Home FAQ

Can you put LED lights in stock headlights?

Yes, it is possible to install LED lights in stock headlights, but the process requires some careful consideration and preparation. LED lights can provide brighter illumination and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional halogen bulbs, making them an attractive upgrade for many vehicle owners.

Understanding the Compatibility of LED Lights with Stock Headlights

Stock headlights are designed to work with specific bulb types, and simply replacing the bulbs with LEDs may not always be a straightforward process. The size, shape, and electrical requirements of the LED lights need to be compatible with the headlight housing and the vehicle's electrical system. Improper installation can lead to issues such as poor light output, flickering, or even damage to the headlight or the vehicle's electrical components.

Steps to Install LED Lights in Stock Headlights

Determine the correct LED replacement bulbs: Research the specific make, model, and year of your vehicle to find LED bulbs that are designed to fit your stock headlights. Pay attention to the size, shape, and wattage requirements.

Ensure electrical compatibility: Some vehicles may require additional modifications, such as installing a resistor or a canbus adapter, to ensure the LED lights are compatible with the vehicle's electrical system and do not cause any issues.

Properly install the LED lights: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing the LED bulbs. This may involve removing the headlight assembly, disconnecting the existing bulbs, and securely installing the new LED lights.

Adjust the headlight alignment: After installing the LED lights, you may need to adjust the headlight alignment to ensure the light is properly focused and directed on the road.

It's important to note that not all stock headlight housings are designed to accommodate LED lights, and the installation process may vary depending on the specific vehicle. It's always recommended to consult with a professional or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a successful and safe installation.

Potential Benefits of Installing LED Lights in Stock Headlights

Improved visibility: LED lights typically provide brighter and more focused illumination, enhancing the driver's ability to see the road and surrounding environment, especially in low-light conditions.

Energy efficiency: LED lights consume less power than traditional halogen bulbs, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency and reduced strain on the vehicle's electrical system.

Longer lifespan: LED lights have a significantly longer lifespan compared to halogen bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

By carefully considering the compatibility and following the proper installation steps, you can successfully upgrade your stock headlights with LED lights and enjoy the benefits of improved visibility and energy efficiency.

Can I legally upgrade my headlights to LED?

Aftermarket LED headlights are legal in the U.S. only if they are a complete, DOT-approved assembly designed to replace the original headlight system, but it is generally illegal to replace only the halogen bulb with an aftermarket LED bulb. Replacing a halogen bulb with an LED bulb in a housing designed for halogens is illegal because the light pattern will be incorrect, causing excessive glare for other drivers. Legal replacements must meet federal safety standards, be installed properly, and emit a white or yellow light (typically between 5000K-6000K).

Legal aftermarket LED headlights

DOT-approved assemblies: The safest and most legal option is to replace the entire headlight assembly with a DOT-approved LED kit that is designed for your vehicle's make and model.
Correct color: Headlights must produce white or selective yellow light. Lights that appear blue are not street legal.
Proper installation: Aftermarket LEDs must be installed correctly to ensure the proper light pattern and avoid blinding other drivers.

Illegal aftermarket LED headlights

Replacing only the bulb: Putting an aftermarket LED bulb into a housing designed for a halogen bulb is illegal because the light will not be correctly focused and will cause dangerous glare.
"Off-road use only" kits: Any kit explicitly labeled "for off-road use only" is not street-legal.
Non-compliant kits: LED bulbs that do not meet federal safety standards are illegal, even if they are installed in a housing designed for them.
Blue-tinted lights: Any LED headlights that are a blue color are not street-legal.

Other considerations

State and local laws: Some states have stricter laws than others regarding headlights, so it is important to check your local regulations.
Enforcement: While the NHTSA has regulations in place, enforcement is often left to state and local authorities.
Other lights: Aftermarket LED bulbs are often legal for replacing other lights, such as fog lights, brake lights, or turn signals, but check local laws.

Why is replacing halogen with LED illegal?

It's actually illegal in most jurisdictions to swap halogen headlights to LEDs because the headlight housing is specifically designed for halogen bulbs. The beam pattern and light output of an LED bulb don't match the housing, which can cause excessive glare and poor visibility for oncoming drivers.

Can I replace my stock headlights with LED?

Yes, you can replace stock headlights with LED, but it's not always a simple swap and requires a proper LED conversion kit for a safe and effective upgrade. You must ensure the kit is compatible with your vehicle and choose bulbs that are designed to reproduce the correct beam pattern to avoid blinding other drivers.
Before you begin

Identify your stock headlight type: Determine if your car has halogen or HID bulbs to ensure you buy the correct conversion kit.
Choose the right LED bulbs: Look for LED bulbs specifically designed to replace your stock type (e.g., H7, H11) and that have the correct design to replicate the original beam pattern.
Consider a full housing replacement: For better results, consider replacing the entire headlight housing, as the stock reflector housings may not work correctly with LED bulbs and can cause light to scatter, say Reddit users.
Check local laws: Make sure the LED headlights are legal for use in your area, as non-compliant headlights can result in fines.

Installation steps

Purchase a conversion kit: These kits are often "plug-and-play," meaning they connect to your existing wiring without any modifications.
Remove the old bulbs: Safely remove the old halogen or HID bulbs.
Install the LED bulbs and components: Follow the instructions to install the new LED bulbs and any included ballasts or drivers.
Adjust the headlights: After installation, adjust the angle of the new headlights to ensure the beam is focused on the road ahead and does not blind oncoming drivers.

You can watch this video to learn how to correctly upgrade to LED headlight bulbs: 59sAuto FixYouTube · Sep 16, 2023

Do I need to change the transformer from halogen to LED?

Existing Electrical Setup: Homes with existing halogen downlights likely have transformers already in place. If switching to low voltage LED downlights, these transformers might still be usable.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.