What is a LED upgrade on a Subaru?
If you own a Subaru, you may be considering upgrading your vehicle's headlights to LED (Light-Emitting Diode) technology. LED headlights offer several advantages over traditional halogen bulbs, including improved visibility, longer lifespan, and enhanced energy efficiency. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of a LED headlight upgrade for your Subaru and provide step-by-step guidance on how to make the switch.
Benefits of LED Headlight Upgrades for Subaru Owners
Upgrading to LED headlights on your Subaru can provide several key benefits:
- Improved Visibility: LED headlights emit a brighter, more focused beam of light, allowing you to see the road ahead more clearly, especially in low-light conditions.
- Longer Lifespan: LED bulbs typically last much longer than traditional halogen bulbs, with an average lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours. This means you'll need to replace your headlights less frequently.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: LED headlights consume less power than halogen bulbs, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced strain on your Subaru's electrical system.
- Improved Aesthetics: LED headlights often have a sleek, modern appearance that can enhance the overall look of your Subaru.
With these benefits in mind, it's no wonder that many Subaru owners are choosing to upgrade their headlights to LED technology.
How to Upgrade to LED Headlights on Your Subaru
Upgrading to LED headlights on your Subaru is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to follow the proper steps to ensure a successful installation. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Determine Compatibility: Before purchasing LED headlight kits, make sure they are compatible with your specific Subaru model and year. Check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure a proper fit.
- Choose the Right LED Headlight Kit: Select a high-quality LED headlight kit that meets or exceeds the brightness and performance of your Subaru's original halogen bulbs. Consider factors like lumens, beam pattern, and color temperature.
- Prepare for Installation: Gather the necessary tools, such as a socket wrench set and electrical tape, and ensure you have a well-lit, clean work area.
- Remove the Existing Halogen Bulbs: Carefully follow the instructions provided with your LED headlight kit to safely remove the old halogen bulbs from your Subaru's headlight assemblies.
- Install the LED Headlight Kits: Carefully insert the new LED bulbs into the headlight assemblies, ensuring a secure fit. Connect any necessary wiring or adapters according to the kit's instructions.
- Test and Adjust: Turn on your Subaru's headlights and ensure the LED bulbs are functioning correctly. If necessary, adjust the beam pattern to optimize visibility and comply with local regulations.
By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade your Subaru's headlights to LED technology and enjoy the many benefits it provides.
How much does it cost to upgrade LED headlights?
LED Headlights Can Be Expensive
LED bulbs are generally more expensive than your typical halogen bulb. While some go for as low as $100, high-end brands can cost up to $900.
What does LED stand for on a car?
Light Emitting Diode
Light Emitting Diode - LED
The advantages of LED technology compared to conventional incandescent lamps are in their lower power consumption, faster response times, reduced space requirement and a longer service life (the life of the car).
Is it legal to drive with LED lights in your car?
California: According to the California Highway Patrol, while there is no law specifically prohibiting interior lights, they advise against using them while driving due to safety concerns.
Can I legally upgrade my headlights to LED?
Clarification: aftermarket LED headlamps are illegal. OEM-installed LED headlights are indeed legal, but each headlamp is only legal for use in the vehicle to which it was designated (and tested and certified).
What is the disadvantage of LED headlights?
The problem with LED headlights is that they are incompatible with dark adapted human eyesight – particularly for older drivers – they are too bright, too blue, too 'concentrated' and blinding over too long a distance.
What is the LED upgrade on a Subaru?
Enhance the illumination of your standard interior map, visor and dome lights with brighter, whiter and crisper LED lighting. Developed to rigorous Subaru standards for seamless operation and uninterrupted functionality. Tested to help ensure the safety of your vehicle's electrical infrastructure.
Is LED good for car?
LED headlights last longer and use less power, putting less stress on the car's electrical systems. Although not as bright as HID lights, they are brighter than halogen bulbs and they produce a more natural light colour.
Are LED headlight upgrades worth it?
In fact, LED headlights consume about 80% less energy than halogen lights. For a battery-operated car, this reduced energy consumption means the strain on the power source is greatly decreased, and the driving range is increased.
Why are Subaru headlights so dim?
Consequently, the projector lens in the Subaru Outback is not thick enough to project the required intensity of light effectively. Many of our customers have opted to purchase new headlights only to encounter the same issue of inadequate lighting.
Why upgrade to LED lighting?
Energy Savings
LED is a highly energy-efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. Residential LEDs -- especially ENERGY STAR rated products -- use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.
