Are you interested in upgrading your car or truck’s lights? LED technology offers a range of benefits, including a far superior lifespan, as well as better weather resistance and even light emission in many instances. However, understand that LED automotive technology is still relatively new and some companies out there don’t offer the highest quality possible. You’ll need to make sure that your lights measure up when it comes time to replace them. Look for the following things when you’re upgrading with aftermarket LED lights.
OEM Fit and Function
This is one of the most important considerations out there. Aftermarket parts are notorious for not providing specific OEM fit. They “fit well enough”. While that might be fine for spoilers and fender flares, it’s not good enough when it comes to your car’s lighting. You need OEM fit and function (OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer). This ensures that you’re getting the right light, the right connector and more.
Plug and Play
Conventional bulbs offer a simple connection method. You need to ensure that any aftermarket LED lights you choose offer the same – plug-and-play technology ensures that you only have to make a single connection between your light and the wiring harness, and there’s no need for wire strippers, electrical tape or worry that you don’t know what you’re doing. You just clip the connectors together and you’re done. It’s simple, easy and effective, but not all aftermarket LED lights are equipped in this way.
High Quality Materials
Just like any other automotive component, aftermarket LED lights vary in terms of build quality and construction material quality. Look for LED car lights that utilize high-quality premium aluminum housings, and top-brand chips. This ensures that you really are purchasing a long-lasting lighting solution that will give you 50,000 hours of use or more. It also guarantees durability and reliability. A great deal of your light’s shock and water resistance comes from the quality of the materials used in construction, so pay attention.
Color Choice
Aftermarket LED lights are available in a range of colors for your car, truck, van or SUV. Make sure you have access to the colors you want. You should never be stuck with just “cold white” light. Look for a company that can give you warmer light colors, or custom colors for the interior and exterior of your car.
Reputation of the Company
This item is a bit harder to quantify than build quality or OEM fit and function but no less vital. Research the reputation of any company you’re conserving working with, and ensure that they truly stand behind their products. Look for a warranty to provide peace of mind, but also look at the selection of lights available for different vehicles and different needs. A quality company will supply aftermarket LED lights for use in a range of locations on your vehicle, not just brake and taillights. Look for light strips, halos, light bars, dash lights, dome lights, side marker lights, under-car lighting and more.