LED vs Halogen Headlights For Cars - Which Is Better

While there’s plenty of headlight and tail light upgrade kits on the market, any automotive enthusiast will tell you that LED headlights, along with  rear LED tail lights, are all the rage in the auto industry nowadays. The fact that LED headlights are now more readily available on more affordable vehicles, whereas, in the past, they were generally just available on higher trim models or as an optional extra, means more of us are questioning whether we should consider replacing traditional halogen headlights with LEDs.

In this post, we’ll delve deep into the topic of halogen versus LED lights so you can make an informed decision on which option is best for your car. Whether you are after Ford LED headlights or Holden Commodore LED tail lights, we will provide you with the insights you need before you make that all-important purchase, so read on to learn more.

What Is the Difference Between Halogen & LED Headlights?

First things first, the difference between halogen and LED car lights is essentially how they operate. Halogens lights are incandescent with tungsten filament inside a bulb. When current passes through this filament, it heats up and generates light. They are different from regular incandescent bulbs in that they contain halogen gas, instead of argon gas, which means the light is brighter and they tend to last longer.

LEDs work differently in that electricity passes through a diode or semiconductor to produce brighter light while generating less heat. This means that LEDs are around 90% more energy efficient than traditional incandescent halogen headlights as they generate less head, allowing them to last longer than most other bulbs. Moreover, LEDs don’t burn out suddenly the way halogen bulbs do. Instead, they dim progressively over time, giving you a reasonable indication of when you might need to consider replacing them.

The Pros & Cons of Halogen Headlights & Tail Lights

When you learn the difference between the way halogen and LED lights work, it would be easy to assume that LED lights are the best option. However, things aren’t that simple. For a start, most cars still come with halogen headlights pre-installed, so you need to consider whether it is worth the expense and effort of changing over to aftermarket LED head light and tail lights.

With that said, there is no denying that halogen headlights are highly inefficient when it comes to consuming energy because of the amount of heat they emit. Therefore if you drive a lot, especially at night, investing in LED lighting may be worth it in the long term.

Another downside of halogen headlights is the way they burn out without warning. This can potentially be dangerous if you find yourself driving in a dark or remote area where visibility is poor.

The Pros & Cons of LED Headlights & Tail Lights

The most obvious advantage of LED headlights is that they are simply brighter and more energy efficient than traditional halogen ones. Moreover, LEDs are smaller than halogen bulbs which allows greater design freedom. The downside, however, is that LEDs are more expensive than halogens.

It is also important to remember that the effectiveness of headlights is determined by the distance that they illuminate the road as a vehicle travels straight and on curves. In this respect, the assembly and reflectors also play a role in a headlight’s performance. So, at the end of the day, it isn’t just about the type of headlight you choose but also its design; there are some LED headlights that are better than others, and the same goes for halogens.

Importantly, many have questions around if LED headlights are legal. Ultimately, it comes down to their brightness — you don’t want to be blinding other road users. This is why it can be a trickier decision than it initially appears.

What to Consider When Upgrading Your Car’s Headlights or Tail Lights

It is evident that any auto enthusiast looking to improve their overall experience will benefit from upgrading their vehicle’s lighting from halogen to LED alternatives. Thankfully, these days LED headlights and tail lights are available for most vehicles. From Commodore LED headlights to Holden LED headlights, you should be able to find the right aftermarket headlights for your specific vehicle without too much hassle.

If you’ve decided to upgrade the lighting on your vehicle with LEDs, you should go the whole hog and be sure to upgrade your tail lights along with the headlights As is the case with LED headlights, you’ll find LED aftermarket tail lights available for a broad range of vehicles. From Ford Ranger LED tail lights to Toyota Hilux tail lights, you can now find a whole host of different LED tail lights designed to fit specific models of cars at affordable price points.

Finding the Best LED Headlights for Your Car

Now that we’ve established there are significant benefits that come with upgrading the standard halogen headlights on your vehicle with more energy-efficient LEDs, it’s time to start shopping. While there are certainly an array of different car lighting options available, including Commodore headlights to Holden LED tail lights, sifting through specifications and finding the best deals is easier said than done.

However, help is at hand when you shop at Machter. As one of the most highly trusted and reliable automotive parts suppliers in Australia, you’ll be sure to find the most extensive range of car lighting options in our store, including custom head and tail lights. What’s more, our prices are incredibly competitive. As auto enthusiasts ourselves, we invest significant time researching and developing the best aftermarket solutions for drivers across the country. Plus, we’re always happy to share our industry insights to help you find the perfect lighting solution for your vehicle.

So whether you are looking for VE Commodore headlights or tail lights, Ford Ranger LED headlights or tail lights, or just about anything else for your car, you can trust Machter. Explore our great deals today!