Getting off-road
lights for your vehicle?
There plenty of options out in the market and if you're new to
this, it can get quite confusing. Put in
a good amount of time for research and you will find the one that works for
you. Aside from reading various company websites and product specifications, it's best to add the following pointers on your preparation list too:
- Read forums and online reviews and compare specifications to choose the right light bar for your vehicle.
- The use of off-road lighting is governed by local regulatory bodies. Make sure you understand and comply with the rules and regulations regarding the use of LED lights on your vehicle.
Now that you’ve decided, it’s time to install your newly
purchased lights.
 |
| Ready to install your new lights? |
Your LED light bar package will come with an Installation
Manual. Here are a few preparation tips that
you can use to avoid mistakes and to ensure an easy installation:
- Once you have your LED light bar package ready, check the contents and make sure that you have everything you need before starting. Before starting with the installation, check that the LED light bar is working by connecting it to a bench tester.
- Make sure to disconnect the vehicle’s battery before starting with the installation.
- Find a solid spot on your vehicle to install your light bar on. Note the additional stress that acceleration and braking can induce. Installing it on the roll bar is ideal but if the roll bar is not where you need your lights on, plan for the placement because drilling will be involved. Do you want to mount it on the bumper, windshield, or roof? Forums are a great resource in finding out which one will best suit your needs as well as best adapt to the structure of your vehicle.
- Make sure that you know what you are doing before drilling holes through your vehicle. Drilling can weaken the structure of your vehicle as well as chip the paint where you don’t intend to.
- For easier mounting, get rid of dirt and clean the area of the vehicle where you will be installing the light bar.
- Review the wiring diagram included in the kit and check if it is compatible with your vehicle. Here’s a good article discussing the different wiring diagrams.
- Double check the wiring of the light bar; red wire with goes to the positive (+) terminal and black wire to the negative (–) terminal. Incorrect wiring can lead to a short circuit which can damage your vehicle’s electrical system.
- Once done, clean up and secure the wires in a zip-tie to avoid clutter.
If you have questions about how to do it, it’s best to ask for advice from individuals who have experience with such installations or you can take your vehicle to a professional sales shop.
