I noticed some newer SUVS come with RED turn signals in the side mirrors, yet most other cars with OEM turn signals in the side mirror come with amber.

Yes, I realize the standard is red for brakes and amber for turn signals, but which color is scientifically more visible during the day? The application is the LED turn signals shapped like '>'. I am concerned they are small to begin with and will be naturally harder to see.

 

amber are much more visible than red in all weather condition.

 

Good question. Scientifically, it's probably orange. Had I paid attention to the wavelengths and light portion of physics, I could tell you why. But I didn't.

I know BMW uses red dash lights because they're scientifically proven to be easiest on the driver's eyes at night...that has nothing to do with this, but it's somewhat relevant.

Those LED turn signs on the mirrors aren't even required by law though if they have a reflector on the front and rear corners, so it's more of an extra safety/styling thing.

Hey another random fact...in Europe, it's illegal to have red turn signals, only amber. So maybe amber is scientifically more visible.

 

amber is more visible, but i would go for red cuz i like everything to be one color.

 

red is better during the day cause altho amber travels further in more conditions, people are more cautious about red

1) they see red clearer during the day (esspecially LED red)
2) red in fog can be seen (although not as well as amber) but at further distances people will tend to slow down and take caution cause they think "it could be a cop" I'd stick with red led.

you could always use a circuit to chage to amber when you have your foglights on too. (or even easier a 3 position switch on the dash)

 

Yeah, on Discovery Channel these scientists had deep sea fish, that would normally never see the light of day, in tanks. They had to pressurize the tanks, keep them certain temp, etc, and when they wanted to look at the fish they had to use a red light. Regular light would hurt em or something. I thought it was interesting...guess it works with people too.

 

I am going to trust the Europeans on this one. My hunch is that red in such a small form factor won't be as visible as amber, so amber it is. It will match the amber reflectors on my headlights.

http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/EDDOCS/W...or_Colors.html
It would appear that amber (orange) has a shorter wave length then red and is thus easier to see.

 

From what ive noticed, red REAR turn signals are hard to see when someone is braking, its all just a blur pretty much. Amber signals stand out much better... which is why I chose amber LEDs for my rear turn signals.

 

Amber = JDM

 

:werd:

for front turn signals, it's illegal (in CA at least) to have red or blue because only emergency vehicles can have those colors in front. red or amber are allowed for rear, no white. side mirrors weren't covered when i looked into this.