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Perhaps no component on a vehicle has more importance than its headlights. After all, lights are crucial to safety on the road. They ensure that you can see the road ahead, even at night or during low-light situations. And they also ensure that others see your vehicle.
Headlight technology has significantly evolved since automobiles started to appear close to the start of the 20th century. These early cars were predominantly equipped with simplistic acetylene lamps. Those headlamps overcame the challenges of carriage lamps, which powered by candlelight because they were resistant to rain and wind. The Electric Vehicle Company of Hartford introduced the first electric headlamps in 1898, but they were limited in mainstream use due to the short lifespan of the filaments incorporated in their design.
The origins of today's headlight system didn't come about until 1912 when Delco's electrical lighting and ignition system was put to use in the 1912 Cadillac. A half-century and several technological leaps later (including electromagnetically shifted reflectors and steering-linked lighting), we arrived at the halogen lamp in 1962. They were first used only in Europe but became street-legal in the U.S. beginning in 1978.
Now, other technologies are supplanting the long-used halogen light, including LEDs. They may be appearing on more vehicles, and ones costing close to $20,000. But are LEDs superior to halogen headlights? In some ways, yes.
An LED light is bright, white light. By appearance, even daylight isn't as white. Does that matter? From the perspective of light return, yes. LEDs make it easier to see the shoulder and markings on the road and the signs on the road since they produce a brighter light than traditional halogen lamps.
LED headlights cast a large light pattern on the roadway, so it's easier for you to get a more ample look at where you're going and what's in your surroundings. Halogen headlights, by contrast, direct a small pool of yellow-hued light that hits right in front of your vehicle.
The most significant advantage that LED lights has to offer the average driver is a considerable improvement of nighttime vision. When compared to halogen lights, the difference can be noticeable enough to make nighttime driving more comfortable.
Coverage and brightness are two selling points of LED lights. If an animal is in the road around a curve, LED light tends to broadcast across a broader spectrum than halogen. That potentially gives more reaction time behind the wheel to deal with just such an occurrence and steer or brake accordingly.
LEDs are also powerful. The bulbs provide full brightness with no warm-up wait required and no flickering to go straight from low beam to high beam. And it achieves this without requiring a lot of power, decreasing the burden put on electrical systems. That is becoming increasingly important as new vehicles add powerful radars and cameras.
The cost of headlights doesn't just come up in the price you'll pay at the dealer for the vehicle. If a replacement is ever needed because the LEDs are damaged or burned out over time, plan on spending more than you would for a halogen replacement. Much more, in fact.
Replacement costs vary widely by the car's make and model (and the shop doing the replacement). For example, a BMW headlight assembly minus the bulb runs around $985 for a BMW, and that's before labor is factored in. It isn't unusual to see a repair bill for LED headlights run over $2,000. Some LED headlamps also have sophisticated sensors and leveling devices than standard halogen lights, adding to the cost. Consider that if your vehicle doesn't pass a state inspection one time, or if it's in a parking lot crash at one point.
Never mind the fact that LEDs are popular in the auto industry right now. Manufacturers looking to achieve sleeker-looking, modish profiles on their models love the fact that LED lights can be small and unobtrusive. Audi, BMW, Toyota. All have come out with cars using high-quality LED headlight systems. From a design standpoint, this small size allows for more design flexibility. Automakers can create a bevy of assemblies and shapes to go well with the cars they turn out. And they virtually eliminate the less-elegant dome reflectors that are associated with halogen lamps.
But there are some drawbacks. Although LED lamps do not put out as much heat as halogen lamps, they do generate heat from their emission base, particularly in the region of the chip in the emitter. So when electricity comes through, there is some possibility of problems with connection cables and assembles, so LED lamps require their own cooling systems to prevent them from melting. For this reason, fans or heat sinks are usually part of the LED lamp setup, which is a bit of added cost for automakers. And because the cooling systems used for LED lights are situated in the hot engine bay, designing and implementing LEDs into a car is no small feat. That's why automakers pass these additional costs on to the buyer and often make LEDs an upgrade or available with particular trim packages only.
If you're just interested in having LED taillamps or running lights added to your vehicle, you're in luck. These don't require heat sinks. These lights are not relied upon for nighttime illumination, so they don't need to have as much power as headlamps. Therefore, they don't experience the level of current running through their chips that pose a heat problem on headlights.
Most vehicles on the road today still have halogen bulbs in their headlights. The way they work is simple; an electrical charge hits a tungsten filament inside a heat-resistant envelope surrounded by nitrogen and argon gases. This ignition causes a glow of incandescent light from the bulb. Halogens have been around for a long time, and it's easy to see why. They are cheap, they are easy to replace, and they are pretty much universal. You can go to nearly any auto parts store and pick up a new one or order it, and they are reasonably simple to change. If you usually perform minor repairs on your vehicle, changing a halogen bulb takes just a few minutes. However, they're only rated for an average of 800 hours of use, and their extra sensitive and not so durable. They are also energy-intense, which is one reason they're not the eco-friendliest or greenest option.
