You’ve seen ads for automotive LED bulbs promising absurd power and tens of thousands of lumens at unbelievably low prices, right? We did a practical test that you can also do in your shop or garage. Now, if you don’t work in this field and just want a quality light for your headlight, this content will help you when a salesman tries to pull the wool over your eyes…

The first analyzed LED model displayed a power specification of 55 watts on the packaging. However, physics doesn’t lie! To discover the real power of an LED in watts, simply light it up with a power source and multiply the electric current by the voltage (volts x amperes). When measuring the product with a 12V power supply and a current of 1.35A, the real result was only 16.2W, far from the 55W promised on the box.

The second model, which promised 36W with an incredible 22,000 lumens: for that, it would have to produce 611 lumens per watt! An inexplicable absurdity in physics! Just to give you an idea, the LED that broke the world record for highest efficiency managed to deliver in a laboratory (meaning, it doesn’t deliver in the real world. Only in a test environment, okay?!), it delivered 303 lumens per watt! Honestly, that headlight LED, with a COB chip, producing 611 lumens per watt would be a phenomenon, worthy of a visit and study by NASA.

In addition to the falsified power and efficiency, the boxes say: “waterproof IP65”. But the truth is that the IP65 certification does not mean the product is waterproof, but rather that it is dust-resistant and only withstands light, random water jets. And the real ideal is for the LED to have a higher sealing level, the so-called IP67.

To work properly, the LED doesn’t need frills. It needs a good design with high-quality materials/components.

We want:

• efficient amount of light;
• well-directed projection, with precise focus;
• cutoff line so as not to blind oncoming traffic;
• an excellent ability to balance operating temperature, to ensure greater durability.

TECH ONE and CODE have developed several solutions to optimize different types of headlights: with perfect focus and cutoff, the Mega LED Projector Horus 12V/24V.

Want extremely high intensity to use in reflector or projector headlights and see absolutely everything: terrain, curves preventatively, potholes, animals, or pedestrians? Go with Ultra Led Extreme Force CODE 12/24V.

You can also explore our entire line dedicated to high-performance automotive lighting.

You’re an expert in lights now, aren’t you?! Our goal is precisely to share knowledge and give you tools and information to help you avoid scams and these unregulated packaging tricks. Want more information to help you with your car and explain the truth about automotive parts and accessories? Follow Rê on Instagram.