3rd brake light bulbs

[dolby20]

Hi
Considering going for an LED bulb change on my 3rd brake light (one in the top centre of the boot)

Basically, they're currently the bog standard 501 bulbs that shine through red reflectors
Now I'm thinking do I get red LEDs? or white ones
As will the red even illuminate past the red reflector, or will the whites be my only option?

Decisions!

[LSOfreak]

think white ones will do seeing as the standard shine yellow

i can imagine red being too dim?

[dolby20]

That's what I thought but was in two minds
Only one way to find out!

[chinkostu]

think white ones will do seeing as the standard shine yellow

i can imagine red being too dim?

Red is a bad idea as you'd essentially be dimming them.

Standards are bright enough, if you get white ones you'll probably find they go a pinkish colour ;)

[dolby20]

Damn and blast!

[Baz]

Gotta be white as mentioned above, will make them look dim!

[kmak577]

a filter, obviously filters out every colour wavelength except the red, so we only see the red. Having a red led surely means the filter wont affect it that much as its already filtered red..... Just a thought

[dolby20]

I've got a few spare white LEDs, might try them - if I can find them!

[rorz_vts]

Yea got to be white mate unless you make a clear 3rd brake light cover and use red ones, I know which is easier ;)

[dolby20]

Yea got to be white mate unless you make a clear 3rd brake light cover and use red ones, I know which is easier ;)

Lesson learnt :P

[chinkostu]

a filter, obviously filters out every colour wavelength except the red, so we only see the red. Having a red led surely means the filter wont affect it that much as its already filtered red..... Just a thought

I'll try and find the exact science for you, but you're right in that regard. Think its to do with the coating on the bulbs already reducing the output, then the plastic on the 3rd brake light is essentially just blocking the light:panic:

[dolby20]

Cheers guys
Will give the white LEDs a try at the weekend :)