check the specifications of the LED bulbs before making a purchase.
This is because some LEDs are incompatible with certain cars and might not work as intended. So, it is always better to do your research or consult with a professional before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Converting your tail lights from incandescent to LED can be a great way to improve the look of your car and increase your safety while driving.
LEDs use less energy than traditional lightbulbs, which can help you save on gas money in the long run. Plus, they last much longer than regular lightbulbs, meaning you’ll spend less time and money replacing them.
When converting your tail lights to LED, it’s important to ensure you get the right size and type of LED bulb for your vehicle.
There are many different types of LED bulbs available on the market, so it’s important to do some research before making a purchase.
We hope this guide on how to convert tail lights to led has been helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.