Headlights have been in cars since the late 19th century. Back then, either oil or acetylene powered the headlights. It eventually evolved to electric headlights.
Eventually the common headlight systems (Halogen, HID, and LED) took over during the 20th and 21st century. The newest developments in headlight systems give us options of how it would aid us in our driving experience.
Headlights have guided our journeys since then, and there seems no signs of slowing down to further flourish headlight technology. Manufactures continually make improvements for headlights to be safer for use and brighter on the road ahead.
Present day, we have Halogen, HID, and LEDs available with the latter two superior. Most would prefer HID and LED due to its efficiency and longevity. There has also been an upgrade with headlights: laser lights. While laser lights have been rolled out to several cars, the above three headlight systems are currently available and more affordable to the public.
Among the many advancements in headlight systems is the ability to change headlight color temperature. It is often seen in customized cars, and for several headlight upgrades.
In most HID and LED headlight systems, the color ranges are 3000k (orange/yellow), 4300k (yellow), 6000k (white), 8000k (blue tint), and 10000k (blue). Lower color temperatures are usually used for fog lights, as it is required to have a yellow or amber color.
While most of these headlight temperatures are in use by some drivers, it should be noted that some of these could be brighter. To determine the brightness, you will need also to know the Lumen outputs of the headlights.
On average, halogens have around 1000 to 1400 Lumens. HID has, on average, 3000 to 3500 Lumens. Finally, LEDs have around 2500 to 3200 Lumens worth of light.
The higher the lumen outputs are, the brighter they are.
In considering which headlights to purchase, you could take a look of the lumen outputs of the headlights then adjust accordingly with the color temperature. Most sellers would have color temperatures ready.
In buying new headlight bulbs, make sure to remember what kind of bulb is required for your car. Most e-commerce stores or automotive shops have a guide ready, so provide the year, make, and model of your car. You’re all set once you know the kind of bulbs perfect for your car.
Always take in consideration different color temperatures and lumen outputs for your cars. Most drivers complain mostly about the brightness of the headlights. However, choose the headlights you prefer, and would help you on your drive.
