Do l.e.d lights get hot??

I had a similar question regarding the replacement LED bulbs in the map lights.

 

Anything that uses power, generates heat, efficiency is the key! It all depends on the LED in question, I have a hi power Cree module that runs about 250° F, I have a large heatsink and fan on it, but boy that sucker is bright!!
The car LEDs are much smaller, but some of the newer Cree based systems will get warm to hot.
Several of the LED sellers have certain types they do not recommend enclosing the LED in a small space due to heat related issues!

 

I know it's a bit of an old thread, but hopefully it'll help someone thinking about swapping out bulbs.

I also swapped out the bulb on the top corner of the headlamps for LEDs. I initially swapped for something very bright and rather large in size. Little did I know, this created a good amount of heat and there's a small bit of discoloration on the chrome now. I have since swapped to a smaller LED that should produce significantly less heat.

 

LED bulbs get hot. We got some Surefires and Streamlights and such and they can get hot.
Accidently turned on small Surefire in my pocket once - after a few minutes felt like my pants were starting to burn.
Some LED bulbs will actually melt plastic lens in inexpensive flashlights and some of the the older models of $$ lights cannot take hi-powered LEDs.

As always: YMMV

 

Anything that consumes electricity, generates heat!
Heat is the enemy of electronics!
Heat causes premature failure!
Catch22?

Always make sure you can dissipate the heat you are going to generate.
Simple rule, the more amps, more watts, the hotter it will get!
Always allow for cooling!

 

Some LEDs are made with built in heatsinks, so they get less hot. There is not rating on this, unfortunately, so you don't know until you buy.