You will find that replacing your halogen bulbs with a set of the best LED headlights will make you a safer driver and save you money.
LED headlights are known for their brighter illumination when compared to halogen headlamps, as well as their markedly better-operating efficiency and lifespan. They grant you better road visibility and superior cost-efficiency.
Use this review catalog and buying guide to find the best LED headlight bulbs for your car. Don’t have time to read through the entire article? Here’s a quick rundown of our top picks.
Image | Title | Offer Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
TopTop Top Top Top | Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs All-in-One Conversion Kit - H11 (H8, H9) -10000Lm 6000K Cool White CREE | PrimeEligible | CHECK PRICES | |
Top Top Top Top | BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb, 50W 6500K 8000Lumens Extremely Brigh H8 H9 CSP Chips Conversion Kit | PrimeEligible | CHECK PRICES | |
Top Top Top Top | HIKARI Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit -H11(H8,H9), Prime LED 12000lm 6K Cool White | PrimeEligible | CHECK PRICES | |
Top Top Top Top | Glowteck LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit - H13 (9008) Cree XHP50 Chip 12000 Lumens/Pair 68 Watt 6500 Kelvin | Prime | CHECK PRICES | |
HIKARI Ultra H11/H8/H9 LED Bulbs Conversion Kit, Prime Zes LED, Halogen Replacement 6K Cool White Foglight | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
IN THIS GUIDE
Best LED Headlights Reviews
We used three overarching criteria to determine the quality and ranking of each LED headlight:
- Performance: You want your LED headlights to be powerful, illuminating, and far-reaching, but not blinding to you or upcoming traffic.
- Lifespan: LED headlights have incredibly longer lifespans than halogen bulbs. The more durable and longer-lived the unit, the higher it scored.
- Convenience: LED headlight bulbs should be compatible with as many vehicles as possible and easy to install and get working without issue. A good warranty is a bonus.
These criteria and other considerations are discussed in more detail in the buying guide below.
1. Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs All-in-One Conversion Kit
- HIGH POWER: 60W per pair, 10000 lumens @ Cool White 6000K. 200% brighter than your stock Halogen headlights.
- EXTENDED LIFESPAN: Last more than 50,000 hours (~ 6 years), plus a 3-year warranty and lifetime support.
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The Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs All-in-One Conversion Kit delivers the best balance between performance, longevity, and price, and that is why it is our number one pick.
Performance
Cougar Motor’s LED headlights put out an impressive 10000 lumens of light per pair, making them well over 200 percent brighter than your everyday halogen headlights.
Using a Cree LED chip, each bulb is rated at 30 watts, operates at a cool white 3,000K temperature (6,000K per pair), and projects a highly luminous beam pattern that’s free of dark spots or fogginess.
Lifespan
With a lifespan of over 50,000 hours, they are among the longest-lasting LED headlights on the market. An aluminum housing with a 10,000 RPM TurboCool fan helps ensure that they don’t overheat, while P67 waterproofing protects against the elements.
As if that’s not enough, you get a three-year warranty and lifetime support with each bulb! How is that for peace of mind?
Convenience
The Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs have a plug-and-play design that allows them to be installed in 20 minutes or less. They also come CanBUS-Ready, making them compatible with the computer systems of most vehicles.
One downside is that they are bigger than stock halogen bulbs and have large heatsinks, so adjustments may be needed to achieve a proper fit in some vehicles. Also, their cooling fans are audible when the engine is off.
Things We Like
- Exceptional light output
- Compatible with most vehicles
- Very long, 50,000-hour lifespan
- Easy installation
- 3-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- May require minor adjustments
- Noisy cooling fans
Bottom Line
The Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are not the brightest option out there, but they offer an excellent combination of everything you could ever want in an LED headlight. CHECK LATEST PRICE
2. Beamtech H11 LED Headlight Bulb
- LIGHT OUTPUT: Produces 8000 lumens per pair. 6500K xenon white.
- LIFESPAN: Over 30,000hrs (~ 3 years) of continuous light. Get a replacement if there are any quality problems.
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If you’re looking for a less expensive option than Cougar Motor’s LED headlights but with little compromises, look no further than the Beamtech H11 LED Headlight Bulb.
