Comparison of Well-known Brand Led Headlights

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Author : Morsun
Update time : 2022-12-10 10:30:22
LED headlights from TerraLED
LED headlights from TerraLEDIn the early 2000s, LED lights were installed in vehicle models for the first time. Initially, their use was limited to the tail and brake lights, but later the LED technology was also used for the daytime running lights and indicators. Nowadays, all vehicle lighting can consist of LEDs, which also includes the low beam and high beam. Modern LED lighting has almost completely replaced the halogen light that was common in the past. If you look at the various advantages, this development is not surprising. Our automotive custom lighting is much brighter, more efficient and longer lasting than halogen. In the following, we would like to take a detailed look at the advantages and all the information worth knowing about LED headlights.

Chevy Silverado Custom Led Headlights
How long do LED headlights last?
LED headlights are characterized by a particularly long service life. The lights last at least up to 15 years, in many cases even longer. So if you buy a new car and opt for LED lighting, you can ideally benefit from the headlights for the entire life of the car.
Expressed in hours: according to ADAC research, headlights and searchlights have a service life of 3,000 to 10,000 hours, which roughly corresponds to the guideline value of 15 years, depending on how the vehicle is used. Taillights often last even longer.
What are Matrix LED headlights?
Matrix LED headlights are made up of numerous small, individually controllable LED lights. It is a further development of LED lighting for cars. The car manufacturer Audi demonstrated the so-called laser high beam technology for the first time in 2014 using the example of the R18 e-tron Quattro at the 24-hour race in Le Mans.
But what is so special about the Matrix LED headlights? While oncoming drivers are often uncomfortably blinded by conventional LED headlights and halogen lighting, oncoming vehicles can be avoided in a targeted manner by using matrix headlights. This minimizes the risk of accidents considerably. The rest of the area is of course well lit so that you can spot any obstacles at an early stage.
Matrix LED headlights at BMW
In addition to Audi, BMW has now also integrated Matrix LED headlights into its latest vehicle models as standard. You may have heard of the so-called adaptive matrix headlights. This is a twelve-channel LED matrix module that makes dynamic lighting functions possible. Each of the twelve matrix elements can be controlled individually. In this way, a comprehensive illumination of the area is guaranteed. The brightness can be adjusted to the existing conditions. The low beam is still almost glare-free for oncoming drivers. This makes driving in the dark even safer. The latter is the primary goal of all LED and matrix technology. In the BMW 5 Series, the Matrix LED headlight is also supported by a laser light source. We will go into the specifics in this regard in more detail later.
Let's revisit the beginnings of this now-established technology: In 2014, BMW introduced its BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. This production vehicle was the first ever to be fitted with a laser light source by BMW. The laser system from 2014 was able to convince with a range of up to 600 meters. The built-in reflectors were relatively small compared to today's models. In addition, three blue-colored high-performance lasers were installed, which projected their light onto a special phosphor surface. In this way, the blue laser light was converted into white light in an environmentally friendly manner. It was a real revolution at the time.
As already mentioned, the BMW 5 Series has an additional laser light source in addition to its adaptive (adjustable) Matrix LED headlights. This acts as a glare-free high beam. Characteristic of the model are the narrow headlights. Although the narrow shape has no effect on the light quality, it is intended to express the sportiness and dynamism often desired by BMW drivers. The latest version of the BMW 5 Series is equipped with bi-LED modules. While the adaptive LED headlights provide an L-shaped daytime running light, the daytime running lights on the latter model are more U-shaped.
Let's summarize again: The core function of the integrated laser is to expand the illuminable area of the low beam without dazzling other drivers. Even with dimmed segments, the laser technology always remains active. Matrix LED headlights with integrated lasers are currently the most modern lighting variant for motor vehicles.
What are Bi LED headlights?
As the name already suggests, Bi-LED headlights combine low beam and high beam in one module. As a result, the illumination is once again comprehensively improved. The light from Bi-LED headlights appears whitish and is particularly bright. The homogeneous distribution prevents oncoming drivers from being severely dazzled. Bi-LED headlights can be found in the BMW 5 Series, for example.
How far do LED headlights shine?
You should always have the headlight adjustment carried out in a specialist workshop. This also applies to LEDs. In order to set the headlight range correctly, a certified light adjustment station is required. A diagnostic device is also connected to LED headlights. The technical effort to be able to determine the zero position of the headlight range control is significantly higher than with halogen headlights.
The optimal light-dark boundary of your low beam is 50 to 100 meters, which corresponds to at least one to a maximum of two delineators on the motorway. Identical limit values apply to halogen and LED headlights. However, in individual cases, oncoming vehicles may feel more dazzled by LED headlights. This is due to the cold light color of the headlights, which mimics daylight. In addition, the light-dark boundary, also referred to as the light edge in technical jargon, is extremely sharp in some headlight models. Modern LED headlights, on the other hand, have a much softer glare limit and automatic lighting. However, do not blindly rely on the automatic system, instead check manually whether everything is really working as desired.
The general rule is: switch off the dipped headlights in good time as soon as you are approached by other vehicles. High beam is prohibited in built-up areas.
It should also be noted that if you transport loads with your vehicle, you must adjust the headlight range control accordingly. In the case of LED headlights with a luminous flux of over 2000 lumens, this is usually done automatically. In addition, the installation of a headlight cleaning system is mandatory in such cases.
Finally, we come to the topic of brake lights. Not only the low beam can disturb other drivers. The LED brake lights of the vehicle in front are often perceived as unpleasant. However, it is important to know that all LED headlights installed in Germany comply with the specifications of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). However, a fairly large margin is possible. If you want to be sure not to dazzle other drivers, the Matrix LED headlights mentioned above may be a worthwhile option.
