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Illumination of car wheels. Methods for illuminating car rims How to make illumination for car wheels

Illumination of various parts of the car is becoming increasingly popular among car enthusiasts against the backdrop of general tuning activities. After additional lighting is installed, the car takes on a completely different, individual and unique appearance. Ultimately, the backlight gives a stunning effect, expressively highlighting individual parts and details of the machine.
This new type of tuning allows you to designate not only the bottom, radiator, headlights and other body elements, but also perform such work as neon lighting of the wheels. As a rule, the standard lighting of any car does not allow you to achieve the desired level, but light tuning can add the desired qualities and improve the attractiveness of your car.

Kinds

Neon, various lamps or light-conducting cables can be used for illumination. Neon lighting is used most often, since it is quite simple to install and has many proven installation technologies. In addition, there are many colors here, allowing you to choose the most convenient color scheme.

The best option would be a combination of green with yellow, blue with black, white with silver, etc. In order to install neon lighting yourself, you need to have a fairly good understanding of the issues of installing lighting devices. If there is any doubt, it is worth involving professionals in this work.

All this fully applies to the wheel rim illumination device. Due to the fact that the prices for such work in a car service center are quite high, solving such an issue as illuminating the discs with your own hands is becoming very relevant. Thus, many car enthusiasts solve the problem of wheel tuning, and quite successfully.

Tools

Before starting work, you will need certain materials and tools. First of all, these are four LED tubes. Instead, ready-made kits specially designed for light tuning of wheel rims can be used. Typically, this kit also includes current stabilizers.

All this can be purchased at almost any auto store. In addition, to make all connections, wires, corrugated tubes under them, as well as fastening ties, wire, polymer glue or sealant. The tool you will need is a jack and sockets to unscrew the bolts.

All work must be carried out in an equipped garage. Before you begin installing the equipment, you should brush up on your basic knowledge of electrical engineering. If you purchase a ready-made kit, you need to carefully study its connection diagram.

Subsequence

The lighting installation itself will be considered using the example of one wheel. All work must be carried out step by step, in a certain sequence. After the car has taken its place in the garage, one side of it is raised with a jack, and then the wheel is removed. The brake disc housing must be well cleaned and degreased.

The LED strip is measured after the fact, by winding it around the entire circumference of the casing. The number of light bulbs in the strip should be a multiple of three, and all excess ones should be removed by cutting. The edges of the cut must be sealed with a small amount of sealant or polymer glue. In some cases, you can use a special resin. After fixing the LED strip, a wire is attached to it, and the connection point is insulated.

The prepared wiring is placed in a corrugated tube before connection. This operation fully applies to the remaining wheels. After connecting the wires, each of them is connected to its own stabilizer, each of which is connected to power from the battery. In other options, the wiring can be connected to headlights, cigarette lighter and other devices.

Peculiarities

When installing wheel rim lighting, it is necessary to follow the general installation rules that apply to all types of lighting tuning. First of all, it should be remembered that many parts are quite fragile and require careful and careful handling. Otherwise, damage may occur that could affect the further operation of the lighting system.

Another major problem is the location of the wires, which must be determined in advance. In addition, it is necessary to think through and determine the lighting style in advance. Some car enthusiasts prefer to contact designers on this issue. When using LEDs, you can always replace them with brighter ones.

I would like to dwell separately on the latest technical achievement - the new Smart Wheels, which is a completely new technology for multi-color illumination of light-alloy wheel rims. In essence, this is an intelligent remote-controlled system that allows you to adjust color, brightness and other modes depending on the operating conditions of the car.

Thus, light tuning of a car allows you to decorate it and stand out from the bulk of similar models. After all the tuning activities, the car acquires unique, inimitable and beautiful features. Unlike conventional tuning, lighting design allows you to create truly exclusive options. Illuminating wheel rims is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to prove your uniqueness and originality. Currently, this type of tuning is still gaining momentum, therefore, you can often find cars with poor-quality and incorrect lighting.

However, if the wheel rim lighting is installed according to all the rules, it can clearly highlight not only the wheels, but also the overall style of the entire car. In different cases, lighting will also highlight the appearance of the wheels differently. This became possible thanks to a wide range of lighting fixtures suitable for all occasions, and their high-quality installation will allow you to please yourself and others with a successful design for a long time.