Performance
Equipped with CSP LED chips, Beamtech’s bulbs deliver 8000 lumens per pair with a 6500K color temperature, making them brighter and whiter light than Cougar Motor’s entry. The fact that they don’t utilize a fan for cooling also makes them quieter.
The bulbs emit a narrow strip of clean, evenly distributed light, as opposed to a circular pattern), with no blinding cut-off point.
Lifespan
Longevity is an area where the Beamtechs fall short of our number one pick. In exchange for the higher light output, you get a shorter but still respectable lifespan of around 30,000 hours.
That aside, the units are well-constructed, featuring IP65 waterproof drivers and connectors and passive cooling in the form of an aluminum body that aids heat dissipation.
Convenience
With a plug-and-play design, these LED replacement headlights shouldn’t be difficult to install. However, certain vehicles may require a separate anti-flicker adapter or decoder to prevent the lights from flickering.
Things We Like
- Great light output
- Straight beam pattern
- No blinding cutoff line
- Completely silent
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter lifespan than the competition
- May require decoder / anti-flicker device
Bottom Line
The Beamtech H11 LED Headlight Bulbs deliver a light show that surpasses many premium options but at a more affordable price. CHECK LATEST PRICE
3. SNGL Super Bright LED Headlight Bulbs
The SNGL Super Bright LED Headlight Bulbs offer a level of performance, durability, and convenience that easily makes it one of the three best LED headlights on the market.
Performance
Usable in both projectors and reflector headlights, these versatile, 55-watt bulbs utilize LUMILEDS LMZ7 LEDs to emit an outstanding 12,400 lumens of light at a very bright and white 6,000K temperature! Not only is the light penetrating, but it also doesn’t blind oncoming traffic.
Adjustable beam technology allows the light output pattern to be adjusted for the greatest effect, while an LED stem with the same length as the OEM bulb helps improve overall beam output.
Lifespan
The SNGL Super Bright LED Headlight Bulbs have a very solid and sturdy construction and use fans for cooling. In addition to offering over 50,000 hours of brilliant continuous light, they come with a two-year warranty and lifetime support.
Unfortunately, you can hear the cooling fan when you’re idling and the engine isn’t running.
Convenience
These lights are very easy to install. However, the fan is fairly bulky and may cause issues during installation. Moreover, you might experience some intermittent flickering shortly after installation.
Things We Like
- Exceptional light output
- Adjustable beam pattern
- Very long, 50,000-hour lifespan
- Easy to install
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky fan may cause installation issues
- Possible flickering after installation
Bottom Line
Offering high caliber performance and longevity, the SNGL Super Bright LED Headlight Bulbs will help keep you safe for years to come. CHECK LATEST PRICE
4. Hikari Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit
- STRONGEST LIGHT OUTPUT: 12000lm per pair. Over 270% BRIGHTER THAN STOCK Halogen bulbs.
- EXTENDED LIFESPAN: Over 50,000 hours (~ 6 years) of continuous bright light, plus a two-year warranty.
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The Hikari Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit offers exceptional light output and build quality, explaining why it’s one of the most expensive options on our list.
Performance
Despite measuring just 0.8mm wide, these super slim LEDs put out an incredible 12,000 lumen per pair and provide Illumination up to 150 meters. This makes them the strongest LED bulbs on our list.
They have a near-perfect beam pattern that improves road safety, with an ultra-thin heat sink improving light utilization by making the beam more focused and addressing the issue of astigmatism so that oncoming drivers aren’t blinded by the immense light output.
Lifespan
A durable design provides nearly 50,000 hours of continuous, flicker-free light. Plus, Hikari offers a two-year warranty, which although less than Cougar Motor’s three-year warranty, is more than what many competitors offer.
Convenience
Like most other LED bulbs, each bulb is plug-and-play, meaning you won’t break a sweat installing them. They are also available in various sizes, making them suitable for various vehicle models.
Things We Like
- Exceptional light output
- Available in various sizes
- Very long, 50,000-hour lifespan
- Easy to install
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
Bottom Line
For a little bit more money than the other models, the Hikari Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit will give you unprecedented bright light and longevity. CHECK LATEST PRICE
5. Glowteck LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit
- LIGHT OUTPUT: 12000 Lumens a pair, 6,500K of crystal clear white light. Adjustable beam light.
- LONG LIFESPAN: 40000 hours of shine thanks to extremely durable design.
