CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT BULB: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
                     CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT BULB: 
 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are a night rider you will know the importance of a functional headlight. We all have been  
through instances where we got stranded at an unknown place, at night, with headlights blacked 
 out and we were helpless. Also, it is not funny when a cop stops you and informs you about your 
 dead headlights. These instances can at times get ugly. So, to stop yourself from a headache,  
keeping a regular check on your headlights is vital.
Here, we'll discuss headlights in detail, including their different varieties and how to choose the  
right one for your automobile.
What information on fundamental headlight health, maintenance, and replacement should every 
 driver and vehicle owner be aware of? First, you'll be in danger on dark roads if your headlights  
entirely fail or simply dim to a reduced beam strength. This is due to the fact that neither you nor 
 others will be able to see them or the road clearly.
Headlight Types
Lights have come a long way, from the tungsten filament bulbs in the 60s which were later  
replaced by the HID bulbs. And now with the advancement in science and technology LED and  
Laser lights are widely used and recommended by automotive experts.
Now without wasting more time, we will delve straight into different types of lights available in  
the automotive segment and discuss them in detail so you could find the right fit for your 
vehicle.
 Halogen Bulbs:
Halogen Lights are mainly comprised of Nitrogen, Argon with a tungsten filament encased 
 in a glass covering. The glass is created to resist exorbitant temperatures. When the 
light  bulb gets the electric current from the car, this heats the tungsten filament creating 
an  illuminating effect. This is the most widely used headlight bulb you will find in the  
automotive world, as per an estimate, halogen is installed in as much as 80% of all cars.  
Since the 60’s it has come into vogue due to the low price and the ease of replacement  
mixed with a relatively good lifecycle.
Furthermore, halogen lights are inefficient and dim in comparison to other alternates. A  
standard Halogen bulb will produce only 1300 Lumen. While this is pretty good but there  
are superior options, if you seek a good light for your car.
 HID (High-Intensity Discharge):
HID or more commonly known as Xenon was first introduced by BMW 7 series. These  
lights gradually increased their presence in the automotive world and almost every  
second car you see would be using an HID light. High-intensity discharge headlights  
contain an amalgamation of gases and some rare metals that on heating generate a bright 
 white (or blue) glow that legislators have stipulated all new cars must glow. The white  
light with a tinge of blue light enhances the aesthetic of your vehicle.
HIDs are almost two to three times throw brighter than the standard halogen bulbs about  
3000 Lumen compared to 1400 produced from Halogen bulbs and as a result, this has  
given a way to complaints about the level of brightness these lamps produce.
This increases the acuity of a driver increasing reaction time to unforeseen obstacles  
making driving safer at night.
 LEDs:
LEDs are the most energy-efficient lights available. LED (short for light-emitting diodes)  
car lights came to the fore in 2004 but have only begun to gain popularity in recent times  
with more and more people looking for better alternatives to the stock Halogen bulbs.
One of the biggest plus points for the LED bulb is that it is by far the most energy-efficient 
 alternative in the market. LED Bulbs usually use 15 to 18 watts of power whereas 
Halogen  bulbs draw 55 to 65 watts and HIDs around 42. You can discern from these facts 
how long  the lights in the automotive world have advanced.
Furthermore, looking at all the benefits, we should not forget that LEDs comparatively  
cost more than traditional Halogen and Xenon Lights. If your pocket allows you can 
always  move forward with LEDs. And even in the aftermarket, there are brands that 
provide  OEM-grade LED lights at an affordable price. One of the largest OEM suppliers in 
India is  UNO MINDA. YOU can rely on them. However, you cannot sideline other 
alternatives that  are as useful and widely installed in various makes and models.
Final Words
Headlights are vital not only for nighttime driving but a working headlight will save you  
tickets as well. To keep yourself and your car safe, we recommend checking all the lights  
not just the headlight, before deciding to go for a trip. And one more tip for you is, always 
 prefer a reliable and authorized aftermarket brand that provides a warranty for their  
products. This will protect you from falling for cheap fake counterfeits.