Customizing your truck with lights has never been trendier, and it's an excellent way to add a unique touch to your rig. But beyond aesthetics, custom lighting comes with a lot of practical benefits. When you opt for custom truck lighting, safety and functionality are the primary considerations. There's nothing worse than a flashy light design that serves no real purpose. Explore how to balance style and safety when it comes to custom truck lighting.

LED vs. Halogen

When choosing custom truck lighting, one of the first questions is whether to opt for LED lights or halogen lights. LED lights consume less energy, are highly efficient, and are more durable than halogen lights. They also produce bright and clear light. LED lights offer unrivaled visibility in low-light conditions, which is why they are most commonly used in fog and off-road lights.

On the other hand, halogen lights are relatively cheaper. They're the standard type of bulb in automotive lighting, and they offer a warm and yellow hue that many people prefer over LED's white light. The decision lies in choosing the light that you will find both practical and visually appealing.

Light Placement

Next, it's time to decide where you want to place the custom lighting. The positioning of the light sources on your truck plays an important role in both functionality and aesthetics. It is imperative to consider their placement to ensure optimal performance and enhance the overall visual appeal of your vehicle. There are specific placement guidelines set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure your lights don't distract other drivers on the road, so make sure you adhere to the regulations.

If you're installing an LED light bar, you'll need to place it on your truck's bumper or roof rack. If you're going for a more subtle look, you can go for under-the-carriage lighting, bed lighting, or side-step bar lighting. The key is to find a balance between practicality and style.

Color

The color and brightness of your truck's lighting will determine how visible your vehicle is on the road. It's essential to strike the right balance between visual appeal and safety. Besides, white, amber, and red are the most common colors used in custom truck lighting. If you're using your truck for off-roading or other adventurous activities or need lighting for daily use, you might want to consider additional colors or brightness levels of your lights.

Legal Limits

Before adding any custom light to your truck, you need to check if they comply with DOT regulations. Custom truck lighting must meet certain standards to avoid safety hazards for you and other drivers on the road. Get to know the laws in your area and ensure you comply with them.

For more info about custom truck lighting, contact a local company.