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The Glowteck LED headlight conversion kit is a great all-around option that performs above average in every area.
Performance
SC5 technology with Cree XHP50 chips allows the Glowtech LED headlight bulbs to project 12,000 lumens and 6,500K of crystal clear white light, easily making them one of the brightest LED replacement headlights you can buy.
They provide dependable lumen density and color consistency, with a beam pattern that’s adjustable, anti-glaring, and free of dark spots.
Lifespan
These LED headlight bulbs use AirFLUX dual cooling, aviation aluminum coating, a copper core, and thermal heatsink, and a dual Japanese ball bearing cooling fan to achieve maximum heat dissipation, allowing them to deliver 40,000 hours of continuous shine.
One downside is that the cooling fans are a little loud.
Convenience
Installing Glowteck’s LED headlight bulbs is as easy as changing a light bulb, taking less than 20 minutes to complete the entire process. You also get a modest 2-year warranty for some peace of mind.
Things We Like
- Exceptional light output
- Durable construction
- Long, 40,000-hour lifespan
- Easy to install
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy cooling fans
Bottom Line
The Glowteck LED headlight conversion kit is a very high-quality product with a very reasonable price. CHECK LATEST PRICE
6. AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulb
- LIGHT OUTPUT: 9000 lumens, 6500K of extremely bright light per pair. Adjustable beam pattern, no noise.
- LIFESPAN: 30,000 hours (~ 3 years) of continuous light.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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As one of the best LED headlights on the market, the AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulb puts on a great light show quietly and efficiently, with an excellent convenient factor to boot.
Performance
With 4500 lumens per bulb (9000 lumens total) and a 6500K color temperature, these 40 watts LED headlight bulbs are extremely bright and operate quietly thanks to their fanless design.
Their excellent light beam pattern is adjustable and doesn’t cause glare or blind oncoming traffic. However, some users have found the pattern to be a bit irregular at times.
Lifespan
The AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulbs provide 30,000 hours worth of continuous light. The benefit from an aviation-grade aluminum housing that dissipates heat quickly to maintain an optimal operating temperature.
Convenience
These LED bulbs are compatible with 95 percent of vehicles and are easy to fit into the headlight housing. They have an A-side and a B-side to help make sure you always have the correct sides pointed in the right direction.
Things We Like
- Great light output
- Solid construction
- Highly compatible
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter lifespan than competing bulbs
- Beam pattern a little irregular
Bottom Line
The AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulbs make up for their relatively short lifespan with amazing light output. CHECK LATEST PRICE
7. SEALIGHT 9006/HB4 LED Headlight Bulbs, X1 Series
- LIGHT OUTPUT: 6000 lumens per pair, with a 6000K Xenon white color temperature. Completely silent.
- EXTENDED LIFESPAN: Over 50,000 hours illumination (~ 6 years).
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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These highly-regarded LED headlights from Sealight offer good light output, a very long lifespan, and very easy installation.
Performance
With 3000 lumens per bulb (6000 lumens per pair) and a 6000K Xenon white color temperature, the Sealight 9006/HB4 X1 Series LED headlight bulbs are 150 percent brighter than stock halogen bulbs, allowing you to see much further down the road.
The light has no dark spots or shadow areas and is focused so that other drivers aren’t blinded. Unlike some competing models, they have a fanless design that makes them quiet under operation.
Lifespan
The bulbs have been rigorously tested for durability, boasting an exceptional lifespan of over 50,000 hours. An advanced heat sink is partly to thank for the extended life.
Convenience
A durable plug-and-play design allows them to be installed in less than 20 minutes without having to use any special tools. While we have good faith that these LED headlights will last many years, it’s unfortunate that Sealight only offers a 1-year warranty.
Things We Like
- Good light output and quality
- Completely silent
- Very long, 50,000-hour lifespan
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- 1-year warranty
Bottom Line
Not only will the SEALIGHT 9006/HB4 LED Headlight Bulbs make you feel safer behind the wheel, but they will also last you a very long time. CHECK LATEST PRICE
8. Nineo 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs
- LIGHT OUTPUT: 12000 lumens, 6500k of extremely white light per pair. 5 times brighter than stock halogen.
- LIFESPAN: Shines up to 30,000 hours (~ 3 years).
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The Nineo 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great option for those willing to spend a little extra money for super bright headlights.