When discussing LED headlights, it's important not to confuse them with Xenon headlights, which are a different, yet similar, animal altogether.
Xenon lights are also called HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights. HID lights are the brightest and whitest of all headlights on the market, providing broad illumination of the roadway ahead. HIDs are expensive, so they are geared more toward drivers who are generally out after dark frequently.
One thing that separates LED, halogen and Xenon or HID lights from one another is their color temperature. LEDs are the coolest, coming in at approximately 6,000 Kelvin, giving them their bright whiteness. Xenon bulbs are around 4,500 Kelvin, and halogens are generally in the 3,200 Kelvin range. Xenon options produce more light than LEDs and halogen lights; however, HID bulbs often have more glare than LEDs, although they provide intense light. LEDs tend to cost more than the other two options, but they offer fabulously clear light with long lamp life and low power needs.
Not ready to trade your old car or truck in for a fancy new upgrade that is equipped with halogen headlights? No big. The aftermarket wizards are proud to make your acquaintance so that you can one-up your driving experience without taking the plunge and buying a new car. Conversion kits for LED headlamps can be a smart addition to your vehicle that makes for safer driving and added efficiency. Be aware, though, that not all states allow for aftermarket headlight conversions, so check first before you invest in a lighting upgrade.
A knowledgeable mechanic should review your owner's manual to ensure that the fitment from the conversion kit will work with your vehicle's electrical system. And even then, a specialist is required to fit them, due to the added heat that the lights put out. It is not a job for even the most avid DIY-ers, no matter how enthusiastic. If the LED conversion kit is improperly installed or of poor quality, the result can also be dangerous for you and others on the road.
Also, consult various rules for vehicle inspections in your state. That may avoid surprises when an inspector fails your vehicle because the lights do not meet the standards depending on where you live. Again, not all aftermarket solutions are created equally, so consult the manufacturer and a professional installer before adding them to your vehicle.
The best way to determine if LED lights are worth the upgrade may be to assess your particular driving needs. Are you often out driving at night, or are you generally home before the sun goes down? Do you spend a lot of time driving in low-light or rainy conditions? If you don't drive a lot and seldom drive at night, then the added cost of a trim package that includes LED lights may not be worth it.
Like all options and accessories, do some research and see if the option is worth the price. For buyers of pre-owned luxury cars where the technology is standard, consider asking how much the part will cost should it fail when the vehicle is out of warranty. That may save some surprises down the road.
Q: How Do I Replace My Old Jeep Cherokee XJ Headlights?
A: This is rather easy, especially with one of the plug and play options. First, remove the headlights with a screwdriver. You need to be careful and cannot rush through this process. Afterward, clean up the spot. Make sure the wires are pristine along with the surrounding surface. Then, put in the new headlight! Plug it into the wires and then you are all set. If you truly need professional help, do not be afraid to ask!
Q: What Does OEM Stand For?
A: Original equipment manufacturer. Basically, this means that the product is made from equipment that is bought from the original manufacturer. Therefore, it delivers authentic performance and appearance. Both are equally important when it comes to enjoying a great overall pair of headlights. Look for this particular phrase if you want to maintain that vintage, Jeep Cherokee XJ appearance.
Q: Why Are LED Lights The Better Option?
A: LED lights last longer and provide better visibility at night. Unlike previous light fixtures, the LED design focuses light in one particular direction. This delivers more light than ever before Meanwhile, it also creates an efficient light source. That way, the bulbs do not burn out in a few months.
Q: When Will I Know If I Need New Headlights?
A: You will certainly see it. If there is less visibility, then you need new lights. Do not waste time. Do not play around. Lights are incredibly important. It sounds silly at first. But, customers often overlook the value and improtance of high-quality headlights. They protect you at night on the open road. Meanwhile, it signifies your presence to other drivers!
Are there different types of bulbs?
Before unholstering the Visa card, make sure to note the type of headlight bulb that is compatible with your particular car as there are several different types of plugs in production. It’s known that many cars are tightly packed underhood, meaning that while it is unlikely tools will be needed for the actual bulb install, a screwdriver or socket set may be required to carefully move another component or two. Leave the hammer out of it.
Are they difficult to install compared to standard bulbs?
Be careful when handling these lamps. Back in the old days, amateur gearheads were always warned by experienced wrenchers not to handle a halogen bulb by its glass surface lest the oils from one’s hands damage the unit. The same caution should be exercised with these newfangled LEDs.
