Vehicle Underglow Lighting: Everything You Need to Know Before Installing

Jan 14, 2026By Brandon Imhoff

BI

Vehicle Underglow Lighting: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Professional Installation Matters

Vehicle underglow lighting has made a strong comeback in recent years. Modern RGB technology, app-based controls, and cleaner installation methods have transformed underglow from a novelty into a clean, customizable upgrade for cars, trucks, and show vehicles.

At Red White and Glow, we specialize in professionally installed vehicle underglow lighting in Manchester, Tennessee and throughout Middle Tennessee. Here’s what you should know before adding underglow to your vehicle.

What Is Vehicle Underglow Lighting?

Vehicle underglow lighting is a lighting system mounted underneath a vehicle that illuminates the ground around it. Most modern systems use RGB LED strips, allowing you to change colors, brightness, and lighting effects through a mobile app or controller.

Unlike rock lights, which are designed for off-road visibility, underglow is primarily aesthetic and commonly used on:

  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Show vehicles
  • Street builds
  • Night cruise setups
Vehicle underglow installed by Red White and Glow in Manchester Tennessee

Benefits of Vehicle Underglow Lighting

Underglow instantly sets your vehicle apart. Choose a single clean color or switch between animated effects depending on the occasion.

Most systems allow:

  • Color changes
  • Brightness adjustment
  • Pattern and motion effects
  • App or remote control

When installed correctly, underglow lighting is nearly invisible during the day and evenly diffused at night with no harsh hotspots.

Why Professional Installation Is Important

While many underglow kits are sold as “DIY,” improper installation often leads to:

  • Flickering lights
  • Electrical shorts
  • Exposed wiring
  • Uneven brightness
  • Premature system failure

At Red White and Glow, we focus on:

  • Clean, hidden wiring
  • Proper power and ground connections
  • Secure mounting away from heat and road debris
  • Long-term reliability

A professional install not only looks better — it protects your vehicle’s electrical system.

Is Vehicle Underglow Legal?

Underglow laws vary by state and local regulations. In Tennessee:

  • Certain colors may be restricted while driving on public roads
  • Flashing or emergency-style colors are typically not permitted on-road

We always recommend using underglow responsibly and primarily for shows, events, and private property. If you have questions about legal usage, we’re happy to discuss options.

Underglow vs Rock Lights: What’s the Difference?

Feature


Vehicle Underglow
Rock Ligts

Primary Purpose


Appearance
Offroad Visiblity

Typical Vehicles


Cars & Show Vehicles
Jeeps & offroad Rigs

Light Pattern 


Smooth ground glow
Focused downward lighting

Use Case


Streets/Shows
Trails/Offroad

This is why we offer separate services for each — they serve very different purposes.

Vehicle Underglow Installation in Manchester, TN

If you’re looking for professional vehicle underglow lighting installation in Manchester, TN, Red White and Glow delivers clean installs done right the first time.

We work with cars, trucks, and custom builds throughout Middle Tennessee and focus on quality workmanship, proper wiring, and long-lasting results.


Contact us today to learn more about vehicle underglow lighting or request a quote.