A Complete Guide to Aftermarket Headlight Assemblies
Car headlights are essential automotive components that illuminate the road ahead and warn others of your presence. They’re necessary in inclement weather and low visibility and also play a part in the overall vehicle aesthetic. And they’re a mandatory requirement in all vehicles.
Dim, flickering, clouded or damaged headlights need prompt replacement. Not only do drivers risk their own safety but also that of passengers, pedestrians and other traffic. If you’re looking for an OEM or reliable aftermarket headlight assembly, ways to upgrade the brightness or looks, or just curious as to all the types, then this short article is for you.
Headlight Basics
The main purpose of car headlights, situated in front of the vehicle, is to illuminate the road ahead. Drivers become aware of changing road and weather conditions, possible obstacles, and whether minor adjustments in steering or speed are necessary. Headlights project a low or high beam to specified distances and widths. New types also reduce fatigue and the risk of blinding oncoming traffic.
Common Types
Not all cars have the same types of headlights. Technology has evolved over the years to bring drivers headlight assemblies that are brighter, last longer, and are simpler to maintain and replace. Owners of older vehicles can additionally use upgrade and conversion kits to enhance safety and boost looks. Here’s a breakdown of the four most common types:
- Halogens – headlights with halogen bulbs are some of the oldest types, often recognisable by their yellow/orange tint. The produce light by heating a tungsten filament set inside a vacuum surrounded by an inert halogen gas that gives the bulbs their name and prevents advanced wear from oxidation. Halogens are good, affordable and relatively bright options, but have higher power draw and shorter lifespans than other types.
- Xenon or High-Intensity Discharge (HIDs) – these are seen in cars a dozen years old and are recognizable by their bright bluish tint. Comprised of a glass enclosure with two electrodes filled with xenon gas and metal salts, they produce a high-intensity light when current passes through the electrodes and xenon gas. While bright, they are known to blind oncoming traffic, consume more power than new tech, and are expensive for what they offer.
- LEDs – these are not bulbs but a series of light-emitting diodes that light up when subjected to electrical current. LEDs are now standard equipment in most new cars (or offered as an option in lower trims), have some of the highest brightness levels, are very efficient with low power requirements and automotive versions are known to last over 50000 hours of continual use. What’s more, they come in natural colour temperatures so are easy on the eyes, cause no fatigue, have very low glare rates and the compact footprint allows for some interesting headlight designs.
- Laser- headlight assemblies equipped with lasers are found on high-end cars and higher trims, producing light similarly to LEDs. They have solid-state laser diodes redirecting photons onto a phosphorous layer which is then bounced off reflectors. As such, they get brighter than LEDs while using considerably less power. Other benefits are the instant startup, light that is projected further and lifespans twice as long as ordinary LEDs.
Signs of Faulty Headlights
Several issues can plague headlight assemblies. Dim or flickering lights can be a safety trap, meaning bulbs are near the end of their lifespan, or there are issues with fuses, the wiring or connectors. Moreover, yellowed or foggy lenses and covers point to prolonged exposure to UV rays, moisture, and road debris. Minor scuffs or impact in a collision can additionally crack lenses or projectors, and affect the brightness and how light is projected. To avoid issues and possible risks, consider a working aftermarket headlight assembly.
Changing headlights beyond maintenance needs can alter how the car looks, and offer higher brightness levels and more durability with better builds, Newer tech is also more efficient, with lower power requirements and less strain on the car battery. This also means more customisation options in tuned or modded cars besides the usual performance upgrades.
Choosing Replacements
Periodic cleaning, resolving misalignment issues, using protective UV-resistant coatings and timely bulb replacements ensure that your car’s headlights last. There are more problems with cracked, scratched or missing covers, usually sustained in accidents. And electrical issues that are beyond repair.
To get an operational headlight assembly, consider compatibility with your vehicle in terms of the wiring and electrics to prevent shorting or electrical faults such as warning dash lights in the instrument cluster. Additionally, ensure that housings are built to a high standard, prevent moisture and dust with IP ratings, and are equipped with the right bulbs or light sources. If brightness is a concern, look for rated LUX or lumens numbers (higher is better), and natural colour temperatures to reduce glare and fatigue at night.