What LED bulbs are best for rear lights?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by DubDan, Jul 22, 2019.

  1. Evening all.

    I’m thinking about changing my rear light (tail lights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights) for LED bulbs to hopefully make them brighter and draw less current.

    I assume for the tail/brake lights I’ll need twin filament?!

    Can anyone point me to any good bulbs that they have used?

    Many thanks.
    Dan
     
  2. I just changed my rear indicator bulbs for amber LEDs on the Bug so I could keep my red US lenses and still be legal. I used Cree 16 watt, work well, but not cheap.
     
  3. matty

    matty Supporter

    Look for Cree ones they are much brighter and go for ones with leds at different angles.
     
    F_Pantos likes this.
  4. Following on from @matty , I don't think this, makes economic sense unless you want to change the wrong-coloured lenses back to legal, clear to amber, clear to red, red to amber etc or desire significant output increases. There is close to a 10x price premium for proper wide angle LED clusters, like the Cree.
     
  5. stirlingmoz

    stirlingmoz Supporter

    A friend of mine with an prototype bay tried replacing the rear bulbs with LED’s. Different light set up to ours I know.

    However It caused all sorts of strange things to happen electrically.

    He put the stock bulbs back in and goodness was restored.

    Stirlingmoz
     
  6. Must admit I've tried this ok only with standard wide angle LEDs not the cre ones thinking the same " they will be brighter and less current on old wireing " and I wasn't that impressed . I've since switched back to good quality filament bulbs and I find them better can see the light from every angle . I've cleaned all earth's and replaced bits of wireing that are a bit crappy and there brighter than they've ever been . Only draw back I suppose is if you leave your lights on stand a chance of flattening battery and with LEDs you may get away with leaving them on all night .
    Still each to there own good filament bulbs for me tried and tested

    Sent from my FIG-LX1 using Tapatalk
     
  7. Yes, the LEDs present less resistance so your indicator circuit might flash a lot faster. I have a Wolfburg West electronic unit which seems impervious to the LEDs.
     
  8. I've used LED on my MG with no issues. If you get problems it's likely down to poor earth connections which can be masked by conventional bulbs which will earth through other bulbs if the proper earth is poor.
     
  9. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Tail lights using what JK were selling 8 years ago, slightly brighter than a filament bulb in a fitting without a reflector.
     
  10. I just got some sticky back foil and created reflectors ,washed the lenses
    ....amazing !!!!! Sort of




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  11. A nice fresh set of “proper” bulbs :thumbsup:
     
  12. mcswiggs

    mcswiggs Supporter

    For the rear light cluster reflector areas, a quick coat of watery PVA glue (to stop the then turning to dust any further) and a spray of silver paint has a very pleasing effect. And as said, a good clean of the earths and connectors.
     
    snotty likes this.

Share This Page