LED bulbs

A test was performed to see if LED bulbs could provide a usable alternative to standard incandescent bulbs frequently used in vehicles.

Benefits:

• Less electricity used, smaller load on the electric system. Technically resulting in higher gas mileage and performance, but too small to matter.
• Less heat created, potentially helping extend the lifespan of the tail lights.
• Faster response time, since LEDs do not warm up or cool down like incandescent bulbs.
• Longer lifespan.

Drawbacks:

• Cost and availability.
• Smaller difference between dim and bright models.
• Dimmer than incandescent bulbs. Safety.

Photographs comparing the two bulbs. The unit tested was a 3 watt bulb from eBay, consisting of 3 1 watt led units. The following photographs were taken at the same exposure timing and light conditions to present the most accurate comparison.

First the bulbs on, in a dim state, by themselves. On the left is the incandescent and on the right is the LED. The LED provides a softer and white glow, however more directional than the incandescent.

Next, both of the light bulbs tested in one photograph, installed in a 1998 Ford Escort. The one on the right is the LED, and the photo at the bottom is the bright mode.

This shows how the bulb does not change that much in it’s intensity when the breaks are pressed down. Although the decision was made to keep using the LED bulbs, some people would stop me in traffic and tell me that my brake lights don’t work. They work well enough to see at night, but sometimes during a sunny day the difference can be hard to see to the unsuspecting eye. However throughout the year of use, even under extreme driving conditions, no rear end collisions or traffic citations have occured. Results may vary.