Warned by cop.. Dim lights

In fact, the tail lights aren't below wattage at all. My lights are exactly what they should be. This cop said he was 22 when I asked him. He's likely too young to know vintage lights on cars, etc. My tail lights are just as bright on my old Mopars... However, is there a direct swap in LED bulb and does it brighten up the tail lights? I guess in reality, I don't need to get run over at night (black car) because people don't pay attention. Any ideas? Thanks guys!!

Reason a lot of folks add an LED third brake light! Hope he doesn't see an old 6v VW on the road - they had the equivalent of tea candles for headlights! You might check voltage at lights though. Corroded bases and wire connectors (weak corroded ground too) will reduce the brightness.

I did check the voltage at the lights, I'm
Solid! No issue with it, he's just not used to seeing a small light that's not the size of Oklahoma that nearly wraps around to the back door handle like all modern cars have! Ahha

Wonder what bulbs are in these things. The bulb doesn't have the first marking or part number on it... Not even manufacturer.... Anybody know what bulb number most of these kits are using?

I wound up putting higher wattage bulbs in my Dad's Monte Carlo after we smoked the tail lights. The bulbs were 12 volt, just a little bit brigher (more wattage). You have to be careful that you don't get lamps that will melt your tail lights if yours are plastic. If you have glass tail lamps, you have a little more room for error.

The wattage of the bulbs is written on the package. Go through the auto parts light section, find the same bulb base configuration and look for the higher wattage ones (provided your tail lights are glass). If you have plastic tail lights, as small as they are, I would suggest you remain with low wattage bulbs to keep them from melting. To improve what you have, clean the insides of the lens with a plastic polish and clean the reflective surface behind the bulb. The shinier and more reflective that rear surface is, the brighter your light will appear.

Also, all incandescent bulbs put out less wattage over time. Even a direct swap with exactly the same NEW bulb will often give some improvement.

Also, as the officer stopped you at night with ALL the lights on, make sure your charging system is 100%. Probably is, but always test it with a load on it (all lights, stereo, etc).

angela

All good advices. Also: put in the Third Brake Light--behind the grill.

I wonder this though: any chance that rookie was just looking for an excuse to check out your car?

Also If your running a genrator. They will be dimmer at idle up grade to a ALT ,, If thats the case..

I would like to find glass lenses for my parking and tail lights.

Are any avalible?

I am in fact running an alternator

Thats a good thing check its voltage at idle if it's over 11 your Ok then I'd say reclean your grounds.. and see if the light switch is or has been Hot..

Idle is 13.8 volts at the battery. 12.25 volts at the sockets... They are right in... Just small lights and low on the car.. Theres nothing wrong with the lights.