Confused about the front LED strip and brake lights… any tips?

Seeking Advice
1

Just got a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD, and I’m a bit puzzled about a few things. First, how do you turn the front LED strip on or off, or is it automatic? Mine seems inconsistent—sometimes dim, sometimes off. Is this normal? Second, the rear brake lights don’t seem as bright as I’d hoped. Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed this? Has anyone added an extra LED light bar for the brakes?

2

I have the Limited trim and was confused about this too. From what I understand, the middle LED bar comes on only when it’s dark outside. As for the brake lights, it should be pretty easy to tap into the existing wiring and add a 12V LED strip.

3

@Shay
Got it, thanks for the info.

4

You can’t manually control the LED bar. It’s tied to the headlights and turns off when they’re on. If you don’t like how it looks, there are overlays you can add for a different design. As for the brake lights, I think they’re fine, but I don’t really pay much attention to them.

5

@Hadden
So you’re saying the LED bar only works at night and turns off with the headlights?

6

Chen said:
@Hadden
So you’re saying the LED bar only works at night and turns off with the headlights?

It also lights up during the day when you pass through shadows or shade.

7

Hadden said:

Chen said:
@Hadden
So you’re saying the LED bar only works at night and turns off with the headlights?

It also lights up during the day when you pass through shadows or shade.

Thanks, that makes sense now. I might add a switch to keep it on as fog lights and maybe even change the color to yellow.

8

@Chen
Keep in mind it runs on 5V.

9

Like others have said, the center LED bar is mostly for nighttime use. Before adding extra lighting for the brake lights, it might help to visit the dealership and compare your car’s brake lights to others on the lot. Also, are you checking them from the perspective of a driver behind you? Brake lights are positioned lower, so they might not look as bright if you’re standing and looking down at them. But hey, more lighting is never a bad idea.

10

@Tallis
Good point about the viewing angle. I think the lights might just be set a bit low. Thanks for the suggestion.

11

The front light bar turns on with the headlights and parking lights.