LED lighting for car

Do you want to improve the interior and/or exterior lighting of your vehicle? LED bulbs are the most effective solution to produce pleasant and powerful light. Get a strong and sharp beam outside, and create an ambiance with colors inside!

AGM VISION offers LED bulbs sold individually or in complete kits, according to your configuration. Installation is simplified by the compatibility of bases H1, H4, H7, H8, W21W, W16W, W5W, W1.2W and many others, to be able to equip all vehicles. You will benefit from the extraordinary power of LEDs and their lifespan, which is much greater than traditional bulbs.

Regarding electrical connections, no worries: all our LEDs will allow you to connect in place of the old one and thus preserve the integrity of your original wiring harness.

In some rare cases, it may be necessary to add a ground wire, a resistor or sometimes an anti-error box to ensure 100% compatibility. It depends on the wiring of your vehicle as well as the onboard electrical system. AGM VISION professionals are there to advise you and help you avoid mistakes.

Due to their extremely low electrical consumption, your vehicle's electronics may detect a faulty bulb once you have installed an LED. Models exist to trick the consumption monitoring system and prevent an error warning light from appearing on the dashboard. To perform the test, remove the original bulb and power on the onboard computer. If a warning appears, you will need to acquire an anti-error bulb.

Install a T10 W5W bulb

In the case of installing a T10 W5W bulb for your position lights, you will need to access the headlight assembly and, if necessary in some cases, disassemble it in order to change the bulb. The procedure is generally quite simple: just remove the old bulb and insert your LED into the mounting connector, then re-insert it into the headlight assembly. If you find that your T10 W5W LED bulb does not work, check that it is not polarised; in this case, please disconnect your LED and turn it half a turn (180°), then reconnect it. It may also happen that your T10 W5W LED flashes or flickers at start-up for a few seconds, especially on BMW, Volkswagen or Audi vehicles. To eliminate any flashing or flickering, you will need to install a specific unit such as our supreme anti-flash anti-error box or deactivate it using a diagnostic tool.

For any error warning lights after installing a T10 W5W LED bulb, simply add a resistor or an anti-error T10 box to fix it easily.

Install an H7 LED Kit

AGM VISION offers excellent quality H7 LED kits. Due to their high power, these kits contain in most cases an OBD anti-error box and are equipped with more or less bulky cooling devices: fans, copper braids or aluminum fins.

Before any intervention, carefully check the working condition of your original lighting system (electrical connectors, correct operation of headlight height adjustment as well as the visual condition of your headlights' reflectors or lenses) as well as the proper functioning of your original bulbs.

In this first phase, there should be no major fault or warning light related to your lighting on the dashboard. If you notice an error on the dashboard, please change the relevant bulb. This step will allow you to start in optimal conditions.

When possible, try plugging in your H7 LED bulbs without fully installing them in the headlight; this will allow you to test and check that your LEDs light up correctly and do not cause a warning light to appear. If a warning appears after connecting both H7 LED bulbs, then you will definitely need to add an anti-error box to solve this problem.

For installing an H7 LED Kit, first you will need to remove your original H7 bulbs from your headlight. To do this, disconnect the female socket with 2 connectors; simply hold the socket firmly and pull gently to remove it. If this is not possible, move up and down or left and right while pulling on the socket: this helps with extraction (warning: never pull directly on the wires otherwise you risk tearing them off or causing contact problems).

Then, depending on your vehicle and model, carefully examine the mounting system of your original bulb to remove it easily. In most cases it is held by a flexible metal clip that is easy to unclip. Other times you will find that it is the entire connector that acts as both socket and holder; if you see this type of mounting, you will need a specific LED adapter for your vehicle to ensure correct mounting of H7 LED bulbs.

Once your original halogen bulb is removed, you need to remove the ring from your LED bulbs. This can be plastic or metal; several procedures exist for removing it depending on your chosen LED model: quarter turn rotation, 3/4 turn rotation or simply pulling; sometimes you must unscrew the cooling system from the LED. Some like our LP1 H7 LED bulb require nothing removed because this LED mimics exactly the shape and size of a standard halogen bulb and thus installs in exactly the same way.

