Good lighting is one of the main factors for the safe transportation of trucks, so the quality of lighting is getting more and more attention in the industry, so we are also putting a lot of effort into optimizing the quality of lighting. Many operators and fleet owners are turning to LED lights with higher brightness and longer life. If you're considering buying LED lights, check out our article to learn about their pros and cons, the different types you can choose from, and things to consider before buying.
Types of LED Lights for Trucks
The basic classification of LED lights for trucks is based on the material of the lamp body. They come in a variety of materials, but the most common include plastic, aluminum, and steel.
plastic
Plastic LED lights are very popular because plastic is an inexpensive material that is lightweight and does not corrode. Disadvantages of plastic as a led light body material include plastic becoming brittle when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, and melting when overheated.
aluminum
Aluminum, like plastic, is lightweight and non-corrosive, but it is more resistant to high temperatures so it won't crack or melt in direct sunlight. It does make higher quality lights, but those lights are also necessarily more expensive than plastic lights.
steel
Steel LED lights are less expensive than aluminum LED lights, but offer the same durability. They are often powder coated for increased corrosion resistance.
Legal Requirements and Regulations for Using Semi-Truck LED Lighting
LED lights on trucks must comply with FMCSA standards. Be sure to check them out before buying new lights. These standards address the number and type of lights, the colors they emit, and their location on the truck.
What to Look for When Buying LED Lights for Your Semi Truck?
Purchasing LED lights for your truck can be quite an investment, especially if you are looking after your entire fleet. You should choose wisely in order to get the most out of this investment. Here are some things to look out for when shopping for new lights.
quality
We believe that it is always worth paying more for better quality. Therefore, when selecting LED lights for your truck, aim for lights with polycarbonate lenses and sealed construction. Sealed construction means water cannot get inside the light, preventing water from damaging it. Polycarbonate lenses are more impact resistant than lenses made of glass, so they are less susceptible to damage from debris, dust, and wind and rain.
computer rating
When purchasing side marker lights or marker gap LED lights, make sure you are buying PC grade lights. While standard side marker lights and marker gap lights are visible at a 90° angle, PC rated lights cover twice that angle. When you mount PC grade LED lights to the corner of your truck, you meet all the visibility requirements you would otherwise need for clearance lights and side markers.
check voltage
The truck's operating voltage must match the voltage of the new LED lights. You should check your truck's voltage and buy new lights depending on the voltage. Using a 6 volt light on a truck that operates on 12V will cause the bulb to burn out very quickly. If the truck's voltage is too low for your LED light, it won't be able to power the light properly. There might be no output at all, and even if there were, you wouldn't be using the full potential of the light.
wiring
A wiring kit should be included with the light, so be sure to check that out. They may not be included with less expensive lights, but you shouldn't buy these if you don't already have all the necessary connectors. The kit should include cords, adapters and plugs. Some kits will come pre-assembled, while others require certain skills and tools to assemble and plug in. It is most important that the wiring is of good quality, as an improperly fitted connector could cause the truck's electrical system to malfunction.
Double check the warranty
Before installing the lamp, check the warranty of the lamp. You should always know if there are certain actions that may void the warranty. This usually involves removing the lamp yourself or making repairs. Find out who you should contact if your lamp fails.
Pros and Cons of Using LED Driving Lights for Trucks
LED lights are a relatively new technology in the trucking world, but are widely used due to their many benefits. Their first benefit is directional light. Since these bulbs emit light in a specific direction, they use energy and light more efficiently.
LED lights also last 50 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs lose 20% of their brightness in the first 160 hours, while LEDs only lose 7% of their brightness after 20,000 hours.
Improved visibility is another benefit of LED bulbs. They have the coolest color temperature, which makes their light brighter than xenon or halogen headlights. Of course, better visibility means safer nighttime truck driving.
The first disadvantage of LED lights is the higher initial cost. Still, while you'll pay more up front, you should really think of it as an investment. As we've already said, LED lights generally last longer, so you won't have to replace them as often. Halogen bulbs typically last around 3 years, while the average lifespan of LED lights is around 5 years.
Another potential problem with these lights is that they don't emit heat. This means that when snow falls on the lamps, they are not warm enough to melt them, so they may be completely covered.
LED lights for trucks are becoming more and more popular for a reason. While they have some downsides, we think the pros outweigh the cons so far.
