Do LED Interior Lights Drain Your Car Battery? - Debunking the Myth

LED interior lights are becoming all the more popular among car enthusiasts, with drivers looking for new ways to modify their car specs.

With benefits such as energy efficiency, vibrance and customizable effects, it's easy to see why this type of lighting is fast becoming a must have for drivers.

However, a common concern that arises is whether these lights drain the car's battery. In this blog, we aim to dive into the topic and provide a detailed breakdown to address all your concerns.

LED Lights & Power Consumption

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are generally known for their low power consumption.

When compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs for cars, LEDs are found to use up to 90% less energy, as they are designed to convert a large portion of the energy they use into light rather than heat, which is a key factor in reducing the strain on your car's battery.

Their lifespan can be up to 25 times that of the standard incandescent light bulbs, yet they are found to be considerably cheaper. 

Plus, you won't have to worry about them being fragile, as LED lights are highly durable and able to withstand bumps and knocks.

LED Interior Lights & Battery Drainage

Under normal usage conditions LED lights for your car's interior have minimal power draw and are highly unlikely to drain your car's battery. 

Most LED interior light kits consume roughly 0.1 to 0.5 amps of current per hour.

To put this into perspective, the typical car battery has a capacity of around 40-60 amp-hours. Meaning a 40-60 amp load can be applied to the car battery for one hour before the car battery is completely emptied.

Therefore, even if you were to leave the LED lights on overnight, they would consume a tiny amount of power, in relation to the battery's actual capacity.

Factors Affecting Battery Drainage

While it's true that your LED lights themselves do not pose a risk, it is essential to consider a few factors that could play a part in draining your battery:

1. Faulty wiring or incorrect installation: Poorly installed LED lights or faulty wiring can lead to power drainage. It is crucial to ensure proper installation to prevent any electrical issues.

2. Additional Power Consumption: If the LED lights are connected to other electrical accessories that draw significant power, such as subwoofers or amplifiers etc, the overall power consumption can increase, which can potentially affect the battery's performance.

Preventing Battery Drainage

In order to avoid any potential battery drainage caused by your LED interior lighting, follow the following tips:

1. Moderate Usage: While LED lights have a small power draw, it is still recommended to turn them off when they are not needed. Avoid leaving them on for prolonged periods, especially when the engine is off.

2. Quality Installation: Make sure that your lights are installed correctly and that all your wiring is secure. This will minimize the chances of any power leakage and prevent electrical issues.

3. Battery Maintenance: Be sure to regularly inspect and maintain your car's battery. Checks for any corrosion, any loose connections, or signs of wear are important, as keeping the battery in good condition will ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

So we learnt that LED interior lights themselves have a minor impact on car battery drainage. Their energy-efficient design and low power consumption makes them the best option for upgrading the ambience of your car's interior.

However, it is crucial to remember that factor such as incorrect installation, faulty wiring, over-extended use and additional power consumption from other accessories can all have a negative impact on your battery's capacity.

Following the measures outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of LED lights without worrying about battery drainage.