How many lumens do LED headlights have?
The unit of measurement lumen (lm for short) describes the strength of the luminous flux. To put it simply: the more lumens, the brighter a lamp shines. When buying a headlight, it is no longer the wattage that matters, but the lumen value.
An LED headlight achieves a luminous flux of up to 3,000 lumens. For comparison: a halogen lamp with 55 W (equivalent to a classic H7 headlight) only achieves 1,200 to 1,500 lumens. The luminous flux of an LED headlight is therefore more than twice as strong.
LED car headlights and auxiliary headlights for motorcycles: what needs to be considered?
The use of LED headlights on motorcycles is generally permitted provided that the legal requirements are met. You should definitely make sure of this in advance. Otherwise you risk losing your operating license. In any case, the luminaire should have a valid test seal. Alternatively, you can also contact your workshop to check compliance with the TÜV regulations and, if necessary, to apply for subsequent approval.
LED headlights for motorcycles are available in different versions. For example, they are available as fog lights in original accessories (e.g. from BMW, Louis or Touratech). The lighting may only be used in combination with the low beam when the weather conditions are appropriate.
Of course you can also purchase full LED headlights for your motorcycle. The best-known providers are J.W. Speaker and AC Schitzer (Light Bomb). The latter LED headlight is particularly easy to install.
So you see: LED headlights for motorcycles do exist, but they are not yet as established as LEDs for cars. This may be due to the fact that motorcyclists are less likely to drive in the dark.
LED care: How long does the LED light last?
LED headlights only have one disadvantage: if they need to be replaced, this is associated with high costs. According to the ADAC, up to 4,800 euros can be due in individual cases. It is therefore important to maintain the LED lighting as best as possible.
Despite their long service life, LED lights are not immune to age-related wear and tear. Over time, the luminosity involuntarily decreases. If the luminous flux falls below 70% of the initial value, the LED headlight is worn out and can no longer be used on the road. However, there are some preventive measures you can take to slow down this process. How quickly the wear progresses depends to a large extent on the cooling and heat dissipation of the semiconductor layer. LED headlights are extremely sensitive to extreme temperatures. High outside temperatures or a hot engine compartment can affect the lights just as much as an air conditioning condenser, frost or moisture. If possible, keep your vehicle in a garage where it is protected from extreme weather conditions.
The formation of condensate is a special topic in LED headlights that is worth exploring in more detail. It is unavoidable that moisture will form in the headlight after a certain period of time. Vehicles that are rarely used are particularly vulnerable. The moisture gradually penetrates all cables and seals. At some point, the formation of condensate can be seen with the naked eye on the cover lens. If the vehicle is now (again) put into operation, the condensate evaporates due to the heat generated by the headlight. This is different with LED lighting, however, as LEDs do not emit nearly as much heat as halogen lamps. For this reason, LED headlights have integrated ventilation mechanisms. Check if the condensation disappears after driving for a while. If this is not the case, the ventilation arrangements may be defective. Find a workshop as soon as possible.
As already mentioned, the light output of an LED lamp gradually decreases as the light output increases. The higher the luminous flux, the greater the amount of heat emitted. Whether an LED lamp only lasts 15 years or longer depends, among other things, on also depends on the construction of the respective vehicle. If the LEDs are not properly installed, they can, of course, wear out prematurely. Even a particularly complex electronic control system has its pitfalls: if it fails, the service life of the LED headlights is significantly reduced.
Can LED headlights be retrofitted?
You may be driving an older vehicle that still has H4 or H7 halogen bulbs. This raises the question of whether it is possible to retrofit LED headlights. In fact, LED headlights are compatible with most older vehicle models, so replacing them is usually not a problem. This finding goes back to an investigation by the ADAC, which dealt with the so-called LED retrofits in 2017. These are replaceable LED headlights specially designed for older cars. These can simply be used instead of the halogen lamp. The problem: The use of LED retrofits, sometimes also known as LED replacement lamps, was banned on European roads until just a few years ago.
However, the legal situation changed in autumn 2020: Since then it has also been possible to use LED retrofits in Germany. However, the installation is subject to certain conditions. The first officially approved lamp was called the Osram Night Breaker H7-LED, which could only be replaced with an H7 halogen lamp if the vehicle was then subjected to a test in accordance with UN ECE Reg. 112. As part of this test, it was necessary to ensure that the road surface was evenly illuminated and that other road users were not dazzled. Since May 2021, drivers who previously had to use H4 halogen lamps can also benefit from LED technology. The Philips Ultinon Pro6000 LED is available as a retrofit kit for both variants.
Conclusion: Why LED headlights?
The use of LED headlights in motor vehicles offers numerous advantages. First and foremost is the optimized light quality. LED headlights produce a much brighter and more even driving light than, for example, xenon or halogen headlights. As a driver, you benefit from a safe and comfortable driving experience. In addition, the bright light effectively prevents microsleep.
Of course, the technological advantages of LED headlights cannot be denied either. At this point, the longevity should be mentioned again. Once correctly installed, you won't have to worry about your vehicle's lighting for at least 15 years.
The environmental aspect should also not go unmentioned: The LED technology is extremely energy-efficient, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption. Lower consumption means direct cost savings. LEDs are therefore worthwhile in two respects.
Finally, the only question that remains is where you can purchase suitable LED headlights. In our online shop you will find a large selection of LED headlights for off-road and municipal vehicles as well as for agricultural and forestry machines. Our led headlights are made from high-quality materials and are characterized by their particular robustness and durability. In addition, they are ideally suited for commercial use. The light color of our headlights is based on daylight and effectively prevents signs of fatigue.
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