[Ernie]

Anyone done anything crazy with hidden spots or something super-bright in the reverse lights?

I can't see shee-atht backing out of the garage since DST kicked in, even with the backup camera; the camera sees more than the rear-view mirror does . . . but I'm not exactly in the market for IR or anything like that.

Anyone done ultra-bright LEDs? Does it help?

Thanks guys.

 

[Mz6GreyGhost]

LEDs can help, greatly.

They may be expensive, but I bought these LEDs and I've never had any problems seeing at night since.

IMO they are also some of the highest-quality LEDs out there, and worth every cent!

Some pics:

OEM vs. LED:

The finished product:

LMK if you're interested in ordering, I've got a discount code you can use if you are.

 

[tommyz23]

I also put the same lights in my car. It looks like they are on sale right now.

I have to say they are nice. There not quite as bright as my old car was with the halogen bulbs, but the only way to put halogens in the six is by modifying a bulb and hoping it stays in place.

When backing into the garage I can definitly see the LED reverse lights shining on the back wall, even with the garage opener light.

I feel they are worth the price.

You can see a picture I took in the daytime. I was trying to show the brightness difference:
(the picture may look dark. I exposed the photo dark so that the lights wouldn't just glare. Look at the surrounding area. this was taken at 3:30 in the afternoon in the summer.)

http://forum.mazda6club.com/exterio...bulbs-894-halogen-bulb-mod-2.html#post3300887

 

[dardano]

these are the one I bought on eBaY

Here's the eBaY link

eBay.ca : LED BACK UP LIGHT BULBS #A REVERSE WHITE 30SMD LED 1 objet 220688817221 fin)
$13 USD + $6 USD shipping = less than $20 for good backup LED 30SMD lights

they do the job quite well.

Fred

 

[Ernie]

Okay, I did get the ones that MZ6GG talked about --- the code got me free priority shipping basically . . . they're a touch brighter, but (Yall are going to lynch me here) I think the photos are misleading.

Let me explain; I've been doing basic photography for years, but I've recently moved into pro photography. I was determined to get a direct comparison, but I couldn't get a full manual mode match on my 60D, on a tripod, with the difference. The closest I could get was everything but the exposure time matching.

Basically, the LEDs are forcing the shutter speed to slow down, which makes it all look 'bright as day.

I've managed to somewhat correct the exposure in the shots, but I'm not an editing pro, I just know about photography.

The light seems cleaner (it's white vs yellow) and it *is* more uniform, being that an incandescent is essentially a coiled arc and the LEDs are multi-direction . . . so it might make a bit of difference.

I will agree that this is pretty much anyone's only option, as truly brighter bulbs would burn the socket . . . you'd have to flush-mount something crazy in-bumper, but that wouldn't exactly look stock.

 

[tommyz23]

Ernie,

That is what I tried to do when I took my photo. I exposed for the bulb, so it wouldn't overexpose the light. You can see in my photo a few posts above the light appears to be similar in brightness, but closer to white.

I hope this helps you evaluate whether it is worth the extra cost. The other thing I figure is, it should be the last bulb I buy. The LEDs should in theory last the life of the car.

 

[Mz6GreyGhost]

Nah, we won't lynch ya, Ernie. I'll just ban you from the site. :nana: J/K

I've noticed the difference when backing out at night. Whether it's the better spread of light or the color, doesn't matter to me, 'cause IMO they're an improvement.

My wife even notices the improvement, and her night-vision is pathetic at best...

 

[Ernie]

Nah, we won't lynch ya, Ernie. I'll just ban you from the site. :nana: J/K

I've noticed the difference when backing out at night. Whether it's the better spread of light or the color, doesn't matter to me, 'cause IMO they're an improvement.

My wife even notices the improvement, and her night-vision is pathetic at best...

Seems a little darker to me . . . oh well, was worth a shot.

 

[srt4jake]

i just got mine this week (13 smd bright white)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Wh...546430QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ380325809729 and they are def brighter than stock but when backing up i really cant see that much of a difference idk if its my tint or what but i know they are there for others to see and hopefully avoid an accident lol

 

[Project_dog]

I bought is from v-leds.com It is very bright. It is well worth the money.

I will have pictures up tomorrow night.