Anyone who has changed out their car’s incandescent turn signal bulbs for LEDs knows that the bulbs can end up blinking faster than normal. This is because the low current draw of the LEDs causes the car’s flasher unit to respond too quickly. Many people wonder if the solution is as simple as installing a load resistor. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not LED turn signals really do need a load resistor.
The Purpose of Load Resistors
Before we can answer the question of whether or not LED turn signals need a load resistor, it’s important to understand what load resistors are and what they do. Load resistors are very simple components that can be connected to an LED turn signal circuit in order to trick the flasher unit into behaving as if the circuit has a normal, high-current draw bulb installed. The resistor simply draws extra current from the circuit, effectively making it look like a standard incandescent bulb.
Do LED Turn Signals Really Need Load Resistors?
The simple answer to this question is no, LED turn signals do not need load resistors. In fact, many newer cars are being designed with LED turn signals and do not use load resistors. These cars are able to operate normally because the manufacturer has designed the car’s circuitry to compensate for the lower current draw of the LEDs. Additionally, aftermarket LED bulbs are now available that have been designed specifically to work with a car’s existing flasher unit, so they do not require load resistors either.
The Benefits of Using Load Resistors on LED Turn Signals
So, if load resistors aren’t strictly necessary when using LED turn signals, then why use them at all? The primary reason to use a load resistor is to avoid hyperflashing. Hyperflashing is the term used to describe the rapid blinking of the turn signal indicators that can occur when a car’s flasher unit doesn’t respond properly to the low current draw of the LEDs. Not only can this be visually unappealing, but it can also confuse other drivers who may not be able to tell if the blinker is on or if it has already turned off.
Conclusion
While LED turn signals do not strictly require the use of load resistors, they can be useful for avoiding hyperflashing. However, it’s important to note that many newer cars are being designed with LED turn signals and do not require load resistors. Additionally, there are now aftermarket LED bulbs available that have been designed to work with a car’s existing flasher unit, so load resistors may not be necessary even when switching from incandescent to LED turn signals. Ultimately, the decision to use a load resistor will depend on the specific make and model of your car, as well as the type of LED bulbs you plan to use.
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