Feel free to consult our French user manuals specific to each of our LEDs for easier installation.

After removing the ring from your LED, simply install this same ring in place of your old original bulb then reclip the metal clip to hold it in place. If it is a specific LED adapter for your vehicle that holds your LED in place, installation will be more particular; in this case consult our product sheet for our LED adapters on our website — some examples may be available — or contact us for assistance.

For fitting your H7 LED bulb, you can use a specific grease for O-rings (be careful with other greases as they can swell seals), which will make this step easier. Insert the LED directly into the ring now held in place in your headlight; make sure that any lugs (if there are any) face inside grooves on the ring so they do not obstruct passage. If there are no lugs on the LED, simply push it in.

Then check that your LED is properly positioned in your headlight. This phase is very important because it allows maximum performance as well as lighting accuracy. The emitting head must be perfectly vertical inside your headlight; rotate slightly if needed.

Connect the control unit to your H7 LED bulb if equipped; next you just need to connect your LED male plug to your installation (i.e., to the connector that previously went directly onto your old bulb). Take all possible precautions during connection phases and never pull on wires or force anything. In some cases when making connections it may be necessary to spread out or tighten pins; observe your equipment carefully so as not to break anything. If you find that your LED bulb does not work after connection, it may be polarized; in this case reverse the plug and test again.

Finally, for best installation: store all wires and boxes inside headlights if possible. We can provide various waterproof covers with different diameters and depths for easier closure while maintaining headlight watertightness; otherwise plan an installation for attaching anti-error boxes outside of headlights (a good solution is using double-sided tape or plastic zip ties usually included with our LED kits). And that's it! You can now enjoy powerful and reliable lighting.

If in doubt, installation services can be provided by AGM VISION's qualified staff — feel free to contact them.

Replacing these old filament bulbs with high-power LEDs is an idea that many motorists have in mind. But is it legal on public roads? The regulations are not always clear and far from simple to understand. Here are the rules you need to know before getting started and choosing the right road-approved LED bulb.

Installing LED lights

If you want to replace your old bulbs with approved LED lights, you will have to comply with certain rules, or you risk receiving a fine. It may seem obvious to some, but you must pay attention to the color of your lights. Governed by the Highway Code, the color of the vehicle's front lights must be white or yellow. Other colors that are popular in tuning, such as blue or green, are prohibited. The rear lights are red and the reversing light is white. Failing to comply with this rule can result in a fine of €68 (increased to €180), which is the same as for speeding by 20 km/h. So be careful when choosing your LED lighting.Also note that after replacing a bulb, your lights will need to be adjusted again to achieve an optimal and safe beam. As for power, refer to conversion tables to know the power of approved LED bulbs to install in place of your old lights.

The installation of LED lights can be a wise idea on older models with a 6V circuit. With such a low voltage, lighting is often limited. You can overcome this limit by installing approved LEDs that will produce as much light as classic 12V lights on recent models.

The legislation for additional lights

Some people are attracted by additional headlights, those units that are added to the car's original design, like on trucks or rally cars from the 1980s and 1990s. Here, the regulations are clear: you can install additional headlights if locations are provided for this purpose by your vehicle manufacturer. Needless to say, these cases are extremely rare. If you have an accident with this type of equipment, and the other driver involved states that they were dazzled by your extra lights, it will be your responsibility and your insurer may choose not to cover you, as your vehicle does not conform to the original.

Off public roads, nothing prevents you from using your additional lights. This is often the case on ATVs or tractors on farms or racing cars.

Can you install LED bulbs inside a car?

Exterior LEDs are designed to emit a directional and powerful light forward, to optimize vision and more easily distinguish static objects and movement. It's a whole different story inside your vehicle.

As far as legislation is concerned, you can do pretty much whatever you want as long as it does not bother other road users. A world of possibilities opens up for you regarding interior car LEDs. You can add ambient lighting at foot level or towards the rear seats, change the color of your ceiling light or even install more powerful lighting in your trunk.

