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Lexus IS: Headlight and Fog Light Modifications

Here are some of the headlight and fog light modifications that are common to the Lexus IS.

By Scott Deuty - November 19, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS (2005-2013).

Although there are many options for upgrading the lights in the Lexus, the combinations available for lights out front are sure to provide a setup that works best for you. Prior to listing the upgrades, a quick summary of lighting is presented. Two types of lights are used to illuminate the road ahead: headlights and fog lights. Daytime running lights (DRLs) are very bright marker lights that call attention to the vehicle rather than illuminate the road ahead. The three lighting technologies are: HID, Halogen lights, and LED lights. Filament based lights like HID have two issues in automotive applications. First, they must operate at high heat. Second, the road vibrations can cause the wire to break.

LED lights don't have either of these problems, which is why LEDs are given longer lifetime ratings. Until recently, LEDs could not compete with the brightness of the filament based technologies. Newer LEDs produce a similar amount of light compared to the others. With the brighter light comes more heat. LEDs haven't been around long enough to prove they will last the amount of time claimed by manufacturers. The elevated heat does lower the expected lifetime.

The filament based technologies, HID and halogen lights, are simply plug and play. However, LEDs require something to regulate the current. Lexus owners have found certain forms of current regulators to be more reliable than others. The LED module (also known as a decoder) regulates current. This is very important as LED lifetime and brightness are affected by the current run through them.

  • Figure 1. Not recommended.
  • Figure 2. Recommended.

There are various options for upgrading the light technology. For DLRs, headlights, and fog lights, the upgrade amounts to a bulb replacement. For LED technology, a module (decoder) may be an additional component; in some cases such as DLRs, it's part of the bulb.

Figure 3. DLR LED bulbs that feature built in current regulators (decoders).

Lighting Modifications

Blacking out the headlights

Figure 4. Blacking out both the fog lights and headlights is a popular modification.

DIY Cost – Under $10 (price of a can of black spray paint and sandpaper)
Professional Cost – Hundreds of dollars
Skill Level – Moderate mechanical skills

Other modifications include blacking out the headlights. The figures show how blacking out a headlight changes the bezel from a chrome to a black paint finish. This modification is the cheapest in terms of materials as all that is required is black paint and sand paper. However, it is the most labor intensive as the headlight must be removed and the lighting case assembly must be opened. Removing the light is a multi-step process. Disassembling the light requires heating the light to soften the glue. The light must then be glued back together in a manner that seals out the elements.

(Related Article: How to Black Out Your Headlights - ClubLexus.com)

Upgrading the Daytime Running Lights (DLRs)

Figure 5. LED light upgrade for DLRs.

DIY Cost – $20-$125 depending on the kit or bulb
Professional Cost – Less than $100 to install
Skill Level – Easy to Moderate; this is not as easy as merely changing a light bulb. Some components have to be removed from under the hood.

Daytime running light are designed for safety, however, with a simple upgrade in the bulbs, it can give the Lexus a very elegant, sporty look in the day time. Upgrading the DLRs involves replacing the bulbs.

Upgrading the headlights

Figure 6. LED headlight upgrade.

DIY Cost – From $40 for a bulb to nearly $500 for the entire headlight assembly
Professional Cost – Less than $100 to install
Skill Level – Easy; basic skills are needed to install the bulb. More advanced medium level skills are required to install the entire light assembly as the bumper and several other components must be removed.

Replacing the bulb types on the headlights make the Lexus look completely different. You will have to access the bulb under the hood.

(Related Article: How to Replace Your Headlight and Fog Light - ClubLexus.com)

Upgrading the fog lights

Figure 7. LED fog light upgrade.

DIY Cost – From $4 and up for a bulb
Professional Cost – Less than $100 to install
Skill Level – Easy; basic skills are needed.

Changing the fog light color gives the Lexus another dimension. It works well as an upgrade even if you don't upgrade the headlights; however, it will compliment the headlights if you make them the same color. You will have to access the bulb under the car behind the lower air foil.

Pro Tip

Fog lights come in every color, but there's a reason most cars have a yellow color. Blue and white light are more difficult to focus on for the human eye. The short wavelengths make identifying specific shapes from a distance difficult. Yellow light is easier to see and therefore makes for a better fog light. Some people prefer the yellowish tint halogen bulbs for a similar reason.

Also, the same laws that apply to headlights apply to the fog lights. Yellow and white light is okay, but other colors will get the attention of your local highway patrols.

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