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Risks of Using Cheap Emergency Vehicle Lights

There are several examples of areas in our lives where buying on the cheap simply shouldn’t be a realistic option, and one great example here is among any first responder or other emergency personnel who requires emergency vehicle lighting of any kind. Trying to cheap out on a purchase like this carries several major risks – not just for yourself, either, but for other drivers on the road.

At LED Equipped, we’re here to offer an unmatched range of high-quality LED emergency vehicle lights, including everything from visor light bars and mini light bars to beacon lights, warning lights and more. While we offer fantastic value and deals on many of our products, they’re the furthest thing from “cheap” – some of the highest-quality lights you can find on the market today, in fact. Here are some of the major risks of going with overly cheap and low-quality emergency lights, which double as key reasons to work with providers like ours who will never try to sell you products in this low range.

Poor Visibility

Naturally, one of the first and largest concerns with any low-quality emergency light is that it will provide subpar visibility compared to higher-quality options. Not only does this reduce overall safety for yourself and your fellow drivers, it also doesn’t give you the desired effect of drawing attention to your vehicle in an emergency situation.

For instance, if you’re a first responder on the scene of an accident, you want to have bright, highly visible lights that will alert other drivers and keep them from causing further harm. If your lights are low-quality and not as bright or noticeable, this could lead to a potentially dangerous situation.

Short Lifespan

Another major risk with cheap emergency lights is that they often come with a very short lifespan. This means you’ll have to replace them much more frequently, and this can add up in terms of cost over time. Plus, if your lights unexpectedly fail during a critical moment, it could put both yourself and others in danger.

Poor Durability

Along with the short lifespan, cheap emergency lights also tend to be poorly built and not very durable. This means they may break or malfunction easily, leaving you with unreliable lights when you need them most. This can also result in additional costs for repairs or replacements.

In many cases, this sort of issue can lead to a false sense of security – you believe you have functioning emergency lights, but when the time comes to use them, they fail. This is a major risk not only for yourself, but also for those around you who may be depending on your emergency lights.

Compliance and Legal Concerns

In many areas, there are specific laws and regulations regarding emergency vehicle lighting. Cheap lights may not meet these requirements, and using them could put you in violation of the law. This can lead to fines or other legal consequences, which can cause major headaches and financial strain.

When you work with reputable providers like LED Equipped, you can trust that all our products meet legal standards and will keep you in compliance with regulations.

Drawbacks of Non-LED Lights

Many of the examples of low-quality lights we’re referring to are non-LED lights. These may be cheaper upfront, but they come with a host of drawbacks compared to LED lights that make them a poor choice for emergency vehicles:

  • Heat generation: Non-LED lights produce a significant amount of heat, which can be dangerous both for the lights themselves and for those nearby. For instance, overheating can cause damage to your vehicle or even start a fire.
  • Energy efficiency: LED lights are far more energy-efficient than non-LED options, which means they’ll save you money on your utility bills and reduce the strain on your vehicle’s battery.
  • Less versatile: In general, LED lights offer greater versatility in terms of colors, patterns and other features compared to non-LED lights.
  • Brightness: As mentioned, LED lights are much brighter and more visible than non-LED lights, making them a better choice for emergency situations.
  • Durability: LED lights are far more durable and long-lasting than non-LED options, so you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements or malfunctions.

What to Look for in Quality LED Emergency Lights

If you’re evaluating your options for LED emergency lights, here are some key factors to keep in mind when it comes to quality and meeting your specific needs:

  • Format: Firstly, LED emergency lights come in a wide range of formats, including light bars, beacons and visor lights. Consider which format will work best for your vehicle and specific use case. If you’re a first responder, for instance, you may want a light bar that can be easily mounted on your vehicle’s roof.
  • Brightness and visibility: Make sure to check the lumens and viewing angle of any LED lights you’re considering. For emergency situations, it’s crucial to have bright, highly visible lights that can be seen from all angles.
  • Legal requirements: As mentioned, different areas may have specific laws and regulations for emergency vehicle lighting. Make sure to research these before making a purchase to ensure you’re in compliance.
  • Durability and lifespan: Look for LED lights with quality construction and a long lifespan to avoid frequent replacements or malfunctions.
  • Features and customization options: Many LED lights offer customizable features such as flash patterns, colors and more. Consider your specific needs and look for lights that offer the features you require.

While it may be tempting to go with cheap emergency lights, the risks far outweigh any potential cost savings. It’s important to prioritize quality, visibility, durability and compliance when choosing LED emergency lights for your vehicle. By working with reputable providers like LED Equipped, you can trust that you’ll have reliable and effective lighting in emergency situations. Don’t compromise on safety – invest in high-quality LED emergency lights for your vehicle today.

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