While vehicles change with times, each component too gets updated. Along with enhancing the looks of the vehicle, these components are also aimed at boosting efficiency. One of these components that have seen transformation over the years is the headlights. They increase the visibility of road at night and thereby improves safety. They are also among the components that do not change frequently. When you compare with other components, headlights have undergone minimum technological advancements.
Today, existing technologies in automotive lighting include halogen, laser, projector, xenon and LED. Each of these categories have their pros and cons. We explain them to you in detail:
Halogen
Halogen headlights are similar to any electric blub that is used at homes. In halogen bulbs, if the filament gets hot and emits light, halogen headlights use halogen gas instead of filaments. The gas gets hot and emits light in halogen headlights. Though halogen headlights are highly efficient when compared to first-generation headlight technology, today the situation is different. The more than five-year-old technology is on the verge of being phased out. The reason behind this purge is the advent of new tech that promises better brightness and power.
Xenon
If the range of halogen headlights is 100 metres, high intensity discharge or HID xenon lights can illuminate up to 250 metres. Xenon headlights can be compared to the tube light that is used at homes; it emits light when xenon gas inside gets hot when electricity passes through it. Xenon headlights emit white light similar to tube lights. They are far more efficient than traditional bulbs and generate more light in relation to the amount of energy used.
Bi-xenon
Bi-xenon headlights belong to the family of HID headlights. The technology used in xenon and bi-xenon headlights are the same. However, when xenon headlights use two bulbs for low-beam and high-beam lights, bi-xenon uses a single bulb. It controls the light emitted to switch between low and high beams. Projector lenses help them control the light. Bi-xenon lights are comparatively cheaper. They are better in intensity and reach when compared to halogen lights.
Projector lens
Projector lenses are not headlights, but a technology used in them. Xenon, laser, LED and other lights use projector lens technology. A projector is a simple lens which is used to focus the light source on to the road. Projector lenses decide where light should concentrate and reduce dispersion.
LED lights
A LED or light emitting diode discharges light from the movement of electrons. They light up instantly, are efficient and last far longer than other light sources. These are the main reasons why most vehicles are using LED lights these days. However, it is yet to become common. Since the intensity of the light is less, they are mostly used in tail lights and daytime running lights. However, latest technology is helping LED lights to overcome the problem of lower light intensity to the point where they are finding application in headlights.
Laser lights
Laser lights are today mostly found in luxury vehicles. Higher costs have confined their use to luxury vehicles. Laser lights are much more powerful and bright. The advantage of laser lights is that they are smaller in size but can illuminate the road much further ahead.
Digital LED lights
Digital LED lights are as expensive as laser lights. They control the headlights depending on the position of oncoming traffic and prevents the car from blinding drivers ahead. The sensors and digital technology in the headlights will help increase or decrease the amount of light as per requirement.
It is better to use the headlights provided by the car maker. Such headlights best suit the size and nature of the vehicles. If you choose to change the headlights, please take into consideration the nature of the area where the vehicle will be used. Besides, conserve energy wherever it is possible.
