Best LED headlight bulbs as of December 2019?
- Thread starter JC 707
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Found this educational reading
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-leds-should-not-be-run-in-halogen-reflectors.454371/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-leds-should-not-be-run-in-halogen-reflectors.454371/
James Ward
2015 Tahoe LT
Thank you, it was very helpful ! Very informative.
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There are previous threads here in the Forum on this topic. As I recall, there are many opinions from folks here on which LEDs are the best.
As you imply with the context of your question pertaining to what are the best LEDs 'today', core LED technology is rapidly improving, and the subsequent commercialization of these improvements is also moving at a rapid pace. The best that we can do in a rapidly evolving technological and commercialization environment is make our best decisions, based upon what we know today, and the referenced article by Trides is a great place to begin.
Since LEDs are not cheap, one other item that you may wish to consider is the vendor from which you purchase your LEDs. If there is a problem with compatibility or fit, you want to feel confident that you can return them for a full refund or replacement. Also, like anything else, there can be defects that cause the LED to not function after a period of time, so an ironclad warranty with a reasonably long warranty period can be of value. I ran into both of these situations when I converted my Yukon XL to all LEDs inside and outside, and the vendor that I selected, JDM Astar, was 100% cooperative and supportive in taking care of my issues, without there being any additional cost to me (even shipping expenses).
I wish you the best of outcomes on your LED assessment and conversion.
As you imply with the context of your question pertaining to what are the best LEDs 'today', core LED technology is rapidly improving, and the subsequent commercialization of these improvements is also moving at a rapid pace. The best that we can do in a rapidly evolving technological and commercialization environment is make our best decisions, based upon what we know today, and the referenced article by Trides is a great place to begin.
Since LEDs are not cheap, one other item that you may wish to consider is the vendor from which you purchase your LEDs. If there is a problem with compatibility or fit, you want to feel confident that you can return them for a full refund or replacement. Also, like anything else, there can be defects that cause the LED to not function after a period of time, so an ironclad warranty with a reasonably long warranty period can be of value. I ran into both of these situations when I converted my Yukon XL to all LEDs inside and outside, and the vendor that I selected, JDM Astar, was 100% cooperative and supportive in taking care of my issues, without there being any additional cost to me (even shipping expenses).
I wish you the best of outcomes on your LED assessment and conversion.
Bob2C
Full Access Member
Same here. I think the reduced voltage can screw with the BCM but I have seen plenty of people convert with no issues. I guess it depends on which ones you buy. I’m still on the fence but leaning towards these. They come on sale every so often. In fact they were $60 last night.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077BT6M6Z/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A20DLZVH04R37U&psc=1
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I had to look up what BCM meant...wow it monitors a ton of the vehicles electrical stuff. I wonder if these LED bulbs can short out the BCM or something? I guess I'd switch out to regular bulbs if something happens and I need to take it to the dealer for repairs hmmmm.
Bob2C
Full Access Member
I had put these in because the stock halogen are just terrible. For halogen they are close to the LED strip light on mine. Had them in since May. No issues
https://www.amazon.com/generation-b...rds=osram+night+breaker&qid=1577732553&sr=8-3
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My owners manual says headlights are pre-adjusted from the factory on the position of the light, assuming this means so lighting won't blind other drivers.
Would replacing the bulbs require a new adjustment? If so, how would one do this? Thanks!
Would replacing the bulbs require a new adjustment? If so, how would one do this? Thanks!
Bob2C
Full Access Member
I didn’t adjust for the new halogens. Same beam pattern. Their might be some adjustment needed with LED. Haven’t really looked at my new truck but my old one had adjustment screws on back of assembly. Just look around u should be able to see them. Honestly I wouldn’t adjust.
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when they create a LED headlight bulb that replicates a halogen beam pattern I'll be on board until then it's HID, I figure it's just a matter of time first they were single side, then they were double side, now they are 4 side, just make a round one already plenty of money out there waiting to be spent on a quality LED bulb.
If you are going to upgrade your headlight bulbs do it the right way and use good wire a relays, this way it won't damage your vehicle wiring as you found the notation in the owners manual, using relays and proper gauge wire takes the load off of the factory wiring and factory relays and yes if you change the bulb type you should re-adjust the headlight housing there are adjusters on the housing to do this with a simple Phillips screws driver.
Supposedly there is one. I came across this while searching Youtube for reviews/options. A little pricey not sure if worth it.
LED = a "diode" effectively
in dumb down terms it's a low amperage short circuit...
you will have to use one with a decent LED driver ...
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major difference, the halogen bulb projects light 360deg, the LED has shadows
lol, he completely avoids saying the halogen bulb projects 360deg and just jumps to how thin they can make the led board, haha
At my last job, I led the development of a hand held UV LED lamp and the biggest challenge was finding a combination of on-device lenses and diffusing filters so we didn’t have hot spots. They have a long way to go before they can replicate a Halogen bulb in evenness if light dispersion. Until then, putting an LED bulb into a fixture designed for Halogen is going to give sub-par results.
RB_Trucker
Full Access Member
Here’s what I put on my 2019 Suburban LT, plug and play and have been working flawlessly and the light pattern is excellent for an LED. Mind you they are rotatable to adjust the pattern, they color match the DRL too. Adds an up level look chevy should have put on these trucks from factory.
GranPrix
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