(DIY) Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Rear Wheel Lights

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Main Objective:

- When reversing into a dark spot without any lights, unable to see through the mirrors, fearing you might fall into a pit, hit the curb, or collide with concrete... In such situations, installing rear wheel lights will help you see more clearly and feel more confident when reversing into unfamiliar, dark, and tight spaces.

Secondary Purpose:

Once, while driving, my tire got snagged, and it shredded the tire, exposing the steel core. The driver, unaware, reached in to inspect the tire, resulting in a bloody mess. It occurred to me, always have a flashlight in the car, and install an extra wheel light for hands-on tasks when needed.

Writing Purpose:

The reason for this article emerged after a previous experience when I wrote this for a car review contest:

For those curious about the art of installing reverse lights on a tire, this detailed guide aims to paint a vivid picture. Drawing from my own not-so-smooth experiences, I share insights and step-by-step instructions.

Now, let's dive straight into the specifics without further ado.

In hindsight, it's not the brightest idea to back up with shining wheel well lights under the blazing sun. But hey, live and learn, right?So, I thought of adding a 12V relay (bought on Shopee). It only lights up when reversing at night (via reverse gear or high beams). The coil is wired in parallel with the reverse lights, ensuring it activates only when reversing. This way, the wheel well lights sync with the nighttime lights. Drive at night, and when you reverse, voila, the wheel well lights come alive.Continuing the brainstorm, what about when spraying tires at night? Shouldn't these lights be utilized? Simple fix – added a 3-pin switch. Press it, and the lights draw power directly from the fuse box, shining regardless. I got a fuse similar to the one below, fitted it into the car's fuse box (I believe it's fuse number 9 for my Mazda 3). Remember to buy extra fuse wire for connection. Also, ensure both slots are filled; one for the added device, the other for the existing system.

Finally, here's the schematic of my setup for those interested. I'm a bit lazy, so it's a hand-drawn sketch. In reality, I always add a fuse for any additional circuit for safety. If anyone needs it, feel free to reference. I didn't draw the fuse part in this schematic, but in practice, I add a fuse to any additional circuit to ensure safety.

Some pointers:1- Always thoroughly read the manufacturer's documentation, and if there are in-depth materials available, it's worth consulting them.2- Ensure there's a fuse to protect any additional electrical installations.3- Choose a suitable power source unless you want your battery to call it quits unexpectedly.4- Utilize a jack plug for easy disassembly and repairs. Wrapping wires or welding can be a headache later on.5- The LED light I purchased doesn't shine as bright as expected. If anyone has a suggestion for a brighter yet cool-running type, please lend me your advice.