Beginner’s Guide to Automotive Lighting: Terms, Types & What They Mean

Whether you’re just getting started customizing your ride or want to understand the latest in automotive lighting tech, this guide breaks down the most important lighting terms, types, and features—no jargon, just real-world info. Brought to you by the experts at Lighting Trendz.

Types of LED Lighting

There are many ways to upgrade your vehicle's lighting, from subtle interior accents to bold exterior effects. Here’s a quick overview of the main types available.

• Exterior Lighting: Headlights, taillights, underglow, wheel rings, and more
• Interior Lighting: Dash trim kits, starlight headliners, footwell lighting

Key Automotive Lighting Terms

• DRL (Daytime Running Light): Lights that stay on whenever your car is running, improving daytime visibility.
• Halos: Circular LED rings around headlights for a modern, custom look.
• Demon Eyes: Small LEDs inside the projector lens that give a colored glow, often red or color-changing.
• Fog Light Halo: LED rings for your vehicle’s fog lights, matching your main halos.
• Projector Halo: Halos specifically designed to fit around projector-style headlights.
• Controller: The device/app that lets you change your lights’ color, mode, or brightness.
• Underglow: LED strips mounted under the car for a glowing effect on the ground.
• Starlight: Fiber-optic kits that create a “starry sky” effect on your interior headliner.
• Pre-built: Fully assembled, ready-to-install headlights or taillights with custom lighting already installed.
• Dash Trim: LED strips for interior accent lighting, often installed along dashboard lines.
• Regulator: An electronic module that ensures your LEDs receive the correct voltage.
• 4-output Harness: Wiring that lets you connect multiple LED products to one controller.
• Extension Wire: Extra wire for extending the reach of your LED kit.
• Splitter Wire: Allows one controller output to power multiple lights.

Core LED Types

• RGB: Multi-color, basic color-changing.
• RGBW: Adds pure white for better OEM look.
• Flow Series: Advanced, animated/chasing color effects.
• Switchback: Changes from white to amber with turn signals.

Controller Options

Choosing the right controller is key for getting the most out of your lighting kit. Lighting Trendz offers several controller types—each with its own features and compatible apps.
See all controller options here

Headlight Customization & Add-Ons

Modern headlights are highly customizable! Add halos, DRLs, fog light halos, or projector halos for a unique look and added functionality.

Diffused vs. Non-Diffused Lighting

Diffused: LEDs are covered with a frosted lens or coating, producing a smooth, even glow. Great for a modern, high-end look.
Non-Diffused: Exposed LEDs create a more “dotty” appearance—brighter, but less uniform. Popular for those who want maximum intensity.

What Are Pre-Built Products?

Pre-built products are lighting assemblies built, tested, and sealed by Lighting Trendz experts—ready to install out of the box. Options include headlights, tail lights, snorkels, and side markers.

*Pre-built products are made to order and require a build time of approximately 8-10 weeks from the time your order is placed. Purchasing faster shipping does not decrease the time it takes to build custom headlights. Shipping speed only guarantees the delivery time from when they leave our warehouse. If you’d like an update on timing please email us at [email protected] with your order number.*

LED Bulbs vs. Halogen/HID + Lumens & Color Temperature

• LED Bulbs: Brighter, longer-lasting, cooler-running, and more energy-efficient than halogen or HID. Instant-on and available in many colors.
• Halogen: Older technology, yellowish light, short lifespan.
• HID: Brighter than halogen, but can be slow to warm up and less reliable than LEDs.
• Lumens: The measure of brightness. More lumens = brighter light.
• Color Temperature: Measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers (3000K) are yellow; 6000K is pure white; 8000K+ is blueish.

Exterior Lighting Products

• Underbody Kits / Underglow: Flexible LED strips mounted underneath the vehicle’s sides, front, and rear. These create a glowing effect on the ground, making your car or truck stand out at night or at shows. Available in single color, RGB, or advanced Flow Series (animated/chasing effects). Note: Legal use varies by state—usually for off-road or show use.
• Wheel Ring Lighting Kit: Circular LED strips that mount to the brake dust shield or wheel hub, illuminating the inside of your wheels. Produces a dramatic “halo” effect around your rims, especially eye-catching at night or while moving.
• Grille Lighting Kit: LED strips or accent lights installed behind or around your vehicle’s grille. Grille lights provide a custom look, highlight your front end, and can be matched to your other exterior lighting. Some kits offer color-changing or animated options.
• Engine Bay & Hood Vent Lighting: LED strips or pods installed in the engine compartment or behind hood vents. These lights showcase your engine at shows and provide a unique glow when the hood is open or through vent openings.
• Rock Lights: Compact, high-output LED pods mounted in the wheel wells or undercarriage. Originally designed for off-road vehicles to illuminate the ground and obstacles, they’re also popular for show vehicles and street cars for added underbody glow.

Interior Lighting Products

• Dash Trim Kit: Flexible LED strips or fiber optics installed along the dashboard, door panels, or center console. These kits create a modern, ambient glow inside your car and can be set to a variety of colors or effects. Popular for adding a luxury or high-tech feel to any vehicle.
  Installation tip: Some areas allow you to simply tuck the strip behind panels, while others may require adhesive or hot glue for secure placement. For detailed instructions, see our Flow Dash Trim Install Guide.
• Starlight Headliner: Fiber optic lighting kits that create a “starry night sky” effect on your car’s interior roof/headliner. Individual fiber optic strands are installed through the headliner and connected to a central light source, allowing for twinkling, color-changing, or shooting star effects. Universal fit for nearly any vehicle.
• Footwell Lighting Kit: LED strips or pods installed under the dashboard to illuminate the footwells of the driver and passenger seats. These kits add both style and visibility, can be set to various colors, and are often sound-activated for dynamic effects.

What’s Legal and What’s Not

Exterior white and amber lights (front), red (rear): Legal in all states for on-road use.
Color-changing, RGB, Flow Series, animated lights: Legal only when parked, at shows, or off-road. Never use blue or red in the front on public roads.
Underglow: Legal in many states, but colors and patterns are often restricted.
Interior lighting: Generally legal, but avoid colors that distract the driver.
For a full state-by-state breakdown, check out our Automotive LED Lighting Laws Guide

Common Questions

• Can I install these kits myself? Many Lighting Trendz products are DIY-friendly, but some custom installs are best left to professionals.
• Will these lights fit my car? We offer universal and vehicle-specific options. Check product fitment or contact us for advice.
• What app do I use? It depends on your controller—MagicLED, LED Hue, MotoAuto7, or BlueGhozt.
• Will LED upgrades void my warranty? Most upgrades are safe, but always check with your dealer for warranty details.
• Can I run all my kits off one controller? Some kits can be combined, but certain types (like underbody and wheel rings) need separate controllers. See our controller guide for details.

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