LED Bulbs - Opinions and Experiences

[Ginger]

I've got a set of red LED running lights, and a special flashing set of LED brake lights for the BMW motorcycle. They're really bright, grabbing attention very well, they use far less current than their incandescent, halogen super white counterparts, and are supposed to last forever. They seem good enough that I'm considering swapping my regular bulbs for them, as well. I would leave the regular bulb sockets in place, using LED replacment bulbs (so I would still be able to revert back to filament bulbs in a pinch). What does everybdy know about them?

Any brands to look for? Any reason to stay away from bayonet based LEDs? Anyone had them burn up quickly, etc? Any to stay away from?

These are the kinds of things I'm looking at:

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Etc.

[Evan]

LEDs have many advantages, but their biggest disadvantage is that they are extremely directional (narrow cone of light) which is also why they appear so bright, they actually make less lumens per watt than most lightbulbs, but since all their lumens are narrowly focused, they make great bright flashlights.
For this reason I think they make great brake lights or rear blinker lights, but not as good forward facing lights where you need your lights to be visible from wider angles.

jmo

[JustinG]

if your using LEDs for your brake lights you may need to add in a resistor or something to foodl your cars blinker into thinking its pulling the same wattage as the filament bulbs. or else you have the super fast blinky.

Ive been thinkin bout doin LEDs cause they are brighter and look nice, i may do it if i have a bulb go out, anything to catch the attention of the dumbasses behind me on port republic and to save my rear bumper.

You may also wanna check out a place here in the states, <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.superbrightleds.com">www.superbrightleds.com</a><!-- w -->

[Feersty]

Any recommendations or tips from changing to LEDs for the license plate? I want the Lexus look.

[fiveoh2go]

Any recommendations or tips from changing to LEDs for the license plate? I want the Lexus look.

Quite a few of the Terminator crowd have gone to these, but honestly every time I see these on a car one or both are burned out. With my luck I'd get pulled over for something stupid like a tag light being out and then proceed to have the car torn apart. I'd say stay away from the Recon brand or any of the cheaper lines.

Are you putting these on your SVTF?

[Feersty]

Yes, in a cool white color.

[Evan]

LEDs dont 'burn out'

if they are out, its either a wiring or weathersealing issue


just get LED windshield wiper nozzles. at least then you can see your pointless ricer part while you drive.

[WRXtranceformed]

LEDs dont 'burn out'

if they are out, its either a wiring or weathersealing issue


just get LED windshield wiper nozzles. at least then you can see your pointless ricer part while you drive.

I put them in my license plate and they definitely burn out. I'm not sure if it's a compatibility issue with the electricals of the car or what.

[Mike]

you probably quite literally burnt them up. if you haven't changed any wiring, they likely can't handle the power you're supplying them. good way to set a car on fire! yay!

[Evan]

any LED sold as an automotive bulb replacement that cant take 12v would be downright comical.

if you hook up regular radio shack LEDs to your car, then yeah, go look up Ohm's law