Any driver knows that being able to see clearly at night is essential for safe driving. Unfortunately, factory-installed headlights can often leave something to be desired, casting a dim and yellowish light that makes it difficult to see potential hazards on the road. That's why many drivers choose to upgrade to aftermarket LED headlights.
LED headlights are significantly brighter than traditional halogen bulbs and cast a whiter light that more closely resembles daylight. This can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue, making night driving safer and more comfortable. There are many other benefits of the aftermarket LED headlights.
When shopping for replacement LED headlights, it is essential to note that not all the LED headlights in the market can offer the same level of quality and performance. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for aftermarket LED headlights:
1. Lumens
When it comes to purchasing aftermarket LED lights for your car, it is important to consider the lumen output of the lights. Lumen is the unit of measurement that refers to the amount of light emitted by a given light source. In other words, the higher the lumen output, the brighter the light will be.
When choosing LED lights for your car, you'll want to make sure that you choose a light with a high lumen output to ensure maximum visibility on the road. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that the light is appropriately focused so that the light is cast in a way that won't blind oncoming traffic.
2. Compatibility
You must ensure that the aftermarket LED headlights you select are compatible with your car. Different models of cars will have different headlight mounting points and wire harnesses. Some lights may require special adapters or brackets for installation.
Moreover, the size of the LED headlight bulbs needs to be the same as that of the halogen bulbs that come with your car. As such, it is important to check the compatibility of the aftermarket LED headlights before making a purchase.
3. Operating Temperature
Temperature plays a critical role in the performance of LED headlights. In general, when the bulb operates at a lower temperature, you can expect to enjoy the same brightness output from the car for a long time. On the other hand, the lifespan of an LED bulb will be shorter if it is constantly exposed to elevated temperatures.
To ensure that you get the most out of your aftermarket LED headlights, go for the one that is optimized to operate at a lower temperature. Some of the LEDs arrive with a cooling fan or other cooling methods to extend the product's lifespan. You can consider these for more durable performance.
4. LED Lifespan
LED bulbs last much longer than traditional halogen bulbs. While a halogen bulb may only last for about five hundred hours, an LED bulb can last for up to 50,000 hours. This means that you won't have to replace your headlights as often, and you can enjoy better visibility on the road for a longer period.
While selecting aftermarket LED headlights, check the bulbs' lifespan to ensure that you are getting a product that will last. For the best value, go for a light with at least 30,000 hours of lifespan.
5. Brand
There are many assorted brands of aftermarket LED headlights on the market. When choosing a brand, it is important to consider the company's reputation. You'll want to make sure that you choose a reputable brand that stands behind its products and offers excellent customer service. Our headlight experts prefer working with HEISE LED Lightbulbs, but please do your research or stop by a local mobile electronics retailer and get a demonstration before you make a purchase.
Some of the best brands of aftermarket LED headlights include Philips, SYLVANIA, and Heise. These brands offer high-quality products that are made of quality materials. They might cost you a bit more than the generic brands, but they are worth the investment for decent long-term performance.
6. Warranty
When purchasing aftermarket LED headlights, it is important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Most reputable brands will offer a warranty on their products, which can give you peace of mind in knowing that you're covered in case anything goes wrong with the product.
The warranty length will vary depending on the brand and product cost, but you should be able to find a product with a warranty of at least 1 year. Some companies offer bigger warranty coverage on their products, which is an excellent option if you can find it.
7. Price
Of course, you'll also want to consider the price of the aftermarket LED headlights when making your purchase. You can expect to pay anywhere from $129 to $200 for a quality LED headlight set.
The price will vary depending on the brand, type of light, and other factors. However, you should
be able to find a quality set of LED headlights within your budget if you shop around.
Conclusion
These are the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing aftermarket LED headlights. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find a quality product that meets your needs and budget.
Apart from considering these factors, don't forget to do your research and read reviews before making your purchase. This will help you find a quality product that you can be happy with for years to come. Find a local headlight expert HERE