Xprite Car Underglow Installation Guide

When it comes to modding your ride, underglow lighting is an eye-catching way to make a statement.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through installing Xprite’s customizable RGB LED strips under your car, taking the guesswork and frustration out of the process.

We’ll cover everything from gathering the right tools and materials, to strategically placing the lighting for maximum visual impact, to safely routing cables and dialing in the perfect hue. By the end, your ride will stand out with a fully customized underglow that turns heads.

Introduction to Xprite Car Underglow Installation

Installing underglow lights can transform the look of your car and give it a unique, eye-catching style. However, it’s important to understand the legal considerations before starting an underglow installation project. This guide will walk through the key steps to legally and safely install Xprite underglow lights on your vehicle.

Understanding the Appeal of Underglow Lighting

Underglow lights have grown in popularity among car enthusiasts because they:

Create a distinctive look that stands out, especially at night
Allow drivers to customize the color and effects to match their style
Can improve visibility and safety when driving in dark conditions

With programmable RGB lighting, you can make your underglow display an array of different colors and effects. This level of personalization and uniqueness is a major reason why drivers add underglows.

Navigating Legal Considerations for Underglow Installation

Before installing underglow on your car, it’s crucial to verify your state laws regarding vehicle lighting and modifications. Many states prohibit certain colors or types of underglow lights. Others only allow underglows if they are covered while driving and just displayed when parked. Failure to comply can result in fines or penalties. Always check your local regulations first.

You’ll also need to consider where and how the lighting is mounted to ensure it meets regulations. Wiring and circuits must be properly installed as well. Having a professional handle the installation can help guarantee it meets legal guidelines.

Setting Installation Goals

As you plan your Xprite underglow installation, clearly define what you want to achieve. Consider factors like:

Desired look – Color, effects, areas to install lights
Visibility needs – Improving safety at night
Legal compliance – Following state laws and regulations
Professional installation – Hiring experts to handle wiring

With clear goals in mind, you can select the right Xprite underglow kit and installation method to create your dream lighting setup that keeps your car street legal.

Preparing for Xprite Car Underglow Installation

We recommend having these tools on hand before starting your Xprite car underglow installation:

Listing Essential Tools and Materials

You’ll need the following essential items to complete the installation:

Xprite LED flexible light strips
Xprite wireless RGB controller
Small philips head screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
Wire strippers
Electrical tape

Make sure you have the Xprite light strips and controller before beginning. Having the right tools on hand will allow for an efficient installation process.

Gathering Mounting Supplies

In addition to the Xprite lighting, you’ll need mounting hardware:

Self-tapping screws
Plastic mounting clips
Adhesive promoter
Alcohol wipes

Proper mounting keeps the lights securely fastened for a clean, integrated look. The screws, clips, and adhesive promoter mount the strips, while the alcohol wipes prepare the surface.

Ensuring Proper Wiring and Connectivity

For a smooth install, confirm you have:

16 AWG automotive primary wire
Posi-tap connectors
16-14 gauge butt connectors
Inline fuse holder
5A fuse

Quality wiring and connections guarantee proper power flow and prevent shorts. Have at least 10 feet of primary wire for most vehicles.

With the tools gathered and plan ready, you can confidently start your Xprite underglow installation. Let the guidelines below walk you through each step.

Planning Xprite Underglow Light Placement

Proper underglow light placement is key for the desired look. We recommend strips under the front bumper, rocker panels, and rear bumper.

Measuring for Optimal Underglow Effect

Before installing your Xprite underglow lights, it’s important to measure the length of the path where you plan to mount the LED strips. This will allow you to determine how many LED strip sections you need to purchase to cover the full area.

Here are the key steps:

Park your vehicle on a flat surface and kneel down to view the underside of the bumper areas.
Use a soft measuring tape to measure the full length along the inside curve of each area you want to install lights.
Make note of the length in inches/centimeters for the front bumper, side rocker panels, and rear bumper.
Compare the total measured lengths to the standard LED strip section lengths offered by Xprite to calculate the number of sections needed per area.

Getting accurate measurements before ordering will ensure you purchase the correct quantity of LED strips for full, seamless underglow coverage.

Maximizing Visibility and Aesthetics

When mapping out Xprite underglow placement, consider visibility and aesthetics:

For the front bumper, center LED strips to maximize visibility from front and sides.
For rocker panels, place lights close to the edges to highlight the vehicle’s silhouette.
For the rear, central LEDs work well. Just ensure legal visibility limits.
Arrange the strips symmetrically on both sides for a balanced look.
Space out multiple strips evenly for consistent lighting.
Angle ground-facing sections to cast light outward.

Experimenting on placement will allow you to find the optimal underglow configuration for style, visibility, and legal compliance.

Ensuring Adequate Ground and Component Clearances

When mounting Xprite underglow LED strips, ensure:

At least 3 inches of ground clearance for front and rear lights.
At least 5 inches of ground clearance for rocker panel lights.
Adequate clearance from moving components like axles, pipes, mufflers, etc.
Strips are mounted securely and will not shake loose.

Proper underbody clearances will prevent damage from road debris and allow lights to shine brighter.

Executing the Xprite LED Strip Installation

Use the included mounting hardware to properly affix the LED strips just inside the body lines along the determined paths.

Surface Preparation for Secure Attachment

Before installing the Xprite LED strips, it’s important to properly prepare the mounting surface area to ensure the tape adheres securely. Here are the key steps:

Thoroughly clean the surface area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, oil or debris. Allow the surface to fully dry.
Apply the provided adhesive promoter to the area per the instructions. This will increase the bonding strength between the tape and your car’s surface.
Allow the promoter to dry completely before applying the tape, usually around 5-10 minutes.

