Installing Underbody Neon Lights the Right Way

Nothing beats seeing a car glow softly from beneath at night. Underglow lighting always grabs attention. You might think of street racing from the early 2000s or see it in car shows and social media reels. But beyond the cool factor, there’s a right and a wrong way to install underbody neon lights.

This change can make your vehicle stand out and boost visibility in low light if done right. Done incorrectly, it risks looking sloppy, attracting legal trouble, or damaging your car. This guide shows you how to achieve your desired look and explains how to do it safely, legally, and for lasting results.

Why Install Underglow Neon Lights?

Yes, it’s stylish — but there’s more to underbody lighting than meets the eye.

Key Reasons Drivers Choose Underglow:

• Personal Style: Your car should feel personal. Underglow is a fun way to show your style or match other mods.
• Increased Visibility: A soft glow under your vehicle helps other drivers see you more easily, especially in rain or fog.
• Show Value: Underglow lighting is practically a requirement for car meets or exhibitions.
• Driving Enjoyment: Many drivers find night-time driving more enjoyable with ambient lighting on the road.

Today’s advanced kits include features such as smartphone control, music sync, and colour cycling, making this mod more functional and user-friendly than ever.

Are Underglow Lights Legal in the UK?

This is one of the most common — and important — questions. The short answer is yes, under certain conditions.

What’s Allowed:

• Static (non-flashing) lights only
• No red lighting is visible from the front
• No white lighting is visible from the rear
• No blue lights (reserved for emergency vehicles)
• No strobe or rotating effects while on public roads
• Lights must not dazzle other drivers

Underglow is legal if it doesn’t affect safety or look like emergency lights. Use soft colours like white, green, or purple. Save brighter effects for private areas or events.

Types of Underglow Lighting Systems

1. Traditional Neon Tubes

These are the old-school glass tubes filled with neon gas. They emit a soft, distinctive glow and have a classic appeal. They’re fragile and have few colour choices. Also, they can’t handle vibration or impact well.

2. Modern LED Strips

Today’s go-to solution. They offer:

• Bright, consistent illumination
• Flexibility for tricky installs
• Resistance to weather and vibration
• Colour-changing RGB and RGBIC options
• Intelligent control via apps or remotes

Verdict: LED strips rule the market in 2025. Their performance, durability, and versatility set them apart.

Best Underglow Kits for 2025

Looking for the right kit? Here’s a summary of this year’s top-rated options:

• OPT7 Aura Pro: Control it with an app. It supports millions of colours and syncs with music, making it perfect for tech-savvy users and show vehicles.
• XKGlow Advanced: Offers dual-zone control and integrates with other lighting mods. It is best for enthusiasts with a full custom build.
• LEDGlow Million Colour Kit: It’s bright and lively. You can control it with a remote and choose from many flash modes. Great for a dramatic look.
• Govee Underglow Kit: Affordable and simple to install. Perfect for beginners or those after subtle illumination.

How to Install Underglow Neon Lights the Right Way

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Map out where your lighting will go: beneath the front and rear bumpers and along each side skirt. Make sure the glow is evenly spaced to avoid a patchy look.

Step 2: Gather Tools

Basic tools include:

• Jack and axle stand for safe vehicle access
• Screwdriver or drill
• Zip ties and adhesive mounts
• Wire strippers and crimpers
• Multimeter for testing connections
• Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape

Step 3: Prep the Mounting Area

Clean the underbody thoroughly, removing road grime, oil, and dust. This helps ensure adhesive clips stick and mounting hardware stays put.

Step 4: Install the Lighting

Attach the LED strips or neon tubes interior of the car securely:

• Use brackets or screws where possible for longevity
• Avoid positioning too close to moving parts or the exhaust
• Ensure the lights are angled for even ground illumination

Step 5: Route the Wiring Carefully

Secure wiring to the chassis, away from heat sources or areas with high motion. Use loom tubing or protective casing to safeguard against weather and road debris.

Step 6: Connect to Power

You have a few choices here:

• 12V cigarette lighter: Simple plug-and-play, but untidy
• Direct fuse tap: Clean, professional, and can be set to turn off with the ignition

The fuse box method is best for reliability and keeping your battery safe.

Step 7: Test Your Setup

Turn on the lights. Then, test all functions: colour cycling, brightness, app control, and music sync. Make sure each section lights up as intended.

Step 8: Final Touches

• Secure all wiring with zip ties
• Check for loose strips or exposed connectors
• Replace any trim or covers removed during installation

Real-World Glow Stories: What Other Drivers Are Saying

Ryan, Audi A3 Owner “I went for an OPT7 kit, and it’s a showstopper. My A3 stands out at meets, and the custom colours I’ve set up are epic on night drives.”

Jess, BMW 4 Series Driver “I chose a white glow for a more elegant look — nothing flashy. Just enough to add ambience without feeling like I’m overdoing it.”

Sam, Ford Ranger Modder “Combined XKGlow with my bed lights for camping. It’s not just for looks — underglow helps when I’m unpacking in the dark. It’s cool and practical.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Improper Mounting: Loose strips can detach over time, get damaged by the road, or ruin your car’s lines.
• Lazy Wiring: Don’t leave wires hanging. Use conduit and route everything cleanly.
• Disregarding the Law: Avoid flashing or blue lights if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
• Overdoing It: More lights aren’t always better. Keep it tasteful — often, subtlety creates more impact.

Conclusion: Shine Bright, Drive Smart

A proper underglow lighting setup is one of the most visually rewarding mods you can do. It boosts your car’s personality. It also catches eyes at shows. When installed carefully, it improves your night-time driving experience.

But don’t cut corners. The key is doing it right: safe wiring, legal colours, secure mounting, and consistent glow. You can choose a bold look or a minimal one. There’s an underglow that fits your style.

Ready to Get Started?

• Pick the right underglow kit for your goals
• Plan and install with safety and aesthetics in mind
• Light up the night and enjoy every moment behind the wheel