What are some other differences in their construction?
There will likely be more excess wiring with these LED kits compared to the minimalist factory setup, so make sure to splurge on a couple of zip ties to clean up the installation and avoid a potential rat’s nest of wires. The base of LED headlamps are also larger than those of halogen bulbs, thanks to the need for an integrated fan unit, so test fitting the suckers before ramming them home goes a long way towards avoiding a frustrating experience.
Any other tips?
It’s also a good idea to flick the lights on after plugging them in but before snugging them into their new home in the headlight housing. Some companies, including a few on this list, sell products that are polar-dependent, meaning it is possible to plug them in backward. This generally doesn’t harm the product or the vehicle but does leave you with a fistful of no-go when one hits the headlight switch. Doing any job of this ilk twice is less than ideal.
Since they hit the road, LED lights for cars have changed the way manufacturers and drivers understand car lights. Though LEDs can be slightly more expensive than halogens, LEDs last longer and have a stronger intensity of light of up to 12,000 Lumens. This quality of light makes visibility down the road clearer so that drivers can stay safer on the road. Read on to learn more about the benefits of LED lights for cars.
First things first: If you’re going to make the switch, you want to know that an LED light is going to be worth the cost. Lucky for you, LED lights for cars can last for up to 20 years. Compared to halogens, which sometimes need to be changed yearly, this means that you will rarely have to change your LED headlights. The longevity of these lights is in part due to their simple but solid structure. LEDs are made up of single units that convert electricity into light, which is far more efficient than halogen bulbs that require more components and moving parts to function.
LEDs come with heat sinks that keep the areas that electricity passes through from heating up. Here’s a reason to make sure you look for the best LED lights for cars: A poor functioning heat sink could do greater damage to the car as a whole. Luckily, even if you were to go with our more affordable LED lines, the lights are often only used at night.
LED lights are the most energy-efficient car lights on the market. LED lights draw far less energy from the car’s electrical system than halogen lights by converting over 80 percent of energy into light and 20 percent to wasted heat. Put another way, LED lights only use 18 watts of electricity compared to halogen’s 65 watts. In addition to being energy efficient, LED lights are also more environmentally friendly in that they are not made with mercury.
In addition to all of the excellent functional qualities of LED lights for cars, these bulbs are incredibly easy to install and should only take you around 30 minutes to do so. The majority of LED lights for cars are fairly small, which means they can be shaped to different designs. If you’re a DIY car enthusiast, this retrofit installation process is seamless as a short ride down your favorite route.
Last but not least, you want lights that are going to make your car impress onlookers. Dim, weak, yellow halogen lights are not going to make the cut. The sheer brightness of LED lights are like knives cutting through the silky fog, making your car a force to reckon with when it comes to whose car is the most eye-catching. Plus, for those on a budget, it’s far less expensive to install a pair of LEDs than it is to upgrade to a brand new car.
A: The most notable advantage of LED headlights is their bright white day-like color. Apart from that, LED lamps are power-efficient and more durable than their halogen counterparts.
A: Although LED headlights generally last over 25 times longer than halogen lights, the final say relies on the manufacturer’s technology. Some lights can have a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours, which is over 10 years.
A: The ease of installation of any light depends on its construction. However, many LED headlights are easy to install. It is vital to read the instructions manual before you begin any installation.
If you have a Jeep Wrangler, you'll want to make sure the lights you get match your car. On the other hand, for a Jeep Wrangler YJ, you might prefer sealed beam headlights.
There are also angel eyes, which are a specific type of headlight that can be found at every major retailer (including Amazon). Cree is another manufacturer of LED headlights (as well as fog lights), and whether you have a Dodge, a Chevrolet, a GMC, or another type of vehicle - LED headlights will definitely be a major upgrade.
Angel eyes are also known as halo lights, and 7 inch LED headlights are another popular choice by drivers. LED bulbs and LED chips have become very popular over the years, with high low beams also becoming highly sought after by consumers.
The automotive world has been rocked by LED headlights, and even turn signal lights can be modified these days. Projector headlights, as well as light bars, have become staples in the car customization world.
If you want to convert your lights to an LED halo style, usually all you will need is an LED headlight kit. You may want beam headlamps, or to modify your tail lights.
Whether you have a Chevy, or a different kind of car, you will want to look at lo beam headlights, as well as 5x7 inch LED headlights. DRL (or daytime running lamps) are equally important for cars, so you should choose these lights wisely.
Chrome LED headlights are also very popular, and you may also want features like a relay harness. Cutoff lines are also important with LED headlights, and many kits are 2pcs.
Another popular brand making LED headlights is Osram, and yet another type of LED lights are called surface mount diode(or SMD) lights. Another big brand is HELLA, which makes many different types of LED headlights.
