Interior lighting refers to all the light sources inside a vehicle’s cabin. It goes beyond just the dome light; it includes map lights, footwell lights, accent lighting, and even illuminated switches.

The primary purpose is visibility – helping you see inside the car at night or in low-light conditions. But interior lighting also plays a big role in aesthetics and creating a comfortable atmosphere. Modern vehicles are increasingly using ambient lighting to enhance the overall driving experience.

At Compare.Parts, we offer everything from simple replacement bulbs to complete LED upgrade kits, allowing you to customize your vehicle's interior with brighter, more stylish illumination. Think of it like adding mood lighting to your living room—it can dramatically change the feel of the space!

Not noticeably. Compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, LEDs use significantly less energy – typically 75-80% less. While *everything* electrical adds to your bill, the impact from switching to LED interior lights is minimal.

Let’s be honest: a car's interior lighting draws so little power overall that you won't see a huge difference on your electric bill. The real benefit of LEDs isn’t cost savings—it’s their lifespan. They can last 50,000 hours or more, meaning fewer replacements and less hassle.

If you frequently drive at night, the energy savings will add up over time, but it's more about long-term reliability than immediate financial gain.

The ‘5-7’ lighting rule isn't a strict regulation, but rather a guideline for optimal cabin illumination. It suggests aiming for approximately 5 foot-candles (a unit of light intensity) at seating level and 7 foot-candles near the driver’s controls.

This ensures enough visibility to see clearly without causing glare or eye strain. Think about it like this: you need just enough light to easily read a map or identify switchgear, but not so much that it distracts from the road. Modern cars with LED interior lights make achieving this balance easier than older vehicles.

If you’re upgrading your own lighting, consider aiming for these levels—a brighter reading light for passengers and focused illumination around essential controls is ideal.

The four main types of vehicle interior lighting are incandescent, halogen, LED, and fiber optic. Incandescent bulbs were common in older cars – they’re bright but generate a lot of heat and aren’t very efficient.

Halogen is a step up, offering brighter light with slightly better efficiency, though still producing noticeable heat. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are now the dominant choice because they're incredibly energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various colors. Finally, fiber optic lighting uses strands of glass or plastic to transmit light, creating unique accent effects.

At Compare.Parts we mostly focus on LED upgrades due to their longevity and customizability—you can really tailor the look of your interior with different colours and brightness levels.