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Linkhttps://www.evilution.co.uk/mod/changing-exterior-bulbs-to-leds.htm Copy to ClipboardHere is a question I have been receiving more and more. “Can I change all of the bulbs in my car to LEDs?”
The answer to that question is yes.
However, the better question is “Should I change all of the bulbs in my car to LEDs?”
The answer to that one isn’t a straight yes or no answer, plus it will change as technology comes on.
So, here is the list of why you can, why you can’t, why you shouldn’t and how you could.
Roadster
High beam headlight – not recommended. *1
Low beam headlights – not recommended *1
Front fog lights – no problem if you can find any.
Front side lights – no problem
Front indicator – indicator problems *2
Side indicators – usually OK *3
Rear fog light – no major problem. *4
Reversing light – no major problem *4
Tail/Brake light – possible problems. *4 & *5
Rear indicators – indicator problems. *2
Licence plate light – no problem
450 Fortwo
High beam headlight – not recommended. *1
Low beam headlights – not recommended *1
Front fog lights – no problem if you can find any.
Front side lights – no problem.
Front indicator – indicator problems *2
Side indicators – usually OK *3
Rear fog light – no major problem. *4
Reversing light – no major problem. *4
Tail/Brake light – no major problems. *4
Rear indicators – indicator problems. *2
Licence plate light – no problem
451 Fortwo
High beam headlight – not recommended. *1
Low beam headlights – not recommended. *1
Front fog lights – no problem
Front side lights – no problem
Front indicator – indicator problems *2
Side indicators – usually OK. *3
Rear fog light – no major problem. *4
Reversing light – no major problem. *4
Tail/Brake light – no major problems. *4
Rear indicators – indicator problems. *2
Licence plate light – no problem
Forfour
High beam headlight – not recommended. *1
Low beam headlights – not recommended. *1
Front fog lights – no problem if you can find any
Front side lights – no problem.
Front indicator – indicator problems *2
Side indicators (wing mirror) – already LEDs
Rear fog light – no major problem. *4
Reversing light – no major problem. *4
Tail/Brake light – no major problems. *4
Rear indicators – indicator problems. *2
Licence plate light – no problem
Reasons For “Not Recommended”
*1 – Not bright enough, too expensive, runs too hot, short longevity.
*2 – Will cause the indicators to flash too quickly. A ballast resistor will be required.
*3 – Can cause the indicators to flash very quickly. A ballast resistor may be required.
*4 – Reflectors designed for a wider light spread. LEDs won’t use the reflectors so will have a
smaller and more narrow beam of light. Try to find LED bulbs with extra side facing LEDs.
Depending on the car and the efficiency of the LED, they may illuminate slightly when not in use.
*5 – It’s not uncommon for LED rear tail/brake bulbs to cause the 3 bar transmission error on the Roadster.
Side Facing LEDs
Here is a typical LED bulb. It has forward facing LEDs, however…
It also has LEDs facing sideways for added light spread.
The side LEDs will reflect off of the reflectors and give a wider beam of light.
Ballast Resistors
LEDs don’t have the same resistance as bulbs, this allows the indicator relay to turn on and off far too quickly. A ballast resistor must be added in parallel to the indicator wiring to increase the resistance of the circuit.
These resistors are fairly large and have a heatsink as they can get very hot during use. They must be attached directly to metal to aid in the dissipation of heat.
