LED lights are becoming a popular automotive lighting option. They last longer than halogen lights and are energy efficient, meaning they draw less energy from the truck's electrical system. LED lighting improves vehicle aesthetics and visibility and is easy to install. Choosing the right LED light can be a bit difficult considering there are many LED lights on the market. Here are five tips for choosing the right LED lighting for your truck.
1. Consider light output
The power of LED lights is not based on wattage, because wattage measures the amount of electricity drawn by the light, which is almost equal to the gallons of fuel consumed by a car engine. While this might work for measuring the lighting output of standard incandescent bulbs, LEDs are very energy efficient, producing intense light with low current draw.
Lumens are used to determine LED light output by measuring the amount of light that the human eye can see. It gives a more accurate picture of light output than wattage. Focus on LED lumens when shopping for truck lights and remember that the greater the lumen, the greater the light output.
2. Look at the LED chip
There are various types of LED chips, including surface-mounted diode (SMD), chip-on-board (COB), and multiple chips on board (MCOB). LED chips play a crucial role in determining your light's quality. They're manufactured with different voltages, brightness, and wavelengths. A high-quality chip is generally large, producing more light and improved stability against current variations. They're usually costly. Cheaper LED chips are smaller with less light and are less stable, resulting in higher, faster failure rates.
3. Consider installation type and location
LED lights vary by installation type. They are mostly surface mounted using plastic brackets, metal. Others use plastic or rubber grommets because they are easy to remove and install during maintenance. With the heavy-duty stud mounts, you can also attach large rig pedestal lights to car bumpers. When purchasing LEDs, make sure they are compatible with your truck's mounting options.
4. Look at the PC score
If you're shopping for marker gap or side marker LED lights, consider those with a PC rating. Traditional clearance lights or side marker lights produce visible illumination at a 90-degree angle, effectively illuminating specific areas of the truck. Therefore, trucks must have both lights installed to meet visibility requirements.
However, PC grade lighting provides a 180 degree viewing angle, ensuring a 90 degree field of view to the left and right of the light positioning. When mounted on the rear or front corners of a truck, PC grade lights meet side marker and clearance light requirements. This eliminates the need for additional lights.
5. Consider quality
LED lights come in a variety of materials including plastic, aluminum and stainless steel, all with different quality characteristics. Choose an LED light with a polycarbonate lens because it won't break when hit by flying debris, and the sealed construction protects the light from water damage. Choose lighting with a high IP rating to protect your LED lights from dust, rain, impact and washing. The higher the IP rating, the safer your lights are.
