You’ve probably had a headlight in your car go out on you—it’s not great. Proper visibility while driving at night is crucial for your safety, and a long-lasting set of headlights can make the difference between a well-lit ride through the dark and one that has you squinting to see the road. As you try to find a pair of headlights that will last a long time and keep the road well-lit, it’s crucial to know the difference between LED and traditional headlights.
If you need to replace your vehicle’s headlights soon, find out more about the differences between LED headlights and traditional-style headlights and the levels of difficulty when it comes to replacing them in certain types of cars.
LED vs Traditional Headlights
If your headlights are showing signs it’s time to replace them, there are a few key differences to consider before you choose what type you’ll be installing in your vehicle. Instead of picking a type of headlight at random, review the four main differences between them so you can make an informed decision:
- Brightness: One of the main benefits of LED headlights is how bright they are compared to traditional halogen and xenon bulbs. Unlike traditional headlights, LED bulbs emit light by harnessing a process called electroluminescence, which converts more energy into physical light than heat. Because they don’t waste as much power heating the bulb itself, LED lights produce a much brighter light than halogen or xenon bulbs. Their higher brightness provides better visibility for drivers and a more well-lit night driving experience.
- Lifespan: Because of their efficiency, LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. While halogen headlights usually last around 500 – 1000 hours, LED headlights can last up to 30,000 hours or more! When you opt for LED lights over traditional bulbs, you’ll save money on replacements in the long run and give yourself peace of mind that it’ll be a while before your headlight goes out.
- Efficiency: As was mentioned earlier, LED lights use electroluminescence for power. This reduction in energy usage puts less stress on your vehicle’s electrical system than standard headlights and makes your car more efficient in general. In fact, LED headlights consume around 80% less energy than standard headlights, meaning a new set of LED lights can significantly reduce strain on your vehicle’s power source.
- Color Variation: Almost all traditional headlights produce a warm yellowish light that can be irksome for some drivers. LED lights are great because they offer a variety of color temperatures, giving you a chance to choose a light color that suits your preference. LED lights can provide a cooler, more natural light that enhances visibility and can potentially reduce eye strain.
How Difficult Is It to Install LED Headlights?
When it comes to replacing headlights, the process will vary a bit depending on what type of vehicle you have. Some models are designed to have easily accessible headlights, making replacing them a simple fix that you can do yourself in a short amount of time. In contrast, some higher-end vehicles have more complex designs that make replacing headlights a more difficult job. Find out more about the varying difficulty levels of installing LED headlights below:
- Easier Replacements: Three types of vehicles renowned for their user-friendly headlight replacement process are Honda Civics, Ford F 150s, and Toyota Corollas. These three vehicles have easily accessible headlights that make replacing them easy. Alongside these three vehicles, cars that are less specialized and more popular usually have easily accessible headlights that can be replaced quickly.
- More Difficult Replacements: Luxury brands, such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi, are notoriously more difficult to work on in general, and this definitely extends to headlight replacement. If you own a car belonging to one of these brands, you’ll need assistance from a mechanic when it’s time to replace your headlights.
- Considerations: If you’re thinking about upgrading to LED headlights, it’s crucial that you check your owner’s manual for information about headlight compatibility. If you’re having trouble finding out if your car will work with LED bulbs, it’s always a good idea to consult a mechanic so you don’t waste time or money.
Choose Chapel Hill Tire for LED Headlight Repair Services in Raleigh
If you need LED headlight repair or replacement services in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire has your back. One of our qualified mechanics would be happy to examine your car and give you an estimate on how difficult bulb replacement would be. After we provide an estimate, we can perform any repairs or replacement services you need to get your car back on the road with bright and long-lasting LED headlights. We also have a great set of coupons to take advantage of for any other maintenance requirements you might have!
Learn more about our headlight repair and replacement services today. When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.