Running light LEDs add visibility and style to your car, truck, or SUV. These lights, located just under the headlights on most cars, are illuminated when the vehicle's engine is running (hence the name). Shop our guide to expert-recommended LED running lights to find the right choice for your specific make and model.
Your Guide to LED Lighting for Cars
Partsam 3157 3156 4114 Daytime Running Light Bulbs DRL Driving Light 60LED 3528-SMD 6000K Xenon White Ultra Bright Car Led Bulbs (Pack of 2)
Partsam 3157 3156 4114 Daytime Running Light Bulbs DRL Driving Light 60LED 3528-SMD 6000K Xenon White Ultra Bright Car Led Bulbs (Pack of 2)
SYLVANIA SYLVANIA ZEVO 4114 Amber LED Bulb, (Contains 2 Bulbs)
SYLVANIA SYLVANIA ZEVO 4114 Amber LED Bulb, (Contains 2 Bulbs)
RA RAYHOO Rayhoo 2 pcs Set Waterproof High Power 6W 12V 6000K Xenon Slim COB LED DRL Daylight Driving Daytime Running Light Lamp For Car SUV Sedan Coupe Vehicle Universal (Xenon White)
RA RAYHOO Rayhoo 2 pcs Set Waterproof High Power 6W 12V 6000K Xenon Slim COB LED DRL Daylight Driving Daytime Running Light Lamp For Car SUV Sedan Coupe Vehicle Universal (Xenon White)
Alla Lighting Alla Lighting 3157 LED Bulbs Super Bright 3156 3056 3057 4157 3457 4057 LED Brake Stop, Back-up Reverse, Turn Signal Lights, DRL, Taillights, 6K Xenon White
Alla Lighting Alla Lighting 3157 LED Bulbs Super Bright 3156 3056 3057 4157 3457 4057 LED Brake Stop, Back-up Reverse, Turn Signal Lights, DRL, Taillights, 6K Xenon White
MICTUNING MICTUNING RGB Flexible LED Strip Light Kits, 2 Pcs 18.5 inch Multi Color LED Daytime Running Lights Car Headlight Surface Strip Tube Light Waterproof Neon Turn Signal Lights DRL Switchback Light
MICTUNING MICTUNING RGB Flexible LED Strip Light Kits, 2 Pcs 18.5 inch Multi Color LED Daytime Running Lights Car Headlight Surface Strip Tube Light Waterproof Neon Turn Signal Lights DRL Switchback Light
SPL SPL DOT Approved LED Tail Light & Brake Light & Ultimate Reverse Lights EMC Build-in Rear Light Back Up Lights Daytime Running Lamps Replacement for Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU 2007-2017
SPL SPL DOT Approved LED Tail Light & Brake Light & Ultimate Reverse Lights EMC Build-in Rear Light Back Up Lights Daytime Running Lamps Replacement for Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU 2007-2017
What Are Running Light LEDs?
Also known as daytime running lights, running light LEDs use energy-efficient bulbs called light-emitting diodes. These lights are designed to make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of other vehicles. Most vehicles come with factory running lights that have halogen bulbs. Switching to LEDs enhances the brightness of your running lights dramatically. LEDs also have a much longer life span than standard bulbs.
Depending on the vehicle make and model, you may be able to add daytime running lights around your car's license plate, headlights, or taillights. Advantages of adding LED running lights to your car, truck, or SUV include:
- Improving road safety and reducing the risk of a collision, especially in conditions when sun glare or low ambient light conditions might affect driver visibility.
- Customizing your vehicle's appearance and aesthetic.
- Notifying others that your car's engine is running.
- Reducing energy consumption compared to standard halogen running lights.
How to Choose Running Light LEDs
These are the most important considerations when selecting LED running light bulbs for your vehicle:
Life Span
The PARTSam 3157 3156 4114 Daytime Running Light Bulbs DRL Driving Light 60LED 3528-SMD 6000K Xenon White Ultra Bright Car Led Bulbs (Pack of 2) have thousands of positive ratings from buyers as well as a reported life span of 50,000 hours. This Amazon's Choice product gets high marks for easy installation, vibration resistance, and outstanding brightness.
