Lights are an essential component of your driving experience and can help enhance your visibility on the road. We’ve created this guide based on expert recommendations to help you navigate a bulb market that is overflowing with different light-emitting diode (LED) bulb types. Use it to choose the right light for your vehicle.
What Are LED 1156 Bulbs?
LED 1156 bulbs are LED lights you can use in your automotive, recreational, or marine vehicle. They can add warm, noticeable lighting to exterior lights and are suitable for turn signals, daytime running lights, backup lights, and taillights. High-quality lights can improve your individual safety and driving experience because you can signal and notify other vehicle operators clearly.
Equipping your vehicle with LED bulbs allows you to enjoy the following benefits:
- Cost-effective: Switching to LED bulbs has become cost-effective because these bulbs have longer life spans than traditional halogen lighting. LED lighting also consumes less power than conventional lighting sources, which puts less strain on your battery and electrical systems.
- Brighter: LED bulbs are generally brighter than halogen lighting, which can help improve your visibility and safety on the road. This degree of illumination can also help other drivers see your lights during nighttime driving or in inclement weather.
- Longevity: The expected life span of LED lighting is generally 25 to 50 times longer than that of halogen lighting. You can drive with confidence at night or when it’s rainy, foggy, or snowy, because you will have reliable, long-lasting lighting.
Types of LED 1156 Bulbs
Several types of LED bulbs can fill the lighting needs for your brake lights, taillights, turn signals, side markers, daylight running lights, and license plate lights. Types of LED 1156 bulbs you might consider include:
Red LED Bulbs
Experts recommend these lights for brake and taillights. Aligning the right color LED with the same color lens can help improve the performance and visibility of your lights.
White LED Bulbs
Experts recommend these lightbulbs for daylight running lights, backup lighting, license plate illumination, and parking lights. Their lumen, or illumination, ratings can vary between 300 to 1200 lumens, so white LEDs can fit various requirements inside and outside of your vehicle.
Amber LED Bulbs
Experts recommend these lights for turn signals and side markers. Because LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional lighting, you might consider a load equalizer in conjunction with your LED light to prevent “bulb out” or “hyperflash” warnings.
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Bulbs
These bulbs can replace a variety of interior lighting needs throughout your recreational vehicle. They’re also suitable for parking lights, taillights, turn signal lights, and other exterior lighting features. The lumens rating can vary between bulbs, so identify how bright you want a space before buying RV bulbs.
How to Choose LED 1156 Bulbs
When searching for the correct LED 1156 bulbs for your vehicles, consider:
- The specific light type you’re replacing: The lights throughout the interior or exterior of your vehicle have different bulb requirements. For example, your license plate light will differ from your taillight because it illuminates a smaller space. Match your new LED bulbs to the light you want to replace.
- Installation requirements: Certain lights have minimal installation requirements while others might require professional installation. If replacing halogen lighting, for example, you might need additional kits to ensure the LED lighting will work in the halogen sockets.
- Correct lumens or light output: The appropriate brightness level can help maximize the lights’ life span and improve your visibility. Check the lumens of the bulbs you’re buying to ensure they’re not too bright for certain fixtures.
- Manufacturer compatibility: Certain vehicles are compatible with specific manufacturer parts. Contact your vehicle manufacturer if you’re unsure whether your new LED lights are suitable to prevent them from generating error codes.
- Durability: Your vehicle lights are constantly exposed to shock and vibration from the road. It is important to find a manufacturer that provides shock-resistant and vibration-proof lighting. These features can enhance the safety of your vehicle and prevent lights from malfunctioning.
How to Replace/Install LED 1156 Bulbs
Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner’s manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
Follow these common steps when installing LED 1156 bulbs:
Remove Your Old Bulbs
Before installing your new bulbs, you’ll need to remove the old bulbs from the light socket. To access certain light fixtures and sockets, you might need to review your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Certain fixtures might require you to disconnect the power socket from the bulb.
Inspect or Clean the Socket
If replacing halogen lights with new LED bulbs, you might need to install a conversation kit to ensure the new LED bulbs work properly. Before installing, determine if your vehicle is compatible with LED lighting. Additionally, you might need to visually inspect and clean the socket to identify and correct corrosion or buildup around the socket.
Install New Bulbs
Once you have inspected the socket to ensure it has no corrosion or buildup, you’re ready to install your new bulbs. Certain bulbs might click into place, while others lock into place. Based on the bulb you purchase, you might need to adjust the rubberized cover found in most housing to fit the new bulb.
Test Your New Bulbs
Now that you’ve installed your new lights, it is important to test them before going back out on the road. Performing a simple visual test for each new light can help you identify any other bulbs that need replacing while ensuring the new ones work properly. It is also a good idea to make sure all lighting wiring and heat sinks are in their proper places.
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