Performance
Arguably Nineo’s best LED headlights, these top-rated bulbs use customized CREE chips to produce an incredible 12000 lumens of light at a very bright 6500k temperature, making them five times brighter than stock halogen bulbs.
The light is very white and has a perfect beam pattern with no dark spots or fogginess. A 360-degree, fully adjustable mounting collar allows users to make simple adjustments and alignments to achieve an ideal beam pattern and light output.
Lifespan
With a unique coverless dual ball bearing fan design, aviation-grade aluminum coating, and double folding copper core thermal heatsink ensuring maximum cooling and heat dissipation, Nineo’s LED bulbs can shine up to 30,000 hours continuously.
They are not particularly long-lasting by LED standards, and it’s worth pointing out that some users have found the cooling fans to be a little noisy.
Convenience
Installing these top-rated LED headlight bulbs is a breeze thanks to their plug-and-play design. They fit 95 percent of vehicles and come Can-Bus ready, so expect them to work straight out of the box without much in the way of errors.
Things We Like
- Exceptional light output
- Very bright, non-blinding light
- Solid, durable build
- Compatible with many vehicles
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter lifespan than the competition
- Expensive
- Noisy cooling fans
Bottom Line
At around $50 a pop, the Nineo 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs don’t come cheap. However, their incredible light output and quality craftsmanship make up for that price. CHECK LATEST PRICE
9. OPT7 FluxBeam H13 LED Headlight Kit
The OPT7 FluxBeam H13 LED Headlight Kit provides good all-around performance that will meet the needs of most drivers.
Performance
Using top-bin, high-intensity Cree LEDs, they are the only LED bulbs capable of both 5000k and 6000k automotive-specific illumination. A combined output of nearly 8,000 lumens also makes them very luminous.
The powerful white light they emit is free of dark spots and effectively illuminates the road ahead to greatly enhance visibility, while their beam pattern is near-perfect.
Lifespan
A cold-pressed extruded aluminum design and a series of fans effectively manage heat to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prolong their life. You can expect at least 30,000 hours of continuous light, plus a two-year warranty to boot.
Convenience
The OPT7 FluxBeam H13 LED Headlight Kit comes with everything you need to install the bulbs by yourself, though a few minor adjustments might be needed to achieve a proper fit. The installation process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Things We Like
- Good light output
- Delivers both 5000k and 6000k illumination
- Easy to install
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter lifespan than many competing bulbs
- Might require adjustments
Bottom Line
The well-designed OPT7 FluxBeam H13 LED Headlight Kit ticks all the right boxes in terms of performance, longevity, and convenience. CHECK LATEST PRICE.
10. Auxbeam 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs, F-16 Series
- LIGHT OUTPUT: 60W per pair, with 6000lm and 6000K super bright color temperature.
- LIFESPAN: Lasts up to 30,000 hours (~ 3 years). IP68 waterproof and dustproof.
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This Auxbeam F-16 Series LED headlight model is a popular mid-range option with a competitive price.
Performance
Packing high-power CREE chips, each bulb delivers an impressive 3,000 lumens (6,000 / pair) and 3000K (6000K / pair) of bright white light that’s evenly distributed onto the road without fogginess and doesn’t blind oncoming traffic.
Even though their light output is the lowest on our list, it’s plenty enough for most driving needs. You can expect this level of performance in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
Lifespan
The Auxbeam F-16 Series LED headlights can last 30,000 hours. Each bulb features aircraft-grade luxury gold aluminum and a built-in turbofan to dissipate heat and stay cool. In fact, their heatsink stays 30 percent cooler than a standard bulb.
They are also IP68 waterproof and dustproof, which is a big plus, especially for those who go off-roading with their vehicle. Although nice to have, Auxbeam’s one-year warranty falls short of the competition, however.
Ease, Convenience
Not only do these LED bulbs have an easy-to-install, plug-and-play design, they are also available in a variety of bulb fitments and come with a built-in control driver to avoid error codes. You’re likely to find an application that fits your vehicle.
Things We Like
- Works well in cold weather
- IP68 waterproof, dustproof
- Highly compatible
- Good price
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter lifespan than many of the competition
- 1-year warranty
Bottom Line
The Auxbeam 9005 F-16 Series LED Headlight Bulbs are by no means the best LED replacement headlights, but they offer good performance for an affordable price. CHECK LATEST PRICE
LED Headlights Buying Guide
Use these well-researched facts and practical tips to determine the best LED headlights for your truck or car.
