Kia Seltos Ambient Lighting Review: Under $40 Trunk Upgrade
Service Price
$under $40
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Before
After
Process photos
Kia Seltos trunk ambient lighting: Under $40. Brightens trunk, improves visibility.
Enhancing Your Kia Seltos Trunk with Ambient Lighting
Are you looking to make the trunk space of your Kia Seltos more practical and aesthetically pleasing? If you've struggled to find items in your dark trunk or felt inconvenienced when retrieving things at night, this is for you. We're diving into a real-world review of a trunk LED light installation, often called 'sikppang-deung' (bread light) in Korea, focusing on a clean white finish. This popular modification offers a compelling way to boost both the utility and ambiance of your vehicle without a hefty price tag. The estimated cost for this specific upgrade in Korea was under $40 USD.
Why Consider 'Sikppang-deung' for Your Seltos Trunk?
Many Seltos owners cite the dim trunk lighting as a significant drawback. Especially in low-light conditions or at night, the lack of visibility makes locating or retrieving items a hassle. The 'sikppang-deung' retrofit directly addresses this issue. This modification involves embedding LED strips along the trunk's rubber molding, which automatically illuminate when the trunk is opened. The name 'sikppang-deung' comes from how it brightly lights up the trunk, similar to a loaf of bread. Beyond just improving brightness, this ambient light retrofit adds a touch of sophistication and a more premium feel to the Seltos's interior. For those considering a broader interior lighting upgrade, combining this with other ambient lighting features can create a cohesive and stylish cabin atmosphere.
Ambient Lighting Options and Professional Installation
The 'sikppang-deung' LED lights come in various colors and styles. Basic options include single-color white or warm white for a natural, clean illumination. For those seeking a more dynamic ambiance, RGB (full-color) or sequential color-changing (moving) types are available. In this case, the owner opted for a simple white LED to ensure maximum brightness and clarity in the trunk. The installation was performed by 'Oneul-ui Car' (Today's Car) in Cheonan, South Korea. They emphasize meticulous wiring, using jack-by-jack connectors to avoid damaging the vehicle's original wiring. This method ensures easy removal or reinstallation if needed. Furthermore, all wiring is secured with German Tesa sound-absorbing tape to prevent rattles and enhance durability. This attention to detail is crucial for any interior LED installation, ensuring a clean finish and long-lasting performance.
Before & After: A Brighter, More Functional Seltos Trunk
The transformation after the installation is striking. The white LEDs seamlessly integrated into the trunk's rubber molding provide soft yet ample light. Retrieving items or organizing luggage in the dark is now significantly easier. The lights are set to operate automatically with the trunk's open/close function, ensuring they turn on and off as expected. The installation was completed with safety in mind, preventing battery drain. For added convenience, options like adding an ON/OFF switch or integrating with the existing trunk light switch are available, giving the user full control over the lighting. This ambient cost-effective upgrade significantly enhances the practicality of the Kia Seltos trunk.
Installation Process:
- Preparation: The installation area along the trunk's rubber molding is cleaned thoroughly.
- Wiring: LED strips are carefully routed, and connections are made using jack-by-jack connectors to preserve the vehicle's original wiring harness.
- Securing: Wiring is secured with sound-absorbing tape to prevent noise and ensure durability.
- Testing: The lights are tested to ensure they function correctly with the trunk's open and close mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does ambient lighting cost for a Kia Seltos?
This specific trunk 'sikppang-deung' upgrade in Korea cost under $40 USD. Typical aftermarket ambient lighting kits in the US can range from $50 to $300 depending on complexity and features.
Q. How long does ambient lighting installation take on a Kia Seltos?
While this review doesn't specify the exact time, trunk light installations like this typically take 1-3 hours. Proper installation ensures durability, and maintenance usually involves occasional cleaning of the light strips.
Q. Is aftermarket ambient lighting worth it for a Kia Seltos?
Yes, aftermarket ambient lighting, especially for the trunk, is worth it for owners who frequently use their trunk in low light or want to enhance the vehicle's interior ambiance. It offers a significant improvement in practicality and aesthetics for a relatively low cost.
Q. How is ambient lighting installed on a Kia Seltos?
Installation typically involves adhering LED strips along interior trim, often the trunk's rubber molding. Wiring is carefully routed and connected to the vehicle's power source, often using methods that don't damage factory wiring, and secured to prevent noise.
Q. What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket ambient lighting for a Kia Seltos?
OEM ambient lighting is factory-installed and integrated, often with limited color options. Aftermarket options, like the trunk 'sikppang-deung' discussed, offer more customization in color and placement, and are generally more affordable.
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