Automotive Strip Lighting: Detail Guide For Car, Truck, SUV 

Do you have a car, truck, or SUV and want to install strip lights? Then this article is for you. 

Well, automotive strip lighting not only provides perfect illumination, but also makes your vehicles stand out from others. Also, this can give your vehicles a modern look and a decorative vibe. 

Here, I have included everything about the strip lights for vehicles, from their benefits to how to choose one. So let’s dive in to learn more–

Benefits Of Using Strip Lights In Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, SUVs)

Many benefits are available from using automotive strip lights for your vehicles. For instance–

• Enhanced Visibility

When you install strip lights in vehicles, it significantly improves visibility inside and outside. Basically, they offer additional illumination in dark conditions. This way, strips make operations like finding items, loading cargo, or entering and exiting the vehicle much safer and easier. Hence, this added brightness is especially beneficial for night-time driving or when parked in poorly lit areas.

• Modern Look & Style

By adding strip lights, you can make your car, truck, or SUV vehicle more modern and sophisticated, and bring dramatic effects. As they come in several colors and styles, you can customize them to fulfil your personal tastes. This way, your vehicles will become unique and attractive. 

• Increased Safety

Better lighting will increase your safe driving. Hence, strip lights highlight vehicle contours, door sills, or steps, and reduce the risk of an accident. At the same time, when you use additional brake or turn signals, they can enhance your vehicle’s visibility to others on the road. And this will prevent unwanted accidents and ensure safety.

• Energy-Efficient

Another important advantage of using strip lights on your vehicles is their consumption of less power compared to conventional incandescent bulbs. This reduces strain on your vehicle’s electrical system and battery. 

Hence, the strips can run continuously without a significant energy drain. This way, you can save on energy costs while maintaining lighting performance for long trips and frequent operation.

• Flexible & Easy To Install

Vehicle strip lights are designed with flexibility so you can install them on curved or irregular surfaces easily. As most of the lights come with adhesive backings or mounting kits, you perform hassle-free setup without any specialized skills or tools. This user-friendly installation process makes it simple for anyone to upgrade their vehicle lighting at home.

• Weather-Resistant Options

The best part about strip lights is their weather-resistant capability. Therefore, they can withstand rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures. Also, with waterproof casings, they maintain reliable performance regardless of climate or terrain. Therefore, the strips are ideal for off-road vehicles, trucks, and cars exposed to the elements.

• Customizable Features

You can customize strip lights with features such as brightness control, color changing, remote operation, and more. This way, you can create strips that suit different moods or functions, from practical illumination to ambient or party effects inside or outside the vehicle. 

• Affordable Upgrade

Compared to other vehicle modifications, strip lighting is a cost-effective way to enhance both style and function. The wide availability of affordable options means you can achieve noticeable improvements in aesthetics and safety without a significant investment. 

Types Of Strip Lighting For Cars, Trucks, SUVs

You can install different types of strip lights for your cars, trucks, and SUVs.

01. Single-Color LED Strips

The single color LED strips can be white or warm white tones, and they are ideal for standard car interior lighting. Plus, these strips are cost-effective and easy to install. However, when you choose one, you have to consider the supplier offering consistent color temperature and strong adhesive backing to ease installation.

02. RGB LED Strips

RGB LED strips combine green, red, and blue LEDs. With drivers, you can cycle through a spectrum of colors using a remote or app. This way, you can adjust the vehicle’s ambiance and add visual interest or sync colors with music. If you are seeking decorative and versatile fixtures for your vehicle, use these RGB strips. 

03. Waterproof LED Strips

Waterproof LED strips are designed with protective silicone or epoxy coating to resist moisture, dirt, and dust. Therefore, you can use off-road lighting and outdoor interiors. They are reliable and can withstand harsh and wet environments. However, you have to consider IP ratings such as IP65 and IP68.

04. High-Density LED Strips

These LEDs come with more strips per meter. This way, the strips offer brighter and more uniform illumination. They are ideal for areas that need strong, even lighting, such as under-dash lighting, engine bays, and show car displays. Also, these strips provide a light effect with minimal gaps or dark spots and enhance visibility.