What Are LED Headlights?
LED stands for light-emitting diode. Unlike halogen bulbs, which have a filament through which electric current passes, LED lights transfer current through a semiconductor to generate light.
Because they don’t use a filament, they never get as hot as halogens. They are also brighter, more energy-efficient, and markedly longer lasting.
Benefits Of LED Headlights
Approximately 90% of the cars on the road today still use halogen headlights, but that’s quickly changing as more drivers make the switch to LEDs. The benefits of LED highlights are undeniable:
Brighter, better visibility. The number one benefit of LED headlights is their superior brightness and nighttime visibility when compared to halogen lamps, which oftentimes emit light beams that look foggy, have a dim yellowish color, or contain dark spots.
Improved safety. By illuminating the road with more width and depth, LED headlights allow you to see over greater distances than halogen bulbs. Driving at night becomes a safer, more pleasant experience.
More energy efficient. LED headlights put out 10 or 20 percent of their energy as heat, making them approximately 80 percent more efficient than halogen bulbs. They place less demand on your car battery, helping it last longer.
Longer Lifespan. The best LED replacement headlights can last more than 5 times longer than halogens, with some lasting more than 50,000 hours. Basically, you will need to replace your LED bulbs five or more times less frequently than you will halogens.
Cheaper over time. While LED headlights cost more on a per-unit basis, the fact that they don’t need to be changed as often as halogen bulbs means you’ll require fewer of them over the life of your car. In other words, you save money in the long run.
Easy to install. Good LED headlights are incredibly easy to install, taking 20 minutes or less to fit on most modern cars, SUVs, and trucks. You normally don’t need any advanced tools or professional help.
Better Aesthetic. Although far less important than better visibility, driving safer, and saving money, having a good-looking car is very important to many drivers. LED headlights can give any car, SUV, or truck a sharper, more high-end luxury car appearance.
Types LED Headlights
Understanding the different types of LED headlights and their advantages and disadvantages is very important for choosing the best ones for your car. Here are the three main types:
Dual Beam
Cars, trucks, and SUVs in most parts of the world are required to have headlights that emit both a high and low beam. Despite what their name might suggest, dual-beam LED headlights achieve this by integrating both beams in just one individual bulb.
You only require one bulb for each headlight assembly; however, their dual-purpose design makes them more expensive on a per-unit basis than single beam bulbs.
Single Beam
A single beam headlight system uses two headlight bulbs, one for the low beam and the other for the high beam. So you will need at least two bulbs for each headlight assembly.
Although each single beam bulb is less expensive on average than a dual-beam bulb, the fact that you require two bulbs per assembly instead of only one greatly negates this cost advantage.
Note: If your vehicle came with a single beam headlight assembly, you can only use single beam replacement bulbs. The same goes for dual-beam headlights. The fact that their wirings don’t match means both types of headlights are not freely interchangeable.
Top LED Headlight Brands
There are many manufacturers of LED lights, but a few prominent companies and brands always come up in any discussion about the best LED replacement headlights.
Auxbeam
Founded in 2008, Auxbeam is a relatively young company that produces numerous parts for cars, trucks, and SUVs, including racks, carriers, and LED lights. One of their most popular products is the Auxbeam LED Headlights Extremely Bright F-16 Series 9006 LED Headlight Bulb.
OPT7
OPT7 started in a small garage in California in 1998, when its founder and CEO sought to build aftermarket lights that were both affordable and effective. The company has since grown to become a leader in automotive lighting & design, with the OPT7 Light Aura PRO Bluetooth Wheel Well LED Kit proving to be a very popular choice among drivers.
JDM ASTAR
JDM ASTAR is a fast-growing brand and online retailer that offers a wide range of LED lighting solutions for all types of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and even lawnmowers. One of their most notable products is the JDM ASTAR G2 8000 Lumens Extremely Bright CSP Chips 9006 All-in-One LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit.
GENSSI
Designed in the United States, GENSSI lights are popular in the BAJA 500/1000 racing circles, due in large part to their extreme durability and longevity. One of the company’s standout products is the GENSSI Elite LED Headlight Bulbs Kit 6000K Super White Conversion.