Proper surface prep is crucial for getting a tight, long-lasting bond with the mounting tape. Taking the time upfront prevents the LEDs from loosening or falling off later on.

Strategic Placement of Mounting Clips

When routing your Xprite LED strip, use the included mounting clips to provide stability and prevent sagging:

Space clips evenly every 5-7 inches along the strip’s path. Closer for straight sections, farther for curves.
Position clips strategically at corners or along intense curves to reinforce shape retention.
Place an additional clip on longer strip connections to minimize tension on the wires.

Strategic clip placement gives a clean, uniform look and prevents the strips from drooping over time under their own weight. It also reduces strain on the wire connections.

Connecting LED Strips for Uniform Illumination

When installing multiple Xprite LED strip sections:

Connect strips using the included 2-pin connector cables for clean wire management.
Ensure polarity matches by aligning arrows on strip connections. Mismatched polarity prevents lighting.
Stagger connections evenly over the length to disperse power draw for consistent, uniform brightness.
Neatly tuck and secure wires using cable management clips to complete the professional install.

Properly joining LED strip sections creates an unbroken path of light for maximum visual impact. It also prevents dark spots or intensity drop-offs in the illumination.

Establishing Electrical Connections for Xprite Underglow

Safely routing wiring from the RGB controller to the LED strips is crucial for a clean Xprite underglow installation. Following best practices will ensure reliable illumination and prevent issues down the road.

Routing Cables Safely Under the Car

When running cables underneath the vehicle:

Use automotive-grade wire loom to protect and conceal the wiring. Secure the loom properly so it does not hang or rub on the ground.
Route cables away from hot exhaust components and sharp edges that could damage insulation over time.
Attach cables to stable structural elements with zip ties or adhesive mounts. Avoid loosely dangling wires.
Seal any holes made in the body with grommets to prevent chafing.
Connect the ground wire securely to bare metal, removing paint or rust at attachment point.

Taking precautions with under-car wiring protects functionality and prevents debris and moisture from entering.

Ensuring Reliable Electrical Connections

For best results, use weatherproof automotive connectors to link RGB controller wires to LED light strips.

To create solid connections:

Strip wire insulation properly without nicking the strands.
Crimp connector terminals securely using proper tool. Wiggle wires to verify tightness.
Heat shrink each connection, including ground, to provide strain relief.

Check voltages with a multimeter to catch any bad connections before mounting lights.

Mounting the Xprite RGB Controller

Choose an interior location for mounting the wireless RGB controller with these factors in mind:

Ensure clear line-of-sight to LEDs for reliable signal transmission.
Select a spot away from heat and moisture, like under seats or in glove box.
Affix securely using screws or strong adhesive.
Connect to 12V power source with fuse on hot lead for safety.
Verify remote connects properly to controller before finishing.

With wiring safely routed and connections made, the Xprite underglow kit will operate reliably for years of vibrant custom lighting.

Testing and Fine-Tuning the Xprite Underglow System

With the Xprite controller installed and connected, it’s time to test all lighting zones and make any necessary adjustments. Here are some tips for verifying connections, adjusting angles, and synchronizing colors to get your underglow looking its best.

Verifying the Integrity of Connections

Carefully inspect all wiring connections from the LED light strips to the controller. Check that:

All connectors are fully seated and locked in place
Wires are not pinched or crimped
No bare wire is exposed at connection points

Fix any loose, damaged, or incomplete connections. This will prevent lights from flickering, dimming, or not illuminating at all.

Adjusting LED Strip Angles for Optimal Lighting

The angle of the LED strips will impact how well they illuminate the ground around your vehicle. Slight adjustments can make a big difference.

Park your car about 6 inches from a wall or garage door
Turn the underglow system on and observe the light projection on the flat surface
Gently bend the LED strips to aim more light towards the ground
Some upward angle helps light the vehicle’s sides
Avoid pointing strips directly outwards

Experiment until you achieve even, vibrant ground effects lighting.

Synchronizing Xprite Underglow Colors

A key benefit of the Xprite system is synchronized color changing across all LED zones.

To sync zones:

Turn on the controller
Press the "Mode" button to cycle through different effects
Ensure all zones display the same color pattern
If not synchronized, check controller wiring connections

With all zones properly connected, you can enjoy multi-color underglow effects in perfect unison.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Xprite Underglow Installation Journey

By following this comprehensive installation guide for Xprite underglow-on-cars-illegal/”>underglow lights, you can customize your car with a unique look while staying street legal.

Recapping the Key Steps to Successful Installation

Installing Xprite underglow lights requires careful planning and execution to achieve the desired visual enhancement while remaining compliant with regulations. Here are some key steps to remember:

Choose high-quality LED strips and wiring to ensure durability and performance
Check your state’s laws regarding underglow clearance and color restrictions
Thoroughly clean the underside of your car before installation
Carefully measure and map out placement of the LEDs for even lighting
Use alcohol wipes to prep the surface area before applying 3M tape
Ensure wires are securely connected and routed to avoid damage
Test lights before completing the installation

Following these vital steps will lead to an eye-catching Xprite underglow application that stays within legal bounds.

Exploring Further Lighting Enhancements

Now that your ride glows with Xprite underglow, you may want to complement the look with additional mods:

Interior LED lighting can highlight the cabin with your choice of color
Light tint films on headlights/taillights allow some shine-through while adding style
Custom wheel lighting provides eye-catching effects in motion

Just ensure any extra lighting stays street legal and doesn’t obscure signaling/safety functions. The road to a unique ride awaits!