05. Flexible & Cuttable Strips

Flexible and cuttable LED strips are designed with a pliable backing that allows them to bend around curves and fit into tight spaces. Also, most can be trimmed at designated points to match specific lengths. These versatile strips are perfect for accenting dashboards, door panels, and custom interior or exterior designs.

06. 12V DC LED Strips

For automotive lighting, 12V DC strips are often used. They are energy efficient, bright, and ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. They are available in several colors, are flexible, and are easy to install. And you can install them for undercarriage, cabin, or decorative purposes.

07. Addressable LED Strips

Addressable LED strips enable individual control over each LED. They allow for dynamic lighting effects such as chasing, fading, and color transitions. These strips use integrated controllers for precise color and pattern customization. Hence, they’re ideal for creating complex, animated lighting schemes within vehicles.

Where To Use Strip Lights In Vehicles? 

Typically, it depends on your personal preference. However, you can install the LEDs in the vehicle’s footwells, underneath the seats, and more.

01. Footwells

You can install LED strip lights in a vehicle’s footwells. This will create a sitting ambient effect, dramatically improving nighttime visibility and style. These lights can be set to activate with the door opening. With customizable color options, they add both practical illumination and a unique personal touch to your car’s interior.

02. Underneath The Seats

By mounting LED strips beneath the seats, you can enhance the overall interior glow and even illumination throughout the cabin. This setup is particularly effective for showcasing your car’s detailing at night, giving the interior a modern, luxurious appearance. It’s easy to install and can be tailored for subtle or bold effects.

03. Underside Of Your Car

LED strip lights can be attached to the underside of your car, truck, or SUV. This is commonly known as underglow and offers a dramatic visual effect. This makes your vehicle stand out on the road at night. As they are weather-resistant and can be controlled remotely, these strips can be convenient.

04. In The Engine Bay

Engine bay strip lighting can completely transform your car’s under-hood appearance, showcasing custom paint or performance parts. These lights provide functional benefits during nighttime maintenance and show off your engine at events. 

Besides, kits are available specifically for this purpose, ensuring heat resistance and safe attachment points for lasting results. 

05. On Your Car Headlights

If you add LED strip lights to your headlights, they act as both a stylish accent and an additional safety feature. Often used for daytime running lights, these strips create a sharp, modern profile for your vehicle. However, it’s important to choose waterproof, high-brightness strips for optimal performance and visibility in all conditions.

How To Choose The Right LED Strip For Your Cars, Trucks, SUVs? 

If you want to choose the right LED strips for your cars, trucks, and SUVs, you have to consider a few things–

Voltage And Power Consumption

When choosing LED strips for vehicles, you have to match the strips’ voltage rating with your car, truck, or SUV’s electrical system. However, you have to ensure the power consumption doesn’t exceed your fuse or wiring capacity. Although lower wattage strips can be energy efficient, they can offer lower brightness as well. 

Color And Brightness

LED strips come in several colors, from single to RGB. So, you can choose a color to enhance the visibility of your vehicle’s style. As the brightness refers to lumens, if you want brighter illumination, select a high lumen rating. 

Flexibility And Length

Try to choose LED strips that are flexible enough to contour around corners or tight spaces in your vehicle. Before selecting one, you have to measure application areas carefully to ensure a proper fit and avoid cutting the strips unnecessarily. As the strips come in different lengths, now you can choose your perfect match. 

Waterproofing And Durability

This is another essential thing to consider while choosing LED strips for your vehicles. When you want to use strips for exteriors or exposed spaces, choose the lights with an IP rating from IP65 to IP68. This will save the lights from dust, rain, and debris. 

However, interior applications don’t require high waterproofing, but durability is still key. Therefore, choose strip lights with strong adhesive backing and quality. 

Installation Guide Of The Strips For Your Car, Truck, And Vehicles 

In this section below, I have provided you with a step-by-step guide to installing LED strips for your car, truck, and SUVs. Take a look–

Plan Your Design

First things first, you have to visualize or make a layout where you want to install the strips. 

You can install strip lights in areas like beneath the dashboard, running boards, or under the seats to maximize effect and safety. Then, create the basic layout, measure the required lengths. Also, ensure the chosen areas avoid moving parts or excessive heat to maintain long-term durability and reliability.

