Headlights dim over time…
Did you know that the average lifespan of a headlight bulb is only two years?
Did you know that after 12 months the average bulb has lost 50% of its brightness?
So just like your favorite hair color that gets dull look your headlights do the same thing?
Common mistake with headlight bulbs is touching them with bare hands. The oil on your fingers will super heat and cause the bulb glass to bubble or explode.
There are 3 main bulb types: Halogen (and three types of these), HID and LED.
Which one is best for your vehicle?
Typically LED bulbs will last longer but they will possibly require adding a load equalizer and different wiring. Some newer vehicles will require that you change the entire assembly rather than just changing out a bulb, so if you are shopping for a new or used car please check the bulb style so that you don't get blindsided by the sticker shock of a new assembly when the bulb goes out.
HID bulbs do require special wiring and are not normally interchangable with halogen or LED. If you are purchasing a new or used vehicle you need to know in advance what style bulb comes in it because HID replacements are very pricey and sometimes will require installation by a shop due to the difficulty of replacements.
Have you ever gone to the store to buy lightbulbs for your house and you’re faced with 20 different varieties? There’s Soft White, White, Daylight, Colored and so many more. Halogen headlight bulbs are the same way. There are at least 3 different "brightness levels" of the halogen bulbs. If you have ever been driving down the road and seen the yellow tinted bulbs they are the lower grade of halogen bulbs. The next step up is "White" which is a much brighter and crisper light and great for night driving. The highest grade of bulbs is "Bright White" which in my opinion is as close to having an LED as you can get without changing wiring.
Personally I have love/hate relationship with headlights :) I love having great visibility at night but I am not a fan of being blinded by others in the same position :)
So when it comes to headlights now you have been "enlightened" to making the best choice for your driving habits and your vehicle.
Want to know more about visibility? Make sure to join me inside of Glitter And Gears Garage where there is a whole video series on visibility that includes headlights.
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