Are you a big fan of those stylish racing cars that perk up the streets at night? Fascinated by the fabulous appearance the dazzling LED lights bring about in the other cars? Well, now you can do it too! And guess what? Installing LED strip lights and underflows is so cheap that it costs you ever lesser than a pair of sneakers! All you need is a lot of patience and enthusiasm for creating something new and the right machinery that will help you out all the way through.
These lights are bright enough for helping on the road and bring out a certain vibe depending on which color you are choosing. Whether it is a single-colored LED light, you’re referring to or multiple red, green, blue-colored lights–the process stands the same for securing LED strips on the edges of your car and wiring them up to your car’s engine bay.
Disclaimer: Many states and counties across the US have prohibited the usage of aftermarket lighting and consider it as illegal. We are not encouraging anyone to go against the laws. If you’re keen on this, please check out the local laws first before carrying it out.
Installing steps for car exterior led lights
Before you start the installation, make sure you have a washcloth to wipe off any kind of dirt or mud gently, otherwise, your brand-new LED strips might end up getting dirty even before the test drive! It will be wonderful if you possess a hydraulic jack since it will be one of the handiest things in this case. By using it, you can gain better access and more space to work on the underside of your car by jacking it upwards. It is not mandatory to have it, though. You can still proceed with the installation.
Things You’ll Need:
1. LED Strip Light
2. Zip-ties
3. Double-sided tape
4. Extension wires
5. Wire cutter/stripper
6. Hydraulic jack (optional)
7. Washcloth
STEP 1: Using the Zip-Ties
Check if the underside of your vehicle has enough space to safely and neatly attaching the LED strips. This also includes the brackets, bolts, or any small openings. Place the strip underneath your car at first, then securely attach it using the zip-ties.
It is best to use zip-ties for every 12 inches of the strip because it is much safer than using double-sided tapes only. Double-sided tapes can mount and hold the LED strip for a temporary amount of time until you figure out ways to use the zip-ties to set securely the strip. If you don’t have a double-sided tape roll, just in case, then make sure there is another pair of hands to hold the strip for you while you neatly fasten the strip.
STEP 2: Connect the Wires to Module Box
Take up the 4 wires and extend them before routing them up to the engine bay. Connect the wires to the module box. You can use some extension cables if the wiring of the LED strip is not long enough to go all the way to the front of the car. Usually, the package contains extension wires, but you may use some from your own if it’s unavailable or not enough.
STEP 3: Check the Installation Sheet or Booklet
Tap the Red wire to the positive end of the battery and the Black wire to the negative end or ground. Check the installation sheet or booklet that provided with the package to see what it’s used for.
STEP 4: Place in the Module Box
Be careful while placing the module box. It should be away from the engine but close to the battery to avoid any form of damage or accident. The place where the module box shall place is to remain dry at all times to avoid electrocution. It models the battery location to remain dry all the time, hence you won’t have to worry about having a damaged module box. Extend the antenna to get a better reception from the module box, even when the hood shut.
STEP 5: Test It and Make Sure
Turn on your car to test it and make sure that everything works. Since the installation is simple, if followed step by step, you can easily set it up yourself and enjoy owning and driving the coolest car in your neighborhood.
Cautionary Measures:
1. Keep underflow “under”–Many drivers prefer to show off and often forget that the basic idea is to mold the car’s exterior, causing no inconveniences while driving; be it for the driver himself or the others. Make sure that the underflow of the strip lights remains in the car’s domain and does not affect the surroundings.
2. Do NOT use flashing lights–Many states have strict and specific codes regarding the usage of light modifications. We reserve flashing lights for law enforcement vehicles, fire department vehicles, and ambulances.
3. Do NOT use restricted colors–Depending on which state you are traveling to or driving in the streets of, you ought to be careful of the regulations. Not every state permits every color. For example, some states strictly prohibit the usage of red, blue, or green-colored aftermarket modifications because they’re reserved for emergency vehicles. Again, some states are lenient and don’t consider it as a legal offense unless the lights are too flashy or are causing inconvenience.
4. Always disconnect- the negative cable of the battery before working on an installation that requires electrical auto parts. Even a small LED strip has connections to the power source that may cause severe levels of electrocution.
Pro-Tip
LED lights function via providing a platform for the Light-Emitting Diode through the frame it mounts the strip lights on. If the contact between your vehicle’s body and the frame is not enough, or if you are doubtful about it, you can use 16-gauge wire to make a ground wire and then attach it near the frame of the strip lights. Run the wire to a bolt of the frame of your vehicle.
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