If you want to upgrade your vehicle not only technically but also visually, retrofitting ambient lighting is an excellent option. It creates an atmospheric atmosphere, improves the driving experience at night and gives the interior of your car a modern and luxurious look. The big advantage: ambient lighting can also be retrofitted in older cars . In this article, you will learn everything about the options for retrofitting ambient lighting yourself - or when it makes sense to have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop .
What is ambient lighting?
Ambient lighting refers to the indirect lighting in the vehicle interior, which is not only functional but above all creates a pleasant atmosphere. Many modern vehicles today are equipped with this stylish lighting, which is often individually customizable. This includes lighting elements in the doors, on the dashboard or in the footwell, which shine in different colors and can often be synchronized with the infotainment system or the interior controls. But even if your vehicle is not equipped with it as standard, you can easily retrofit the ambient lighting. If the installation process seems too complicated for you, you can have your ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop for a professional and stress-free solution.
Why retrofit car ambient lighting?
There are several reasons why many drivers decide to retrofit ambient lighting:
- Style and individuality: With personalized lighting you can give your vehicle a unique look that matches your style.
- Comfort when driving at night: Especially on long journeys in the dark, the soft lighting provides a relaxing atmosphere that has a positive effect on the driving experience.
- Increased value: A high-quality ambient lighting upgrade can increase the value of your vehicle, especially if it is professionally installed.
- Modern ambience: Many new vehicles already have ambient lighting as standard, and by retrofitting it you can bring the modern look to older models too. If you are interested in a particularly clean and precise implementation, you can have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop, where specialists will ensure perfect integration into the vehicle.
What options are there for retrofitting ambient lighting?
If you want to retrofit ambient lighting, you have various options available. There are essentially two approaches: a DIY solution (Do It Yourself) or a professional installation in the workshop.
DIY options:
One of the most popular and cost-effective methods is to use LED strips or RGB light bars, which you can install in almost any area of the vehicle. These can be installed along the doors, on the dashboard, in the footwell or anywhere else in the interior. Many of these products come with remote controls or smartphone apps that allow you to control the color and brightness. However, if you feel unsure, it is often advisable to have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop.
Professional workshop installation:
The advantage of professional installation is that it is usually integrated with the rest of the vehicle's electronics. This means that the lighting can be synchronized with the vehicle's infotainment system or lighting control. Some workshops even offer special lighting effects or dynamic lighting systems that further enhance the driving experience. So if you are looking for a perfectly coordinated and long-lasting solution, it makes sense to have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop.
Retrofit ambient lighting yourself – step-by-step instructions
If you decide to go for the DIY method, you don't need to be afraid. It is quite possible to retrofit ambient lighting in your car even without much technical knowledge. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to make the process easier for you.
Materials required:
- LED light bars or RGB strips (it is best to choose products that are specifically designed for the vehicle interior, as they must withstand the stresses of temperature and humidity).
- Connecting cables and clips for fixing the LED strips.
- Power cable including adapter for the cigarette lighter or direct connection to the vehicle's power supply.
- Cable ties or double-sided adhesive tape to secure the cables and LED strips.
- Screwdriver, pliers and possibly a soldering iron , depending on the installation method chosen.
- A wiring diagram of your vehicle (if you want to connect the lights directly to the vehicle battery or electrical system).
Step-by-step instructions for retrofitting ambient lighting:
Planning and preparation: Decide which areas of your vehicle should be illuminated. Typical areas are the footwell, doors, dashboard and center console. Be aware of how many meters of LED strip you need and plan the cable routing.
Choose a power source: You can either connect the LED strips via the cigarette lighter (this is the easiest solution) or you can choose to connect them directly to the car battery or the vehicle's power supply. The latter option requires a little more technical knowledge, but it is a cleaner solution as there are no visible cables in the interior.
Attaching LED strips: Attach the LED strips to the designated locations using the included clips or double-sided tape. Make sure that they are secure but still unobtrusive. Choose locations where the lighting can be indirect to create a pleasant ambience.
Wiring: Route the cables so that they are not in the way or cause interference. It is often possible to route the cables along the edges of the interior panel to hide them. If necessary, you can secure the cables with cable ties.
Connect and test power: Connect the power cables either to the cigarette lighter or directly to the car battery. Make sure that all connections are correct and that no cables are loose. Test the lighting to make sure it works as intended.
Fine-tuning and customization: Once the lighting is installed, you can customize it to your liking. Many LED strips offer the option to control the colors and brightness via a remote control or app.
If the installation seems too complicated for you or you would rather play it safe, it is advisable to have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop to achieve the best possible result.
When should you visit a workshop?
Although self-installation is feasible, there are situations where going to a workshop is the better option:
Complex installations:
If you want the lighting to be synchronized with the infotainment system or the vehicle controls, this requires deeper technical know-how and the right tools. In this case, you should have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop.
Security:
Electrical systems in cars are sensitive and incorrect wiring can cause damage or even short circuits. If you are unsure, leave the work to a professional and have the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop.
Guarantee:
A professional installation in a workshop often offers you a guarantee that ensures that the work has been carried out correctly. This gives you additional peace of mind and ensures that the lighting lasts a long time.
Costs for retrofitting ambient lighting
The cost of retrofitting ambient lighting varies depending on the method. If you choose the DIY solution, the cost will be between 50 and 150 euros, depending on the quality of the LED strips and accessories. A professional retrofit of ambient lighting in a workshop can cost between 200 and 600 euros, depending on the extent of the lighting.
While self-installation may seem cheaper at first glance, you have to remember that professional installation offers higher quality and durability. In addition, your car's electrics will not be affected, which is a risk if you install it yourself incorrectly. It is therefore often worth having the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop to ensure safety and quality in the long term.
Conclusion
Retrofitting ambient lighting is a fantastic way to upgrade the interior of your car and add a personal touch. Whether you choose a DIY solution or a professional installation depends on your DIY skills and budget. For smaller installations in the interior, a DIY solution is often sufficient, while more complex systems are better retrofitted in the workshop. If you are unsure or have no experience with electrical work, going to the workshop is the safer choice. This way you can ensure that the lighting works optimally and takes your driving experience to the next level. So if you value a clean and long-lasting solution, having the ambient lighting retrofitted in a workshop is always a good option.