Video: instructions for installing disk backlight

Tricolor Wheel illumination (wheel illumination), you can change colors and modes with one click of a button. New in the field of automotive light tuning. Wheel illumination, set of 4 pieces. You can install the wheel lighting yourself in 10 minutes, for the best effect it is better on each wheel. To install the disc lighting, you need to remove the disc caps, measure the distance of the inlet hole on each disc, set the same disc lighting and insert it into the disc. The device is powered by a battery; the battery is charged in the sun; it lasts 50 hours on one charge. Charges even when exposed to minimal light and cloudy conditions. Each wheel of the disk has 12 bright light-directional diodes (4 blue, 4 red, 4 green). There are no penalties for using backlighting; lighting on discs is permitted. To turn on the backlight, press the start button for 10 seconds, then the device goes into standby mode and starts working from the movement of the wheels. Before you start driving, you can independently select the color of the disks on each device (red, blue, green, or all at once). You get a great effect and immediately stand out on the road!

Size: 7.5 * 4.1cm

The built-in battery is powered by solar energy.

Stops working within 10 seconds after stopping.

Easy installation. Absolute tightness. Operating mode from -50 to +80 degrees. LED lifespan is 50,000 hours.

Illuminating car wheels is one of the types of tuning that not many people agree to due to various reasons. Some are afraid of a fine, while others are afraid of installation difficulties. Both will change their minds after studying the topic in detail. With this article we will try to intrigue car enthusiasts by providing them with some strong evidence in favor of wheel illumination.

Types of backlight

A huge range of LED products and the imagination of motorists, combined together, make it possible to invent the most unpredictable types of lighting, including for car wheels. Let's look at the main types that have proven themselves to be the best.

Illuminated nipple

The easiest way to illuminate car wheels is to install LED caps on the nipple or spool. The cap consists of two parts: a steel body with threads for fixation and a battery compartment, as well as a transparent plastic body with LEDs. The product does not allow water to pass through and is resistant to vibration loads. Rotating the wheels at low speed causes the contacts to periodically close, creating a flashing effect. As the speed increases, the LEDs begin to glow continuously, resulting in a “wheel of fire” effect. The visual thickness of the luminous rim is determined by the length of the cap and the number of LEDs. LEDs, in turn, can be either the same color or different colors, arranged vertically. Multi-colored models create a luminous rim formed from several circles of different colors.

Depending on the modification, colored LED caps can be equipped with a light sensor and can be controlled from a remote control. This eliminates the consumption of battery energy on sunny days, when the effect of the glow is insignificant.

LED Strip Light

Illuminating your car's rims using an LED strip will change its appearance, giving it expressiveness and uniqueness. Thanks to the wide range of colors, the choice of glow is selected individually. Installing an RGB strip will make it possible to control the brightness and color of the glow from the remote control. The LED strip receives power from the on-board 12V network.
You can only use sealed models with IP67–68. Otherwise, there is a high probability of a short circuit in the area with LEDs during rain (snowfall). The sequence of connecting the LED strip to the disks for its use as a “ring of fire” will be discussed below.

Video projection

Illumination of car wheels using the projection method is one of the most striking achievements in the field of tuning. Video projection of wheels not only raises eyebrows among passers-by, but also makes them wonder how this is possible? This revolutionary technology works as follows.

A special module is attached to the wheel, inside of which there is a built-in microcontroller board with the possibility of flashing via a USB port and powered by 4 batteries. The executive body is the RGB LED line, with the help of which a colorful pattern is formed. Available variations are first downloaded to a flash drive from a laptop and then copied to the module. You can select and change the image type during the trip directly from the cabin.

LED lighting based on video projection has its own characteristics and disadvantages:

the operating mode of each wheel is set by a separate remote control;
display stability at speeds of 30–100 km/h;
batteries run out quickly;
easily dismantled. Therefore, it is better not to leave it unattended;
The water protection class does not always correspond to the declared value.

Price

The price of the backlight can vary greatly and depends on the type and installation method. The cheapest option is to buy single-color spool caps. In this case, you can decorate 4 wheels for 500 rubles, without redoing anything or overpaying for installation.

Backlighting based on LED strip will be more expensive. All the necessary parts are available for free sale, but the cost of a linear meter of sealing tape starts at $10. In addition, installation work will take a lot of time, and if you trust the service center, the total costs will double. If you use multi-color tape, then you will have to add another 1000–1500 rubles to the cost - this is the price of the RGB controller.

The LED projector is the most expensive of the presented backlights. When ordering from China, a programmable projection device will cost $50 for one wheel. The cost of the same device in Moscow with installation and warranty starts from $100 per wheel.

