I'm looking to replace the exisitng bulbs at the back of our Eriba for some LEDs and am looking for some advice.

I'm presuming that LEDs will be a lot brighter than the standard 12v 21 / 5 watts already in there but what shape is the best? here is an example of the three types available.

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380-Led-1157-...ar=432185795151

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1157-BAY15D-3...TYAAOSwGUBaBKzu

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-WHITE-33-...C8AAOSwH3haDfOX

All are type 380 fittings (offset pin) but I'm looking for some really bright babies as our reflector glass is looking a bit tired. Do you think white or red is best (the reflector glass is already red)? Also, do you think I should replace the indicator bulbs at the same time?

Does the fact that the ones I've chosen as an example are not cambus give me a potential problem?

Randa

Quote: Randa france wrote in post #1

---

I'm looking to replace the exisitng bulbs at the back of our Eriba for some LEDs and am looking for some advice.

I'm presuming that LEDs will be a lot brighter than the standard 12v 21 / 5 watts already in there but what shape is the best? here is an example of the three types available.

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380-Led-1157-...ar=432185795151

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1157-BAY15D-3...TYAAOSwGUBaBKzu

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-WHITE-33-...C8AAOSwH3haDfOX

All are type 380 fittings (offset pin) but I'm looking for some really bright babies as our reflector glass is looking a bit tired. Do you think white or red is best (the reflector glass is already red)? Also, do you think I should replace the indicator bulbs at the same time?

Does the fact that the ones I've chosen as an example are not cambus give me a potential problem?

Randa

---

If I was doing this (and I've thought about doing it on various occasions), this is what I'd do, for what it's worth:

1. Do what Mr Cauldron suggests and get the existing lenses and reflectors ship shape.

2. Get LEDs which are as close to the physical size and light distribution pattern (nominally 360°) of the halogen bulb as possible. I'd steer well clear of LEDs where all the diodes face the same way, in other words. The reflectors in halogen bulb-equipped light units are designed for bulbs that emit light in all directions, and not ones where the light effectively shines just one way.

3. Don't go too bright. Dual filament halogen bulbs are 5/21W for a reason. If the taillight element is too bright, it can be mistaken for a lit brake light. That's dangerous, and might even be illegal. If the brake light element is too bright, it'll be distracting - if not dazzling - to those following. I'd go for the bulbs with the lowest lumen (brightness) rating I could find. Even the least bright ones will almost certainly be brighter than a 5/21W incandescent. Most people who sell these things think super mega suntan bright is always better. It isn't.

4. Get can bus error-free bulbs. They're hardly any more expensive, and you'll avoid the car having a hissy fit.

5. Get red ones. LEDs are intrinsically brighter (see No3), and because the light itself is much whiter, you'll end up with pink brake lights if you fit white bulbs. It looks pants.

6. I've a feeling that most of the information in Stevejoyce's link applies to headlights rather than taillights, and headlights are a whole different animal. The safety implications are much greater with getting headlight bulb replacement wrong.

7. No reason not to do the indicators as well. Same suggestions apply, and get amber LEDs.

Good luck!

.

P.S. There is a number 8. Don't just buy the cheapest ones you can find. To a not inconsiderable degree you get what you pay for with these things.

.