Posted: 2/9/2005 6:56:29 AM EDT
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Can you get replacement LEDs for incandescent signals and running lights or does the fixture have to be purpose built? If not, what are the brightest and longest lasting bulbs? |
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considering that LEDs are used in traffic lights used night and day and that the world's two largest television sets are built with leds, why wouldn't leds be suitable for all car lights apart from headlamps or rear projection lamps? a single LED bulb can produce around 75 lumens, right? isn't this comparable to the early surefire 6P lights? |
For the very same reason as stated - LEDS are for looking at. Incandesent lamps are fer lookin' around at stuff travelling at you (at least mine are). IMHO - I like my running lights to "carry" a little further. |
The use of LED's as marker lights is permeating the trucking industry. They are as expensive as hell, but bright too! |
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Yep, I posted after your response. Then I saw the imho, and I'd agree with what you are saying. I think that maybe in 5 years LEDs will have developed to the point where they are substitutes for interior lighting. I use the things pretty freguently on headlamps, and there is no comparison for close up work, but for "throw" they still don't have it. Still haven't tried the balls to the wall surefire and elektrolumens stuff tho. |
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There are several places that you can buy replacement turn signal, brake, and parking lights that are led. Careful though, some are not DOT certified, and in most if not all instances if you replace all of the turnsignal lights, you will need a different flasher piece because the led's do not produce enough resistance to trip them. Just run a search on 1157 LED lights or your 1003 bulbs. |
Well worth the cost when you considering they last longer (less $$$ over time & less hassle changing burnt out lights) & draw a lot less juice. But I'm slightly biased since I work for www.pmlights.com/ & we make them. 
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I have some in my Jeep. Good points: Low current draw Long life Bad point: Less visible light. 1156/7 replacement LED's are arranged in a pattern that is bright if you are directly behind the vehicle. From the side thet are almost impossible to see. They are almost 'directional'. Purpose built lamp assembiles such as for large trucks are designed to solve this problem. |