Disc backlight and law

When deciding to install wheel lights on a car, one should not forget about its dubious legality. No regulatory document allows the installation of additional lighting devices, other than those listed in GOST 8769–75 “External lighting devices. Quantity, location, color."

The basis for punishing the violator is clause 3.1 of the “list of malfunctions for which it is prohibited to operate a vehicle” of the Russian Traffic Regulations 2016. It states that if the external lighting devices of the vehicle do not meet the design requirements for any reason, then its operation is contrary to the current Rules.

It turns out that the inspector has every right to issue a warning and even issue a fine of up to 500 rubles. You can avoid punishment if you turn on the wheel lights in pre-checked areas, away from the inspector’s eyes.

DIY tuning

Let's look at how to make wheel illumination using an example with an LED strip. In addition to this, you will need an aluminum flat profile, an arched perforated profile, nylon ties, wires and tools. Do-it-yourself illumination of car wheels is done in the following way. Based on the profiles, a structure is assembled that resembles a simple wheel, where the spokes are 3 aluminum strips, and the rim is a construction profile for the arches. The frame is placed behind the brake disc to hide the source of radiation, leaving only light for viewing.

The power wires are soldered to the section with the LEDs, and the contact point is filled with hot-melt adhesive. An LED strip is glued to the outer part of the perforated rim, and then the fastening is reinforced with ties. The wire is hidden in a plastic corrugation and secured to the levers located on the bottom using zip ties.

Wires, detachable connections and soldering points must be reliably sealed.

The connection to the battery is made through a separate switch, for which you should consider a place in the cabin. If you plan to install an RGB strip, then you need to find a place for the controller. Due to surges in the on-board network, it is recommended to install a powerful 12V stabilizer, which will protect all LED modules used for vehicle lighting.

Methods for installing backlights on car wheels

For installation on a protected casing, 120 cm of 30 cm tape is required for each wheel. The LED strip is applied around the perimeter and secured with insulating tape. At the final stage, it is secured with plastic clamps.

For installation on a metal surface that is not covered by a casing, a tape made of light metal is used. It is on this that the LED strip is subsequently applied.

For mounting on spacers, the tape is secured to the outside of the brake disc, after which the spacers are mounted. A special feature of this installation is the glow emanating from the center. It is better to use working materials: SMD 3028, or SMD 5050, which are better protected from moisture and dirt. Less protected types of diode strips are best used for car interior lighting. The wheel rim illumination is powered in a certain sequence:

By securing the wire to the tape, the junction is insulated;
For a safe connection, we use corrugation and pass the wire through it, gluing and/or insulating the entry point. Be sure to make sure that the corrugation is securely fastened at the point where the battery wires exit;
Having passed the wire along the protected bottom of the car, we bring it inside the cabin, using the holes in the bottom of the car for this purpose;
It is necessary to place the corrugation on the glue and install clamps;
To increase the service life of the tape, you must initially attach it to stabilizers;
Before connecting to the radiator, it is necessary to isolate the stabilizers.

The illumination of the car's disks can be adjusted (turned on) using a toggle switch, button, or the car's ignition. Separately, it is worth mentioning the possibility of creating wireless wheel illumination, however, it already requires serious technical skills.

DIY car wheel lighting

Many car enthusiasts are starting to tune their car using LED caps. This is the easiest way to illuminate a nipple or spool.

The cap is a steel case with a thread and a special compartment where batteries are installed. And a transparent plastic case with LEDs. The cap does not allow moisture to pass through and withstands vibration well.

Periodic short circuiting of the LEDs occurs when the car accelerates. As the speed increases, they glow constantly, creating the virtual effect of a constantly glowing wheel.

When installing, you can use LEDs of different shades, or the same color, aligning them vertically. To maintain control, you can use the remote control, which will reduce the consumption of electrical energy from the batteries.

On the legality of the design of illumination of rims and wheels of cars

It is important to understand that the conversion and illumination of car wheels is voluntary. Traffic police officers can stop you for lighting and draw up a report, since the installation of (unauthorized) lighting equipment is not provided for by GOST 8769-75.

Traffic police officers can quite legally issue a fine in accordance with clause 3. 1. of the Road Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation: “List of malfunctions for which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.”

In addition, the operation of vehicles using additional lighting devices not regulated by the manufacturer is impossible.

