I tried replacing my brake and turn signal bulbs with LED's, but the brightness was just not enough, especially for the amber turn signals. The incandescent amber turn signals were SO much brighter. The brake lights were just a little dimmer, but I was shooting for much BRIGHTER.

Corresponding with LED_Option about the The LEDOPTION_7443_L44 (brake) lights, I got this response:

"The 18 SMD is equivalent to 54 LEDs as each square has 3 LEDs in it.
30, and 40 count have single leds per square.
So the 18 SMD should be the brightest."

The amber turn signals were LEDoption BAU15s PY21W 18 counts SMD Corner Signal Blinker Backup Reverse Light LED bulbs 7507

So, my question is, is there some other option? What can I use to get LED's that are as bright as the stock incandescent? Are there BRIGHTER incandescent, maybe?

DigitalDude65
2012 Fit Base

 

the incandescent bulbs are all the same wattage. If they made them any brighter they'd be burning out fuses. LEDs draw a fraction of the wattage so they can be brighter without worry. I'd look for a different brand of LED light. There is a big difference between individual LEDs.

Here's Sylvania's specs for the stop light bulbs. The lumen output for incandescent is 440Lm. This is the number to use to compare with LEDs and what you want to beat.

 

Thanks for the info! It seem most LED web sites don't post the lumens, unfortunately.

 

Yep, I've played around w/ lots of LED's keep at it. Also might want to look at the # of LED's in the bulb it varies from 1-36+

 

Any recommendations?

 

Several people including myself have had success w/ these: LED Lights For Cars | LED Bulbs | 12 Volt - Super Bright LEDs

Click the more info button and you can see pics too.

 

One of my friends bought some 18-LEDs 1157 led bulbs from 1157 (BAY15D) 18 SMD LED Replacement Bulb, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Light last year.

I have read many concerns about LED bulbs not being legal for road use, not compatible with the actual reflector optics, not bright enough, and also causing glare at some angles.

Also, many LED bulbs do not reproduce the required brightness change when braking, being sometimes only 1/5th brighter than during taillight operation.
I would also have legality concerns about using a dual-color bulb for blinkers.

What do you guys think about legaliy of aftermarket LED bulbs?

 

You need to check out vleds V3 triton led bulbs. They work differently than every other bulb mentioned here. rather than using 20-50 leds all pointing in different directions, they use 3 very high power philips leds that are focused together into a lens that mimics the output of an incandescent bulb. By doing that, it'll have the best chance of working properly in the signal reflector.
There tons of videos of them on YouTube in daylight, nighttime, direct sunlight, and off angle. In EVERY case, they are brighter than regular bulbs.

I just ordered a set of ambers for my front signals and will post a video comparing it to the stock signals when I get them.



www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Vw7LjfNNM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCJSfxtZm2E

This is in direct sunlight, as much glare as you'll ever get. And you can still clearly see the tritons!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb_qsebogGU

 

EBAY

Make sure the auction if you purchase lists brightness like mentioned above.


Ive had success with SMD bulbs that had 25+ each bulb, and generally on ebay they go for under 15 per bulb

 

I have ones from SuperbrightLEDs. The brightest ones they sell are near-perfect match to OEM brightness.

 

When you put them in for the turn signals, do you experience hyper-flashing?

 

^ nope they include load resistors/ control boxes to address this.

 

In the actual LEDs?

or that little in-line resistor box?

 

There's definitely a little box, I'm planning to just tape it to the side of the headlight. The connectors for the original bulb plug right into the box and the box into the led.

 

Holy Sh@t.... $100/pr for the Triton v3's???

 

You get what you pay for lifetime warranty, and made in USA. Not to mention brighter and fuller than incandescents.

 

^^^ I agree quality over quantity.... but $100 for a pair of bulbs... wow.

 

Yeah a bit steep, but after reading plenty of positive reviews and seeing all those videos, I couldn't resist. I can't wait to see how they turn out on the fit.