Your experience with LED bulbs? Options

[lagos]

I've tried a few cheap led replacement 194 bulbs, only to have them burn out after just a few days of use.
Anyone have better luck with theirs? Any specific brands to stick with?

Im looking for something that will work well for the rear license plate, not to illuminate the gauge cluster.

This post has been edited by lagos: Aug 22, 2009 - 11:05 PM

[lagos]

LED are design for an specific Voltage, if they are not getting that voltage they'll die.

even cheap ones will last as long as they get the right voltage, that means, no messing with the dimmer switch and making sure you have good grounds.

You are correct, however there is one problem.
Say for example we are talking about the gauge cluster. The power at the cluster alone can range anywhere from 14v all the way down to 11v depending on how many after market accessories your car has, as well as your alternators output. Even if you never touch the dimmer (im planning to by pass mine in general) there is a wide range of voltage that the bulbs will see naturally. The really cheap ones tend to be very sensitive to these normal changes in voltage and quickly blow out.
This is at least my experience with cheap LEDs that I've tried before.