What awaits the violator in this case? For the first time, the inspector may verbally warn or issue a fine in the amount of 50 rubles. What follows from this: you need to drive carefully, avoiding permanent traffic police posts, or refuse to install additional lighting.

It is also worth remembering that there are also options for tinting car windows.

Advice from tuning center specialists on illuminating car rims

Before starting work, be sure to securely secure the machine. Before installation, when removing the wheel, use a jack;
When working with the rear wheels, pay attention to the type of brake system of the car. If the brake is a drum type, then use a stand or thin plates to mount the LEDs;
to improve the lighting effect, it is better to purchase alloy wheels;
When working, use moisture-resistant tape: IP-65 (moisture-resistant), IP-68 (increased degree of moisture resistance). IP-20 open type LED strip is not recommended for use in backlighting for car wheels;
Work must be performed by first preparing the rims and/or wheels. Dirt and rust, which will stand out rather than decorate the car, should be removed.

When performing work, do not forget about safety measures. Use the right tool. Before installing the wheel lights yourself, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the training videos that are available on the Internet and look through technical literature.

DIY car wheel illumination - conclusion

The illumination of the car's rims and wheels has two sides. Self-installation of LEDs and strips will add uniqueness to the car and make it stand out (especially at night) from the general flow of cars. Reduces installation costs.

On the other hand, the question arises of the legality of installing illumination of rims and wheels, and the safety of other road users. Therefore, the arrangement of the car is a personal matter for the vehicle owner. The main thing in this matter is not to overdo it.

A modern car becomes not only a means of transportation, but also a means of individualizing the car owner. Many car enthusiasts complement their “iron horse” with many different devices, which in some cases improve the functionality of the car, and in others make it more beautiful, such as. In this article we will tell you what kind of backlighting car rims are and show you how to make it.

A new type of tuning - wheel illumination

Experienced tuning specialists are able to install lighting on many different parts of the car. These can be all possible handles and other decorative parts of the car. The underbody of the car is also not ignored: the world has long known about neon car lighting, which is installed under the thresholds and creates a beautiful glow under the car.

An equally popular decoration is the illumination of car rims. As with any other electrical items, the correct selection of parts and their high-quality installation are important here. This is the only way to improve the external aesthetics of the car.

Before applying this type of tuning to your car, you need to make sure of the “natural” beauty of your wheels. This means that they should not have cuts, chips, signs of corrosion or dents. Such unpleasant areas of the disk will be clearly emphasized by lighting devices, which means that instead of improving the appearance, the opposite effect will be obtained.

There are the following ways to create disk backlighting:

How to select and install wheel rim lights with your own hands?

The selection of LEDs must be done in accordance with the color of the car. Many designers believe that a beautiful glow can be achieved by using two colors of light. Good shades are created by blue and silver, blue and black, yellow and green.

Attention! While color selection is a creative choice, it is strongly discouraged to use colors that are commonly used in government vehicle flashing lights. For example, it is not recommended to use red in combination with blue or white, or red in a mixture with orange. Firstly, this can mislead other road users, and secondly, it can cause quite serious problems with the traffic police.

So, you can install the rim lights on the front wheels on the wheel hub. To do this, the LED strip is glued to its circumference along the fixed part of the element. Why did we choose this particular site? This is due to the fact that connecting the rotating parts of a car to the network is quite a difficult task, and why should we complicate this process?

Another mounting location is the protective casing. To do this, select the highest quality double-sided tape in advance and attach it to the edge of the casing. A mount for the lamp socket is installed on the tape and, if necessary, reinforced with a clamp, holes for which must be drilled in advance.

All wires must run in one rod and in no case should they touch rotating or hot parts, especially. Be careful and calculate the installation location in advance.

Particular attention should be paid to double-sided tape. The fact is that when washing a car using water pressure devices, they can easily tear off the tape and then all your efforts will be in vain. If you often wash your car at specialized car washes, then install the backlight on more reliable mounts.

This backlight is connected to a battery. A fuse must be installed in one of the gaps. Under no circumstances should you connect such things directly! An accidental short circuit can lead to a fire, for which you will be solely to blame. Be sure to extend one of the wires into the car interior and install a switch in the section. It is not recommended to connect such lighting to low or high beam headlights. This is due to the fact that its use separately from headlights can only be complicated.

This is how the rim lights are installed on a car. It is worth noting that these are not all installation methods. We have listed only the most basic ones, which are widely used by a large number of car enthusiasts and have earned only positive reviews. If you come up with some new method, you have the right to use it.