How to Install Ambient Lighting in Your Car
- Danny Floyd
- May 6
- 3 min read
Adding ambient lighting to your car isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about transforming the mood of your drive, boosting visibility for interior functions, and giving your cabin a premium, personalised feel.
Whether you’re aiming for OEM style subtlety or a more vibrant, colour shifting vibe, installing ambient lighting can be a satisfying DIY project with tangible impact.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the types of ambient lighting, tools you’ll need, step by step installation, legal considerations, and top tips to get it right the first time.
Why Install Ambient Lighting?
Ambient lighting used to be reserved for luxury models. Now, it’s more accessible than ever, and for good reason:
Enhanced Visibility: Soft footwell or door lighting helps locate cup holders, buttons, and storage areas at night.
Personalisation: Colour options and brightness control let you tailor the mood.
Modern Aesthetic: It can make even older cars feel more upmarket.
Resale Appeal: Tastefully added lighting can attract buyers looking for premium touches.
Types of Ambient Lighting Kits
Before you begin, decide what kind of lighting setup you’re after. Some popular types include:
1. LED Strip Kits
Flexible, cuttable, and typically adhesive backed. These go under dashboards, seats, or along door trims. They usually plug into the 12V outlet or fuse box.
2. Fibre Optic Kits
These provide that sleek, factory style glow seen in high end cars. Fibre strands carry light from an LED source, creating a subtle glow along trims.
3. Footwell or Dome Lighting Kits
These light up under your seats or roof, ideal for functional lighting rather than pure mood lighting.
4. Smart Ambient Kits
Controlled via Bluetooth or a mobile app. You can often customise colours, patterns, brightness, and even sync lights with music.
What You’ll Need
Tools:
Trim removal tool or plastic prying tool
Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
Wire stripper/crimper
Multimeter (optional but helpful)
Zip ties or adhesive clips
Cleaning wipes (for surface prep)
Materials:
Your lighting kit of choice
Inline fuse (if tapping into the fuse box)
12V connector or hardwiring kit (depending on power source)
Step by Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Plan the Layout
Visualise where you want the lighting to go: footwells, doors, dashboard edges, under seats, or along centre consoles. Avoid any areas that might interfere with airbags, pedals, or vents.
Step 2: Prep Surfaces
Clean all areas thoroughly with wipes. This ensures adhesive strips or clips will bond well.
Step 3: Run the Wires
Using your trim tool, carefully lift panels and tuck wires underneath. This keeps the install clean and prevents loose wires from catching. Use zip ties to secure the wires in place behind panels.
Step 4: Connect Power
You have three main options:
Cigarette lighter (12V plug): Easiest and removable. Great for first time installs.
Fuse box tap: More integrated look. Tap into an ignition on fuse using an add a fuse adapter.
Hardwiring to dome light circuit: Ideal for ambient kits that activate when doors open.
Ensure to include an inline fuse to prevent shorts or overloads.
Step 5: Test the Setup
Before reassembling panels, plug everything in and test the system. Check brightness, colours, and whether the app control (if applicable) works correctly.
Step 6: Secure Everything & Reassemble
Once everything is confirmed working, secure wires with tape or ties, reattach trim panels, and tidy up the cabin.
Legal Considerations (UK)
Ambient lighting is legal in the UK as long as:
It doesn’t emit blue/red flashing lights (reserved for emergency vehicles)
It doesn’t distract the driver or shine directly onto the windscreen
It cannot be seen from outside the car while driving (particularly front facing lights)
Avoid overdoing it, subtlety is key.
Best Practices & Pro Tips
Use dimmable or multi brightness kits for night time comfort
Test placement before securing for best light dispersion
Avoid footwell lights that face upward, they may distract
Don’t cut fibre optic strands too short, as they may lose light transmission
Look for kits with memory settings, so you don’t reset your colour every time
Top Ambient Lighting Kits to Consider (2025)
Govee Smart RGB Interior Lights: Bluetooth control, dynamic modes
OPT7 Aura PRO Kit: Excellent for dash trims and fibre optic installs
LEDGlow 4pc Footwell Kit: Bright, customisable, remote controlled
Mictuning Light Strip Kit: Waterproof and cuttable for flexible installs
Keepsmile App Controlled Kit: Affordable, easy plug and play option
Final Thoughts
Ambient lighting is one of the most satisfying mods you can make to a vehicle; it’s affordable, functional, and adds a luxurious feel.
Whether you’re new to car modding or an experienced DIYer, installing your own kit is a rewarding project that can be done in a single afternoon.
As always, plan well, test before securing, and prioritise safety, because good car tech shouldn’t come at the cost of a distracted drive.
Danny Floyd
Car Tech & Mods Specialist, Upgrades & Tech Column
