In addition, the compact size of LED lights the construction of incredibly powerful lighting systems using small discs, strips, cubes, and bars that can be mounted virtually anywhere on a LED vehicle. Whether it’s a light bar with wide angle floodlights to light the trail ahead, precise spotlights mounted on A-pillars or in wheel wells to illuminate possible hazards, or utility lights to light up a truck bed or trailer, LED lights have become a huge asset to truck, SUV, and Jeep enthusiasts. Due to their compact size and much higher light output, they have also become a common fixture on many ATVs and side-by-side UTVs.
Many people have resisted making the switch to LED lights for reasons such as cost or simply because it’s a newer technology, as opposed to “tried-and-true” incandescent bulbs. Problems such as bulb flicker (a problem that occurs when a dimmer switch such as that used for some types of daytime running light applications cycles on and off rapidly) and incompatibility with on-board diagnostic systems have been resolved with integrated or optional add-on modules.
While still significantly more expensive than incandescent bulbs, the prices for LED lights have come down substantially over the past couple years, and continue to decline. When the lifespan of LED lights is factored in, the actual cost over a LED vehicle’s lifetime is typically lower than incandescent or halogen bulbs. For example, a pair of halogen headlight bulbs might cost $40. A comparable pair of LED bulbs may run $120. However, the halogens have a typical lifespan of about 1,500-2,000 hours compared to 25,000+ hours for LED, making the LED bulbs effectively a lifetime investment.
LED lighting has come a long way in a relatively short time. The wide variety of options for both direct-fit replacement and custom add-on lighting ensures there are lighting solutions for virtually any LED vehicle. Once cost vs. lifespan is factored in, LED lights are a very viable and worthwhile alternative to traditional vehicle lighting solutions.