F150 Tail Light Bulb Types by Year
| Year | Brake / Tail / Turn | Third Brake Light |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | 3157 / 4057 | T15 / 912 |
| 2015–2016 | 3157 / 4057 | T15 / 912 |
| 2017–2018 | 3157 / 4057 | T15 / 912 |
| 2019–2020 | 3157 / 4057 | T15 / 912 |
| 2021–2023 | 3157 / 4057 | T15 / 912 |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing F150 Tail Lights
Brightness and Visibility
One of the main reasons to upgrade F150 tail lights is to improve visibility. Brighter lights make your vehicle more noticeable to drivers behind you, especially in low-light or bad weather conditions. LED bulbs typically offer higher brightness and faster response time compared to halogen, which can enhance overall safety.
Compatibility and Fitment
Installation (Plug-and-Play vs Modification)
Build Quality and Waterproofing
Style and Design
Budget and Value
Why Choose 3157 and T15 Bulbs for F150 Tail Lights?
When replacing or upgrading the tail lights on your Ford F-150, choosing the correct bulb type is essential for both performance and compatibility. For most model years, 3157 and T15 bulbs are the most practical and widely used options, especially when upgrading to LED.
Over time, 3157 and T15 have become the preferred choices for F150 tail light upgrades because they offer better availability and easier LED compatibility, making them the go-to options for most drivers looking for a simple and effective upgrade.
3157 vs 4057 — Why 3157 Is the Better Choice
Although many F-150 models originally use 4057 bulbs, most aftermarket replacements are designed around the 3157 standard. The two share a similar base and are often interchangeable, but 3157 has become the industry default for upgrades.
- 3157 bulbs are more widely available, especially in LED versions
- Most LED products are labeled as 3157 but are compatible with 4057 sockets
- There are more options in terms of brightness, color, and design
Because of this, choosing a 3157 bulb makes upgrading easier and gives you access to a wider range of modern lighting options.
T15 vs 912 — Why T15 Is More Common for Upgrades
For the third brake light (and sometimes reverse lights), both T15 and 912 bulbs may be used. However, T15 is the more popular choice in the aftermarket, particularly for LED conversions.
- T15 LED bulbs are easier to find and come in more variations
- They are typically plug-and-play with factory connectors
- 912 bulbs are less common in LED form, limiting upgrade options
As a result, most F-150 owners choose T15 when replacing or upgrading these lights.
In Summary
- 3157 + T15 offer the best combination of compatibility, availability, and upgrade flexibility
- 4057 and 912 are mainly original factory specifications and are less common in modern LED products
Recommended: Lasfit LED Bulbs for F150 Tail Lights
Lasfit offers high-quality LED bulbs designed for the rear lighting system of the 2013–2014 Ford F-150, including brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals. These bulbs are engineered for bright red output, easy installation, and reliable performance, making them a practical upgrade from factory halogen bulbs.
- Lasfit F150 Tail Light D2-3157R
- Lasfit F150 3rd Brake Light L-T15R
Lasfit F150 Tail Light Bulb Specs (Relevant Section)
| Location | Bulb Size | Product Series | Output | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Turn Signal / Brake / Tail Light | 3157 | D2-T20 Series | 24W / 2400LM | brilliant red, ultra high brightness, optimized beam pattern |
| 3rd Brake Light | T15 | L-T15 Series | 700LM | brilliant red, 360° illumination, stable performance |
Key Benefits for Tail Light Upgrade
Brighter Red Output
Each D2 bulb delivers up to 2400 lumens using premium automotive-grade LED chips (1860 x 3 x 40 Mil + 3570 x 12 x 45 Mil). The enlarged emitting area enhances brightness, heat distribution, and durability, ensuring consistent performance in all weather conditions.
Plug-and-Play Installation
Thanks to its halogen-sized design and true non-polarity structure, the D2 Series offers a flawless plug-and-play installation. No resistors, no decoders, no wiring modifications; just plug it in and enjoy a professional-grade lighting upgrade in minutes.
CANBUS Friendly Design
If you're looking for a reliable upgrade that solves all the safety, compatibility, and technical concerns mentioned above, the Lasfit D2 Series 7443 LED is your top choice. Designed specifically for rear turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights, this series features an upgraded built-in resistor system that eliminates hyper flash and prevents dashboard errors—without the hassle of installing bulky external resistors or modifying your wiring.
Built with an aviation-grade aluminum body and optimized internal structure, the D2 Series features an enhanced combination of active and passive cooling. Improved thermal flow prevents overheating, ensuring long-lasting brightness and dependable performance.
FAQs
1. Can I use a 3157 bulb as a brake light?
Yes, 3157 bulbs are widely used as brake lights because they support dual brightness, which is required for brake and tail light functions.
2. Are 3157 LED bulbs brighter than halogen?
Yes, 3157 LED bulbs are generally much brighter than halogen bulbs and provide faster illumination. This helps improve rear visibility and allows other drivers to react more quickly.
3. How long do 3157 bulbs last?
Halogen 3157 bulbs typically last 1,000–2,000 hours, while LED versions can last significantly longer, often up to 20,000 hours or more depending on quality.
4. Is 3157 the same as 7443?
No, they are not the same. While both are dual-function bulbs, they have different base designs and are not interchangeable.
