How to choose the right cargo area light bulbs?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

What is a cargo area light?

The trunk light bulb is a small detail, however, you will most certainly notice if it goes bad all of sudden.  It's often a tiny lightbulb on top of your car's trunk. When the trunk hood or lid is opened, it comes on, not unlike a light bulb in your fridge. It is powered by a set of relay switches that sends power to this component only when the trunk is opened. 

Thanks to that, most of the time it is off and it lights up only for a brief moment. This helps to keep it in good shape for a significant amount of time. This kind of bulb can last for many years, but even so, it is not meant to last forever. It's possible that the plastic part can break or wear out due to age and heat. And bumps might shatter the filament within. To prevent mechanical damage you should take care and pick bulbs of the right size. And keep in mind that the cargo area of your car requires a certain sort of light bulb. If this seems too confusing, you are free to use this bulb finder on bulbsizechart.com.

Can you have LED lights inside your car?

Cargo area lights might give your trunk more personality and make it easier to find things in there at night. Opting for LED lights for your trunk is appealing to those open to experiments. You have the option of changing the color or brightness of the lights. LED lights are one of the most popular forms of illumination used in cars due to their durability and comparatively smaller power consumption. That's because they utilize a semiconductor process to generate light, and it helps them last much longer than any other type of bulbs.  

 As you may be aware, using LEDs for headlights can be tricky sometimes because they are really bright. It can cause a range of troubles, but the same rules do not apply to the way you wish to light up your cargo area. So basically, you can choose any bulbs that fit your car and meet your requirements.

Do I need a relay for LED lights?

The relay is critical for lights that shine really bright. They depend too much on the stable power in their system. Big fluctuations can burn them out or damage and shorten the service life dramatically. That is why to prevent such an outcome, you should get a relay for your LED lights. If you have little experience in such upgrades, it is better to consult a professional before you start.

For the same reason, your relay should also include a fuse. This system will make sure your lights stay safe from power surges.

Are LED car lights worth it?

This type of car bulbs may not be the cheapest in comparison. But when we assess cost-effectiveness it is the long run that matters. And it just so happens that with a correct approach to installing LEDs, they will serve you well for many years. 

LEDs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and, since they generate less heat, last considerably longer than halogen and HID lamps. LEDs also don't burn out as frequently as other bulbs do, although they do get dimmer with time. Usually, the deterioration is so gradual, that you will barely notice any change. If you need an indication that it is high time to have changed the bulbs, then take a closer look at the hue of light, take note if the bulbs begin to flicker.

How do you install LED strip lights in the trunk?

Another creative and comparatively easy way to customize your car's trunk with light is by using LED strips instead. To do that you will need an appropriate strip of LED lights, a screwdriver, and an adapter. You cannot connect the strip without it, but do not worry. It is small and you can fit it seamlessly during installation.

Here is how you do that by yourself:

1.  Open the trunk and find your factory-made light. You might need a flat screwdriver to pry the lid. You should also remove a trunk liner if it is in the way.
2.  Remove the light connector, then twist off the bulb socket from the trunk light housing.
3.  Now plug the connector from the aftermarket headlight adapter into the factory trunk light connection.
4.  Stick the LED strip light's end into the trunk light housing where the old trunk light bulb was. The other end of the LED strip should now be within the compartment.
5.  If needed, use double-sided tape to hold the LED strip light in place.
6.  Close the trunk and check the trunk light by pressing the dash-mounted trunk light switch on your vehicle.
7.  If the trunk light fails to turn on, check your connection and make sure the LED strip is placed correctly.

As you can see, it is not difficult to upgrade your trunk light by yourself. You do not need special skills or knowledge for that. All you need is a bit of time and some patience.

What are the different types of tail lights?

Tail lights are the lamps at the rear of an automobile that indicate when the brakes are applied. They aid other drivers in determining whether you're stopping or slowing down.

There are several distinct varieties of tail lights accessible on the market today. Here is a summary of some of the most well-known ones:

Incandescent bulbs are the most common. However, they are the least efficient, because they burn hot, and their filament can break under heat and vibration quite easily.

LED lights use a smaller amount of energy and last longer than traditional tail lights. 

Halogen lights are the most common type of light and come standard on most vehicles. 

Xenon lights are another type of tail light that is strong, bright, and significantly more intense than other lights.

So to summarize, replacing your car's light bulbs is a simple way to improve its appearance and safety. In this article, we have outlined the different types of replacement bulbs available and how to install them. Whether you are looking to upgrade your incandescent bulbs to LEDs or want to add some extra flair with xenon lights, go for it. 

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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