Color
The highly rated SYLVANIA - 4114 ZEVO LED Bulb - Bright LED Bulb, Ideal for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Back-Up/Reverse Lights (Contains 2 Bulbs) come in your choice of white, red, or amber, which means you can also use them for brake lights, side markers, turn signals, and taillights. Buying a two-pack allows you to replace both bulbs at once, since they usually die around the same time. These shock-proof, vibration-proof bulbs offer high lumen 6K brightness. Sylvania has been making light bulbs for more than a century and backs its products with a lifetime limited warranty.
Customer Service
If you're new to installing daytime running lights, consider the Rayhoo 2 pcs Set Waterproof High Power 6W 12V 6000K Xenon Slim COB LED DRL Daylight Driving Daytime Running Light Lamp For Car SUV Sedan Coupe Vehicle Universal (Xenon White). The manufacturer promises to respond to customer service requests within 24 hours.
These low-power, high-brightness lights offer a universal fit for small coupes and heavy-duty trucks alike and offer easy installation with high-strength double-sided adhesive tape. They also double as fog lights, further enhancing the safety and visibility of your vehicle. Keep in mind that these lights are designed only for off-road use, not on the highway. To that end, a durable aluminum casing protects the bulbs during all your trail adventures.
Brightness
Bulb manufacturers measure brightness output in units called lumens. The Amazon's Choice Alla Lighting 3157 LED Bulbs Super Bright 3156 3056 3057 4157 3457 4057 LED Brake Stop, Back-up Reverse, Turn Signal Lights, DRL, Taillights, 6K Xenon White are some of the brightest daytime running lights you can buy, featuring a 2,000-lumen output. These bulbs have nearly 10,000 positive reviews from satisfied buyers and offer a direct upgrade for stock halogen daytime running lights. Alla Lighting also backs this product with a one-year limited warranty. In addition to this super bright white pair, they come in red and amber for other street-legal vehicle uses.
Special Features
Some LED running lights have functional capabilities that upgrade the luxury of your vehicle. For example, MICTUNING 2 Pcs 18.5 inch RGB Flexible Car LED Light Strip, Multi Color LED Daytime Running Light Switchback Sequential Turn Signal Lamp Headlight Surface Decorative Tube Strip operates with a convenient remote control. These cool white lights offer exceptional clarity without dead spots. The tube-style mount allows you to switch between daytime running lights when the sun is out and decorative, colorful accent lights at night.
These LEDs are secured in a tough aluminum housing that attaches easily to your vehicle with strong adhesive. You can adjust the length of the strips to create a customized aesthetic. Color-coded wire connections make this an easy DIY upgrade for any car, truck, or SUV.
DOT Compliance
The Department of Transportation restricts certain types of running lights based on size, brightness, and other factors. Look for DOT-compliant lights like the SPL-DOT Approved LED Tail Light & Brake Light & Ultimate Reverse Lights EMC Build-in Rear Light Back Up Lights Daytime Running Lamps Replacement. These plug-and-play lights fit Jeep Wrangler models made from 2007 to 2017. They have a rugged design that appeals to the Jeep aesthetic and come in a convenient set of two. These lights have earned hundreds of five-star ratings from satisfied Amazon buyers.
How to Install Running Light LEDs
Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner's manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
Follow this guide to outfit your vehicle with LED daytime running lights:
- Insert the lighting wires through the holes in the provided brackets.
- Mount the bracket in your desired area using the provided adhesive or hardware.
- Plug the wires into the lights.
- Run the wires to the fuse box, securing with zip ties as needed.
- Attach the red wire to the ACC in the fuse box. The ACC indicator lights up only when the engine is on.
- Attach the black wire to the negative battery terminal.
- Test your new running lights.
Hearst Autos Research, produced independently of the Car and Driver editorial staff, provides articles about cars and the automotive industry to help readers make informed purchasing choices.
