What kind of LED do I need?
Learn how to search Distributor's using any search engine

Use a description of desired specs in any search engine or use their website with key words , use shopping tab in Google or include Digikey as a key word

or use their website and &quot;drill down&quot; the Product Index
- = Product Index &gt; Optoelectronics &gt; LED Indication - Discrete



results &lt; here

Click V descending sort on brightest LED [mcd] or Millicandella Rating

My pick for you   MT5470E-UR Marktech ( Private label Distributor)

Oval Red diffused tinted lens 2300mcd 40x110 deg radial

$0.29 usd (100pcs)



These are rated at 2.1V @20mA and have an equivalent zener resistance of 7 Ohms.
{#1 Choice} Red in clear lens  $0.11usd (100pc)
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cree-inc/C4SMF-RJF-CT0W0BB1/C4SMF-RJF-CT0W0BB1-ND/2809664
n.b. If you want deep Red (660 nmD) not as bright but lower Vf, 1.3V GaAs in Diffused tinted Red  &gt; Search

However the easiest to use are 12V strip LEDs with built in resistors THAT OPERATE BRIGHTEST AT 14.2v FOR CARS



simulate this circuit &ndash; Schematic created using CircuitLab