Collection: LED Range

Switching to LED in a car: what you need to know

LED technology offers a significantly longer lifespan than halogen (5,000 hours vs. 500 to 1,000) and consumes up to 80% less energy. However, not all LEDs are created equal — and regulations clearly distinguish between unrestricted uses and uses subject to type approval.

Since 2023, only CE-approved LED kits are legal as replacements for headlights. Without approval, modification is prohibited on public roads and may result in a re-inspection during the technical control. Conversely, switching to LED inside the vehicle is completely unrestricted — no approval required.

Interior and dashboard LEDs — unrestricted replacement

Replacing interior vehicle lighting with LEDs is not subject to any legal restrictions. All references are concerned: side lights (W5W, T10), dome lights (C5W festoon bulbs 31 / 36 / 42 mm), trunk lights, license plate lights, and glove compartment lights, as well as dashboard indicator lights (T5, T10).

Immediate advantages: pure white lighting (4,000–6,000 K) that modernizes the interior ambiance, instant illumination without preheating, and sufficiently low consumption that never drains the battery even if the door is left open for a long time.

Signal LEDs — stop, reverse, and turn signals

Stop lights (P21/5W, BAY15D), reverse lights (W16W, P21W), and turn signals (PY21W, BAU15S) can be converted to LED. One point of attention: LEDs consume significantly less than halogen bulbs, which the car's turn signal relay interprets as a blown bulb. Consequence: the flashing accelerates abnormally (the "hyperflashing" effect).

The solution: choose a canbus LED, which integrates a load resistor to mimic the consumption of a halogen bulb and trick the computer. In some cases, an external resistor can also be added in parallel.

Color LEDs — customization and ambiance

Red, blue, amber, green, cool or warm white: color LEDs allow for customization of interior side lights, trunk lighting, glove compartment lighting, or dashboard indicator lights. Interior use only: exterior signal lights (stop, turn signals, position) must comply with the regulatory color (red at the rear, amber for turn signals, white at the front).

Lifespan and economy — the real LED advantage

A halogen bulb lasts on average 500 to 1,000 hours; an equivalent LED often exceeds 5,000 hours, which is 5 to 10 times longer. For frequent uses (constantly on side lights, dome lights in winter, daily lighting), the initial investment — often only slightly more expensive than a good halogen bulb — pays for itself in a few months.