Everything You Should Know About Light Bar on Cars

Have you ever thought about installing a light bar on cars? Or you just wonder which light bar fits your car? If so, here is the right place for you to come seeking for the answer.

Let’s get started with LED Light!

What Is A Led Light Bar?

So as many people wonder what is a light bar, here is the answer. A light bar on cars is a bar which consists of a lot of led lights and used to illuminate infront or behind the car. 

So what is a led light bar on cars? LED light bulbs, or a light emitting diode, is a semiconductor diode that projects light forward in a form of electroluminescence when electricity is applied to it. LED lights have widely grown in popularity over the past couple of decades. It’s now even common to seed LED lights on trucks, off-road vehicles, cars, in the workplace, and even in many household electronics.

what is a light bar
LED light bulbs, or a light emitting diode, is a semiconductor diode that projects light forward in a form of electroluminescence when electricity is applied to it. Source: FJ Cruiser Forum

The reason why led light is so popular over the year is its efficiency. An LED light has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, while a traditional, halogen bulb has a lifespan of 5,000 hours. In other words, with a small amount of electricity, led light can produce a lot of light compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs. 

Led Light Bar Features

The led light bar has become a popular light bar over the years. So it comes with the different size, shape, number of rows, pattern and even the color. Let’s dig into each feature of the led light bar in cars.

1. The Size

Size is one of the most important features to consider if you are thinking about buying a led light bar. The led light bar in cars range in size from 4 inches to 50 inches. So if you have a big car, you may need a bigger led light and vice versa. Another thing is, the bigger led light will illuminate better than the small light. Depending on your need and favourite, choosing the right size of led light bar for your car.

led light bar on cars
The led light bar in cars range in size from 4 inches to 50 inches. Source: Carscoops

2. The Shape

When you have to decide which led light bar on cars to buy, do not skip the choosing shape step. Although you have only 2 options, it’s still really important to choose the right shape. There are curve led light bars and straight led light bars. Choose a preferred shape for you so you will not regret when you look back at the decision. 

light bar installation cost
Curve led light bars and straight led light bars are the 2 options of led light in car. Source: Amazon

3. Number of Rows

Similar to the shape, there are 2 types of rows for you to choose: single row and double row. Since the double row led light bar can give more light, it is more expensive than the single row light bar. Double row lights are often the popular choice, however, if you want your vehicle to have a low profile, then a single row light would be the best option for you. Further, depending on the size of your vehicle, a single row light may look better than a double row light.

4. The Beam Pattern

Choosing a beam pattern is also needed when buying a led light bar for your car. There are 3 patterns: spot beam pattern, a flood beam pattern, a combination beam pattern.   Spot beam patterns are narrow but reach a wide distance while Flood beam patterns offer a wide beam. Meanwhile a combination beam pattern combines both, offering a spot and flood beam pattern.

5. Color

There are many colors available for the led light bar on cars. But the most popular color is white color. Again, light color will ultimately be a factor of how and where you plan on using the light. Beside that, many people choose amber color. amber light is best for driving when there are low visibility conditions, such as fog. Other colors like red can be used for emergency vehicles. 

So check again what is your purpose before choosing a color.

How To Install Light Bar?

So you may want to install the led light bar on cars by yourself, here is how to install light bar in a truck.

Step 1: disconnect your car battery and remove the wire of the ground terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.

Step 2: Choosing a suitable place to set the light bar. It is important to choose a sturdy place to set it. Moreover, the place must be safe for drilling, meaning, no other automotive parts should be compromised during the installation. Using the pen to mark the hole before puncturing anything. Then attach the bolts but remember to screw them loosely because they will be adjusted multiple times later on. 

Step 3: Detaching the switch wire segment from the main harness, then route and find your way through your firewall to reach the dashboard. Then use an adhesive type to put the switch in place. 

Step 4: So now you can bolt the relay anywhere on your firewall as long as its location is near the battery. Then mount the red terminal cable of the battery with the red positive cable of the light. And vice versa, black negative cable with black terminal cable. 

This is all you should know about how to install light bar on cars. You can do it at home if it is familiar to you. But if not, take your car to the maintenance shop, they will help you to do it.

Check out the video below to see how to install light bar!

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Light Bar

So installing a light bar on cars is what you are intended to do. We also introduce the step by step of installing it. How about the price? What is the light bar installation cost? It is believed that the average cost of installation of a led light bar is $360. Highest price is $480 while lowest price is $240. The price varies due to the type of led light bar and also where you make the installation. But we recommend you to take your car to a car spa to do it. Any mistake can lead to the damage of your car so please be warned.

SEE MORE:

Will A light Bar Improve My Vehicle?

You should make it clear what the purpose is when you decide to buy a led light bar. Led bulbs are commonplace, especially for those driving vehicles with specific activities in mind. Whether it’s rescue work, patrols, or construction sites doesn’t matter. Making the switch to led will make a noticeable difference.

Moreover, when choosing a light bar, you should check the law of your state since the law varies in each state. Make sure you do not compromise any legal statement. Remember to research the law before you go to buy it.

Sum Up

In general, the led light bar in cars is favored by many people. If you don’t know what led light bar to buy, how to install, read carefully our article. You also can do it at home or bring it to a trustful garage, specialists know what to do with it. But remember to research the law and choose the right light bar before coming to the garage. 

Don’t forget to follow our maintenance tips to better fix your car.