LASFIT Automotive LED Lighting
LASFIT Automotive LED Lighting was founded in 2015 with the sole goal of becoming a market leader in automotive LED lighting technology. In fact, the company only focuses on automotive LED lighting, with one of their most popular products being the LASFIT 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs 6000K Cool White LED Conversion Kit.
Features Of The Best LED Headlights
Deciding whether or not to upgrade your vehicle’s headlights is an easy enough decision, but determining which one is best for your vehicle can be challenging. There are many factors to consider when buying LED headlights; however, the following seven are the most important.
1. Law, Legality
Laws and regulations governing LED headlights can vary depending on where in the world you are, so make sure they are allowed in your city, state/province, or country.
Generally speaking, though, LED lights with beams that provide visibility between 50 and 100 meters ahead are road-legal in North America, Europe, and many other regions of the world.
1. Lumens, Light Output.
Lumens is the metric used to measure light intensity, so the more lumens a light has, the brighter it is. Headlight bulbs with a low-intensity lumen count of around 6,000 adequately illuminate the road 600-700 meters in a straight line and are usually available in bright or super bright colors.
Medium intensity headlights typically have 8,000 lumens, enough to illuminate anything within 700m in a straight line, while high-intensity lights — those with 10,000 lumens or more — are capable of illuminating the road almost as much as daylight.
2. Lifespan
Whereas halogen lights typically last 6,000 hours, most LED headlights have a lifespan of between 30,000 and 50,000 hours thanks in large part to their assemblies containing a built-in cooling fan or cooling chip that ensures maximum heat dissipation.
Lights with 30,000 working hours last about three years, while the much rarer variants with 50,000 provide at least six years’ worth of continuous light.
4. Compatibility
Not all LED highlights will be compatible with your car’s assembly. For example, you won’t be able to use dual-beam bulbs in a single beam headlight assembly and vice versa unless you replace the entire assembly.
Never buy LED headlights without first checking your owner’s manual to confirm the correct bulb plug type and model for your car.
5. Colors
Kelvin is the metric used to measure white LEDs, while the nanometer (nM) is used for LED colors. The higher the number, the bluer or cooler the color; the lower the number, the warmer the color.
Most LED bulbs emit a bright color with a temperature of between 3,500 and 5,000 Kelvin. Although units with more than 5,000 Kelvin offer wider and further views, they may strain the eyes.
6.Warranty
Many LED headlight manufacturers and brands give their buyers a two-year warranty, while some offer three-year warranties. Obviously, the longer the warranty, the more peace of mind you will have.
Most, if not all, manufacturers also offer free technical support, but always check to make sure that they do.
Taking Care Of Your LED Headlights
Headlights help you see and be seen and are, in fact, the third most important safety feature of your car, just behind the brakes and windshield wipers. Like every other part of your car, they need proper care and maintenance to function effectively.
Signs Your Car Need New LED Headlights
A key part of driving safely is knowing when you need new headlights. Here are some telltale signs that your car’s headlight bulbs need to be replaced.
1. Flickering. Flickering is a common first sign that your headlight bulbs are about to die. This can be due to the bulbs being too old, a bad harness, or a faulty battery connection. Even the best LED headlights will flicker if defective, too old, or improperly installed.
2. Dim lights. Dimming can be caused by your headlight’s clear plastic lens being cloudy or scratched. However, if you notice a sudden drop in the quality of light while you’re driving, and it becomes harder for you to see ahead, it’s time to replace the bulbs.
3. Blown fuse. Headlight bulbs that constantly burn down can be an indication of an electrical problem with your car. Faulty headlight bulbs or bulbs with the wrong wattage can cause fuses to blow, so check the headlight assembly, lighting switch, fuses, and any exposed wires in the harness for damage or improper fitting.
4. Low-beams don’t work. To identify the cause, simply swap a high-beam bulb with a low-beam bulb. If the low-beam bulb works properly after making the swap, the bulb is the culprit; if it doesn’t, you may be dealing with a blown fuse.
How To Install And Replace LED Headlights
Whether you’re switching over from halogen bulbs or replacing a defective headlight unit, installing LED headlights is a straightforward process that can be done by anyone in six simple steps.
