What is the appropriate wattage and lumens for LED car lights?
3 Answers
For car LED lights, a 35W model typically produces 3200 lumens, which is 91 lumens per watt. Generally, 80-100 lumens per watt is considered most suitable, but the specific choice should be based on the original vehicle's lighting power and individual brightness requirements. Theoretically, higher wattage in LED car lights means greater power and brighter illumination. However, in practice, higher wattage is not always better. Increased wattage leads to higher power consumption and operating temperatures, which demands more effective heat dissipation. Here are some key points about LED car lights: 1. The operating temperature of the LED chip must be kept below 85°C to ensure a lifespan of over 30,000 hours. If the LED wattage is too high, the increased power will raise the operating temperature. Exceeding 85°C will shorten the lifespan of the LED light as temperatures rise. 2. Since car electrical circuits have a rated power capacity, using LED lights with excessively high wattage that exceeds the circuit's load capacity can cause the wiring to overheat and potentially burn out. In terms of luminous efficiency, LED headlights of the same wattage are brighter than the original halogen bulbs.
I recently researched the issue of LED car lights. Generally speaking, LED car lights with wattage between 15 to 40 watts are most appropriate, as too high power consumption may burn circuits or cause heat dissipation issues, while too low won't provide sufficient brightness. In terms of lumens, 2000 to 3500 lumens is quite practical, ensuring clear nighttime illumination without glare. Why is that? LED lights are highly efficient, producing about 90 to 120 lumens per watt, far superior to halogen lights. Having changed lights several times, I found that for city driving, the lower end values suffice, such as 3000 lumens at 20 watts; for high-speed night driving, higher brightness like 3500 lumens at 30 watts is needed to illuminate distant roads. Don't forget to check the original manufacturer's specifications, as mismatched power can easily blow fuses or over-drain the battery. Regularly test the light pattern to ensure safety and compliance. In summary, choosing the right wattage and lumens can save energy and enhance the driving experience.
I've pondered this detail when replacing LED lights in my own car. Watts are best controlled between 10 to 35 watts, with lumens ranging from 2000 to 3000 for optimal performance. The reason is simple: too low, like 1000 lumens, might make it hard to see road signs and pose dangers; too high, like 4000 lumens, wastes electricity and could attract police attention for being too glaring. The advantage of LEDs is their efficiency—I've tested 20-watt lights that produce 2500 lumens, which is sufficient for daily commutes and consumes half the power of old lights, saving on fuel costs. The key is to choose the size based on the car model—for example, compact cars with limited light space should avoid high-power options to prevent poor heat dissipation that shortens lifespan. Before modifying lights, check the manual for voltage ranges to ensure circuit stability. Remember, higher lumens aren't always better; ensure the light is evenly distributed and doesn't blind other drivers. Testing the lights in practice to find a balanced point is the most reliable approach.