According to your preferences, you can choose, for example, between a 360° bulb or a side-lighting bulb. The latter is particularly useful for creating a soft atmosphere with subdued lighting. You can use it in your glove box, or for the rear ceiling light if you have one, for your children. A 360° bulb creates a much stronger and brighter light; it's ideal for trunk lighting, especially on sedans with a very deep trunk.

LED lights have many advantages for drivers. In addition to the modern style they give to vehicles equipped with them, they consume less energy and have much higher brightness than other technologies. Their ease of installation and low cost allow them to be installed in almost all vehicles, but there is a legislative framework. The following rules and laws also apply to other types of lighting.

Legislation for LED lighting on front lights

What law applies to rear lights?

At the rear of your vehicle, your reversing lights must be white. The brake warning lights are red, as are the fog lights and reflectors. The latter two are not mandatory unless they are present from the factory. The indicators are orange or yellow, whether placed at the front or rear, as well as on the sides of your vehicle.
Apart from the color of your lights, generally speaking, you must not inconvenience other road users. Excessive power or incorrect adjustment can make you liable for an offense. Failure to comply with the color regulations may result in a fine of 68€, which can be increased to 180€!
Furthermore, the installation of additional lights is only allowed in locations provided by the manufacturer. You risk a fine and, more importantly, may no longer be covered by your car insurance.

What are the rules for interior lighting in your car?

Regarding the interior of your vehicle, the law is much more permissive. Indeed, you are (almost) free to manage your cabin or trunk lighting as you wish by choosing suitable interior car LEDs. The only constraint to respect is not to inconvenience other road users.
From there, you can change the color of your dome light or increase the power of your trunk lighting without risking any problem.
For aesthetics, avoid making too many disparate choices inside the cabin. Prefer one or two colors at most and harmonize the lighting. Another important point: make sure your modifications do not interfere with your driving. A light that is too strong or directed towards you will dazzle you, tire you out, and prevent you from seeing road hazards.

Driving with a broken light

If you have a faulty light, whether the lens is broken or the bulb is no longer working, you risk a third-class fine of 68€, which can go up to 180€. This law applies to all lights: fog lights, indicators, or reverse lights.

On forums, reseller websites, or even in blog articles, you may have already come across the terms "projector headlights" or "reflector headlights." The problem is that those who talk about them are well aware of what they are and do not explain it. But then, how can you tell a projector headlight from a reflector headlight? What are the differences between a projector headlight and a reflector headlight?

What is a projector headlight?

How do you recognize a projector headlight? The appearance of a projector headlight allows you to quickly distinguish it from a headlight with a reflector. In fact, the projector headlight has a domed shape in front of the bulb (the lens). This dome diffuses the light emitted by the bulb, more precisely by the filament or LED.

The effect of this diffusion is what makes projector headlights efficient and appealing. The light diverges when coming into contact with the dome formed by the lens and spreads in all directions. The beam is more effective and uniform, resulting in better visual performance at equivalent power.

What is a reflector headlight?

How do you recognize a reflector headlight? A reflector headlight also has a bulb that emits light. The difference is that this time, the bulb emits in all directions and the light does not hit a lens. The light diffuses strongly in a straight line, and the rays that go to the sides come into contact with the reflector placed at the back of the auxiliary headlight. It forms a bowl that collects the light rays and reflects them forward, like a mirror would.

The beam is more concentrated in the center and much less diffused. Overall vision down the axis is good, but the sides are less well lit. You need to increase the lamp's power to achieve effective side lighting.

What are the differences between a projector headlight and a reflector?

The differences between these two types of lights come from how the light is deflected on its way to the illuminated point. There are many advantages to projector headlights, but their implementation and manufacture cause higher costs. Moreover, with modern LED lights, this type of technique, with a glass dome to diffuse the light, is no longer essential.

Mass-produced models are much more often equipped with reflectors which have greater compatibility with different kinds of bulbs and power ratings. Halogen and xenon bulbs produce a lot of heat that must be dissipated to protect the plastic optics. High-power LED bulbs are equipped with a fan that is powered at the same time as the LED. It is therefore cooled as soon as it is used and causes very little temperature rise.