Before starting, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to change the headlights in your specific vehicle and ensure that you’ve obtained the right headlight bulbs.
Step 1. Turn off your car, and remove the keys from the ignition. This will help ensure your safety.
Step 2. Lift open your car’s hood and locate the back of your headlight assembly.
Step 3. After locating and accessing the headlight assembly, disconnect the headlight bulb power wires. These wires can usually be found at the base of the light bulb.
Step 4. Unscrew and remove the old light bulb by seeing how it is locked in and carefully unlocking it. Make sure not to break the clips or any other essential components, as you will need to replace the entire assembly, in addition to the bulb.
Step 5. Gently screw in the new bulb without touching its glass surface (oil and dirt on your hands can cause smearing).
Step 6. Once you’ve completed the installation, close the hood and test out your new LED headlights.
Note: If your headlight doesn’t work after replacing the bulb, then you probably have an issue with the fuse and/or wiring. Have those components checked.
How To Maintain Your LED Headlights
One key advantage LED headlights have over halogen bulbs is that they last a very long time — up to six or more years, in fact! Be that as it may, even the most durable led headlights need proper care and maintenance to function effectively throughout their long life.
The following maintenance tips will help ensure the long-term effectiveness of your car’s headlights:
1. Perform routine inspections. It’s important to always have an idea of the health and condition of your LED headlights. Regularly inspect them for malfunctions and other issues, making sure to check for illumination, discoloration, and alignment issues.
2. Clean headlights regularly. Dirty headlights make it more difficult for light to illuminate the path ahead, hindering your visibility. Using a damp microfiber cloth to wipe your car’s headlights every week will help prevent dust, debris, and other substances from undermining your safety.
3. Avoid high temperatures, humidity. The lifespan of LED lights is greatly impacted by the environment. That’s because too much heat or humanity will degrade the electronic components inside.
4. Choose the right LED headlights. Invest in quality LEDs, and you will almost certainly get quality results, both in terms of enhancing your safety on the road and reducing your maintenance costs. When it comes to road safety, it helps to spend the extra money.
5. Replace bulbs in pairs. It’s fairly common for one headlight to go out before the other. When this happens, it’s a good idea to replace both the dead and working bulb at the same time. After all, when one bulb dies, the other is likely to soon follow. Be proactive so that you don’t end up driving around with just one functional bulb.
LED Headlights FAQs And Answers
The answers to the following frequently-asked questions will help address any other inquiries you might have about LED headlights.
Are LED Headlights Brighter Than Halogen Lights?
Contrary to popular belief, LED lights are not necessarily brighter than halogen lights. The brightness of any light fixture depends largely on how much wattage it consumes and how many lumens (brightness) it produces. It just so happens that LEDs produce many more lumens per watt than halogen bulbs do.
Are LED Headlights Legal?
The laws and regulations governing the use of LED headlights can vary between countries, states, and provinces, and even cities. However, LED headlights are generally road legal if the light they emit allows you to see between 50 and 100 meters into the distance, and is bright enough to be seen by others but not so bright as to be blinding.
What’s The Difference Between LED And HID Headlights?
HID bulbs use gas contained within the glass casing to produce light, while LEDs are a solid-state technology. Although HID lights tend to be brighter, they are less energy-efficient and the light they emit can blind other drivers and even reflect back at you in foggy conditions. The best LED headlights typically don’t have these issues.
How Much Power Do LED Headlights Consume?
LED lights are incredibly more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs, with most models using anywhere between 30 and 60 watts. In fact, they use 75 to 85 percent less energy than halogen bulbs to produce the same amount of light.
Do Led Lenses Turn Yellow Over Time?
While LED lenses are unlikely to turn yellow, lower-quality models that use plastic lenses or covers can have an issue with discoloration. It’s not the LED that turns yellow, per se, but rather the plastic becoming discolored due to heat generated from sunlight or the unit’s chip.
Final Thoughts
Once you switch from halogen bulbs to LEDs, you won’t ever want to switch back. That’s because LED headlights are far superior in terms of performance, efficiency, and longevity.
The Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs All-in-One Conversion Kit is our choice for the best LED headlights, no less because they can deliver 50,000 hours of continuous bright, illuminating light that doesn’t blind oncoming drivers. The BEAMTECH 9005 LED Headlight Bulb is also a great, less expensive option.