Would you like your car to pop at night? Adding LED underglow lights is one of the coolest and cheapest ways to do it. Plus, you can do it yourself for under $100!

In this article, we’re going to show you how to install LED underglow lights step by step, even as a beginner!. This is an affordable, simple, fun, and easy DIY upgrade for car enthusiasts.

What is LED Underglow?

LED underglow lights are strips of LED lights that will go under your car. They light up your car at night and come in a variety of colors. Some LED kits you can actually change colors via remote or app.

Underglow makes your car more sporty, modern, and stand out in style.

What You’ll Need (Under $100)

Here’s a basic shopping list for this project:

👉 Total cost: Around $50–$80 depending on the kit you choose.

Step-by-Step: How to Install LED Underglow

✅ Step 1: Choose the Right LED Kit

Seek a waterproof LED underglow kit including:

• 4 strips (2 long ones for the sides, 2 short for the front and rear)
• A remote control, or bluetooth app
• A 12V power supply (typically connects to your car battery or fuse box)
• RGB color options (to be able to change colors)

You can obtain kits on Amazon, eBay, or local auto parts stores.

✅ Step 2: Test the Lights Before You Install

Before you install the kit do the following:

• Connct the power wires to your battery (+ red, – black).
• Turn the lights to make sure all the strips work.
• Test the remote or app to change colors.

👉 If something doesn’t turn on, return the kit or reach out to support (if applicable).

✅ Step 3: Clean the Underside of the Car

Using a rag and cleaner, clean the areas you plan to stick, or mount the LED strips to. If there’s dirt and grease, the adhesive won’t stick.

Areas to focus:

• Side skirts (driver side, and passenger side)
• Bottom of the front bumper
• Bottom of the rear bumper

✅ Step 4: Mount the LED Strips

Now it’s time to install the lights!

Option 1: Adhesive (quickest option)

• Peel off the tape and firmly press the strip under the car.
• If you’d like to use zip ties or extra adhesive you can.

Option 2: Screws or mounting clips

• You should have received clips and screws with your kit.
• Be careful not to drill in to anything important like fuel lines or brake lines.

Important:

• Make sure your LED lights are facing down towards the road and not out.
• Wires must not come in contact with hot or moving equipment (exhaust, wheels, etc.)

✅ Step 5: Wire it up!

Most kits offer two options to power them:

✅ Option A: Hooking up to the battery (easiest)

1. Run the red wire to the positive terminal.
2. Run the black wire to a metal ground point on the vehicle.
3. Zip tie all the wires, make containment clean and tidy.
4. If there is no fuse on your kit (for safety), always add a fuse.

✅ Option B: Use a Fuse Tap (Cleaner Look)

• You will want to find a fuse that comes to life with the ignition “on” (headlights, etc).
• Add a fuse tap, and plug your LED kit into that auxiliary fuse slot.
• Zip tie and contain the wires neatly around the fuse block using clips or zip ties.

Warning: If you are unsure of anything, find a car expert or YouTube steps for your specific model!

✅ Step 6: Hide and Secure Wires

• Use zip ties to secure wires in position under the vehicle.
• Tuck extra wire length inside the engine bay or body panels for a cleaner look.
• Use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to cover exposed connections.

✅ Step 7: Test the Setup Again

Before you finish things up, test everything:

• Activate the lights from your app, or remote.
• Try the different colors and modes (flashing, fadng, etc.).
• Check that you do not have any loose wires, or that any of the strips are not working.

Are LED Underglow Lights Legal?

This depends on what state or region you live in. In many places the underglow lights are legal if:

• The lights do not flash like a policeman’s lights.
• You are not using red or blue in public spaces.
• You are not using the lights driving down the road (check your local state or country laws).

Tip: Only use the lights in parking lots, car shows, private area, etc, if you don’t want to get a ticket.

Tips for a Clean Installation

• Take time — it’s better to do it right the first time than to rush through it.
• Try to plan the wire routes before you start.
• Use some extra zip ties — they are cheap and it will keep things looking neater.
• Do not install the control box where it could get wet or hot.

Benefits of LED Underglow

✅ Makes your car look cool and different
✅ Adds flair to your car
✅ Lights up the road around your car
✅ Stands out when at meets and show
✅ Cheap and fun to install yourself

Common Mistakes

❌ Skipping on wire protection – always seal and tape all wires
❌ Putting lights too close to heat or moving parts
❌ Not testing or checking everything before installation
❌ Purchased low-quality kits that burned out within a week
❌ Not checking your local lighting laws before purchasing

Final Thoughts

Adding LED underglow lights to your car is a fun, cool, and affordable upgrade – and yes, it can be done for under $100. Follow the directions provided in this guide and you will be lighting up the streets in no time.

With a little bit of time, and a little more patience, you will have your car glowing like a show car without breaking the bank.