BRIGHT OPPORTUNITIES
With the rise of LED lighting technology for vehicles , RING Automotive explains what this means for the current market .
Replacement bulbs have long been one of the fastest moving , high volume product lines . The technological emergence of automotive LED lighting has presented a new challenge for the aftermarket as they have an extended lifespan and are non-replaceable .
While many speculate that LEDs can lead to long-term profit and sales loss for motor factors and garages , LEDs are not traceably ‘ E ’ approved . Meaning , they are not legally authorised for normal road use . LED bulbs for on-road vehicles are currently limited to styling and interior use only . In the event that an LED bulb fails within a light unit , the entire lamp unit would need to be replaced .
Presently , there are various opportunities in the aftermarket on upgrade technologies , which are growing in popularity and can generate much greater profits for motor factors and garages than standard halogen bulbs .
HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE ( HID ) BULBS
Once limited to luxury cars , HID bulbs are now fitted to a wider range of vehicles . Garages are experiencing a higher demand for HID bulb replacements . Ring has a range of 11 direct OE replacements that are suitable for many vehicle applications . Thus , making it unnecessary to source replacements from the vehicle dealer .
HALOGEN BULBS
By encouraging garages to suggest halogen upgrade bulbs like the
FPS offers a fitting guide for HID bulbs Xenon130 , motor factors and retailers that is available for download stand to make greater profit . The improvement of road visibility after an upgrade will encourage vehicle owners to continue using premium quality upgrade bulbs . With three new references added to the Xenon130 range ( H1 , H11 , HB4 ), Ring now has the widest upgrade range of halogen bulbs across Europe .
Performance upgrades are not exclusive to forward lighting on vehicles . Rear performance lighting upgrades are available with the Ring Rapid Response Range . These high intensity bulbs offer up to 20 % more luminous power and faster illumination . Drivers following vehicles using such bulbs will notice them more quickly and therefore have more time to react .
CATERING FOR NEW VOLTAGES IN CARS Many modern vehicles have a measured voltage higher than 12v to cope with the additional electric functions that cars now have . Vehicle bulbs are
Ring Xenon 130 H7 bulb
currently designed and manufactured to operate at 12v . However , if the constant running voltage is higher , it can result in a rapid decrease in the bulb ’ s lifespan .
To reduce this problem , Ring ’ s Long Life bulbs offer better resistance to higher voltage and potentially last up to 3 times longer than standard bulbs .
LED TECHNOLOGY
Many motorists understand that LEDs offer a whiter light output and greater life expectancy while using less power . LEDs offer improved offroad interior and styling options for motorists . Learning how to tailor the LED bulb offering will generate additional revenue and profit .
PAIRING THEM UP
Modern bulbs should always be replaced in pairs . This produces an even light output to aid driver vision . It is not uncommon with modern halogens for a second bulb to fail shortly after the first one .
Ring LED bulbs are available via FPS same / next-day . For more information on the Ring range , order the Ring Literature Pack ( Code : RINGLITPACK ) or speak with your local FPS representative .
With ‘ standard ’ halogen headlamp bulbs
With Xenon130 HID upgrade headlamp bulbs
10 REPLACEMENT LIGHTING VITAL NEWS ISSUE 43