Knowing Your Headlights Can Improve Your Driving

2023-03-08

Daylight saving time is over and winter is here. It's that time of year we start doing more in the dark. One everyday activity that is increasingly risky is driving. Nationwide, almost half of all driving deaths occur at night, three times as many as during the day.

As we all know, headlight bulbs are an important part of a car. Due to their importance, they should not be overlooked. Keeping them free from debris is especially important this time of year. Also, if your car is several years old, now is the time to replace it. Proactive maintenance can avoid tickets from local law enforcement and improve night driving. Daylight saving time is over and winter is here. It's that time of year we start doing more in the dark. One everyday activity that is increasingly risky is driving. Nationwide, almost half of all driving deaths occur at night, three times as many as during the day.

Like the lights in our homes, headlight bulbs are also changing. Newer car models have xenon/high-intensity discharge (HID) or LED bulbs. New technology is allowing manufacturers to produce more efficient and brighter bulbs.

If you have halogen or standard bulbs in your car, is it possible to change them and to get something better? Unfortunately, the answer requires you to do some research. However, after reading this blog, you’ll have a better understanding of the different types of headlights that are on the market today and what options you have.

Halogen

This type of headlight is considered the standard light and is still used on most cars today. These bulbs are like the incandescent lights in your home. They create lighter shades. Although halogen bulbs have been around for many years, they still have several advantages. They are easy to produce and affordable to consumers. On the downside, these bulbs aren't as bright or as long as other headlights.

Xenon or High-Intensity Discharge (HID)

These headlights use gas instead of filament and are very bright. My wife's car has these headlights and they are brighter than my halogen bulbs, greatly improving the ability to see the road ahead. On the downside, I noticed that on very dark roads, street signs tended to reflect into my eyes.

LEDs

LED headlight conversion kit also emit brighter white light. This type of headlight is usually found on newer high-end cars or hybrids. These bulbs use less energy and can reduce the load on your car's alternator. LED headlight conversion kit offer many additional benefits such as increased efficiency, light quality, durability and safety.

Finding replacement headlights for your car

Depending on the year, make and model, you may not be able to easily swap out one headlight bulb for another. To learn more, read your owner's manual, call your local auto parts store, or ask your dealer. Your car may need a conversion kit to actually enable the latest and greatest headlights. Some headlight conversion kits may need to be installed by a mechanic, while others can be installed by you. Either way, new headlights might be just what you need to improve your safety and night-time driving abilities.

Don't forget the other lights

Now is also a good time to check the other lights on your car to make sure they are working properly.

Taillights. Turn on red lights to help you identify other vehicles driving ahead.

Daytime running lights. Make it easier for other drivers to see you, even on bright, sunny days.

Turn signals. Don't forget to use them! It greatly helps other drivers understand what you are doing. Remember, other drivers cannot read your mind.

Brake lights. Don't forget to check your third brake light, which may be mounted in the center of your trunk or tailgate. Federal law requires all vehicles to have a third brake light.

Hazard lights. While infrequently used, they are very important! Check your car to make sure you know where to find it.

Fog lights. They fit under the front of your car to provide additional lighting in poor driving conditions. These lights turn off when you turn on the bright beam.

To find the right headlight bulb or other replacement bulb for your car, click here.

For more information, check out the blog below.