Surface Preparation

Now that you have made the layout, prepare the surface before installation. Clean the surfaces well using isopropyl alcohol wipes. This removes dirt, oil, and any leftover residue so the LED strips stick better. 

Besides, you have to make sure the surfaces are prepared properly to avoid the strips peeling off later. Focus more on areas like the dashboard and door edges, where dirt often accumulates.

Installing The LED Strips

Before starting the installation process, it’s best for you to check that the strips function properly. This way, you can find any damaged lights and have time to fix them. When you are confirmed that the lights are working perfectly, peel off the adhesive backing and put them in the desired locations. The next step is to press the lights firmly to ensure security and verify that the corners and curves are fine. 

Wiring And Power Supply

After installing the LED strips in the right place, the next step is to connect them properly. First, you have to pick a power source. Typically, for vehicles, you can select either a 12V system or a fuse adapter for safer wiring. 

After that, to make the lights turn on with your headlights, you can connect the wires to the dashboard’s illumination line. This creates a smooth, automatic lighting effect.

Lastly, don’t forget to ground the wires. Attach the ground wire to a metal part of your car’s body. This completes the electrical circuit, helping to avoid problems such as flickering or power loss. This ensures your LED strips work safely and reliably.

Mounting And Securing

Now you have to make sure the wiring is properly secured and hidden. Start by using cable ties to bundle and hold any loose wires in place. This keeps everything organized and stops wires from getting tangled. Then, check all wire connections to ensure they are firm and safe. 

At the same time, cover any bare or exposed wires with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to protect them and avoid short circuits. This way, you can improve safety and make your setup a clean and finished look. Taking time to do this will make your work look more polished and reliable.

Testing Your Installation

Finally, the testing step: check if the LED lights are working by turning on the switch. Also, you can plug them in or start your car. Watch carefully to see if all the lights turn on as they should. If any strip doesn’t light up or keeps blinking, you need to fix or adjust it. 

Then, walk around your car and look at each LED strip. Make sure they are lighting up the right spots and spreading the light evenly. This step helps ensure your lighting looks good and works properly before finalizing the installation. Also, fix any issues now to avoid problems later.

How To Choose The Best Strips Manufacturer For Vehicles?

Choosing a manufacturer to get the best strips for your vehicles is not that hard; all you have to take into consideration are some factors, such as–

Rich product variety and technological innovation

When choosing the best strip manufacturer for vehicles, select manufacturers that offer a diverse range of strip products. This way, you can use the different strip lights for different vehicle models and applications. 

At the same time, prioritise brands that invest in technological innovation. This will ensure product durability, enhanced functionality, and competitive features that meet evolving industry standards.

Wide coverage of the global market

Manufacturers with an established presence in the global market make ordering smooth and give you enough customer support. This can ensure fast delivery and help the infrastructure for clients in different regions. 

Accept customized orders

If you have any specific requirements, choosing a manufacturer with customized option can be best for you. This way, you can make any unique and attractive design for your vehicles. Therefore, you can choose strip lights based on material, size, color, and branding. 

Industry certification and regulatory compliance

Often, industry certification refers to the manufacturer’s reliability. For instance, certifications from bodies such as ISO or IATF ensure strict quality control and manufacturing practices. Similarly, regulatory compliance guarantees that products meet safety and environmental standards.

Conclusion

So, strip lights are the best option for your car, truck, and SUVs. As they come in different types and colors, you can choose one based on your needs. They are energy efficient and can ensure visibility. Also, they last for many years, reducing your maintenance costs.

Therefore, if you want world-class strip lights, contact Mylikeled. We produce a wide range of strip lights with custom options.  

FAQs

Where can I install strip lights in my vehicle?

You can install strip lights under dashboards, seats, door panels, in trunks, or along the exterior underbody. Basically, placement depends on your desired effects, such as adding a soft interior glow or creating eye-catching underglow beneath the vehicle. 

Do I need special tools or skills?

Typically, you need to gather basic tools like wire cutters, electrical tape, zip ties, and a screwdriver, which are usually sufficient. Optional tools include a soldering iron for strong connections and a multimeter for testing. However, no advanced skills are necessary, but familiarity with your vehicle’s wiring helps ensure safe installation.