Bright reliable headlights make driving at night and in inclement weather safer and easier. Dim older headlights can be replaced to upgraded newer headlights. Whether you choose to upgrade to a higher wattage bulb or switch to xenon gas headlights, understanding the technology behind your upgraded headlights will make the process easier.
Higher Wattage Headlights
Higher wattage headlights are much brighter than standard headlight bulbs. A standard halogen headlight is usually rated between 50 and 55 watts, while high wattage headlights have wattage above 100 watts. The increased wattage means these headlights are substantially brighter, use more electricity and get much hotter than standard headlight bulbs. The additional strain put on your vehicle’s circuitry, be sure to carefully check the electrical systems of any vehicle you plan on installing higher wattage headlights to. Headlights capable of producing that much light are not legal for use on the road but can be useful on recreational vehicles such as off-road and all-terrain 4-wheelers.
Xenon Gas Headlights
The newest headlight technology utilizes xenon gas and improved inner bulb mechanics to produce a clearer, wider and brighter light. Unlike higher wattage halogen bulbs, bright xenon gas headlights are legal to use on roadways because the light they emit does not interfere with the vision of other drivers.
Xenon gas headlights are available in clear, slightly blue tinted and completely blue tinted bulbs. Blue tinted xenon gas headlights make white markings on streets easier to see and provide a more stylized light. The tinted xenon headlights are somewhat dimmer than the clear option, however. To receive the benefits of the blue tinted xenon headlights without losing too much of the brightness, the lightly blue tinted bulbs would be the best option.
Installing Upgraded Headlights
Upgrading a car’s headlights is usually a simple process, comparable to changing a household light bulb. Remove the outer headlight casing in order to access your old headlight bulbs. Unscrew the existing headlight bulb and replace it with the upgraded headlight. This should be easy to accomplish, as long as the wiring for the headlights is in good shape. Some cars will have limited space in the headlights due to filters and other items that are stored nearby.
Upgraded headlights are easy to install and come in a variety of options. Upgrading your car’s headlights to a brighter quality bulb makes it safer to drive in the dark and other low visibility conditions.
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