A car’s lighting system is key to maintaining safety and convenience on the road. It is an integral part of the vehicle − just like the wheels and steering wheel. But, at the same time, there are quite a few types and configurations of lighting equipment.
As things can quickly get confusing with lighting systems, it’s best to arm yourself with information before planning any changes. And this article aims to do exactly that by diving deep into the topic.
In today's car market, many different light bulb types range from the usual halogen to the new laser ones. The type of light bulb also depends on the design of the car’s body. The headlight housing is the part of the optics inside which the light bulb is installed.
The lamp's radiation doesn’t work the same as in lanterns; it shines in all directions, sending light particles to the next segment.
It comes in different shapes, often a relatively regular cone, but there can be many variations depending on the headlight configuration and the car’s front design. Usually, it’s glass or plastic with a slight dusting of aluminum. Its main task is to reflect all the light that hits it and amplify it. Special correctors limit the light area by directing the beam. Regarding light reflection, we can also distinguish three main subtypes: Parabolic reflector, free-form reflector, and lens optics.
This is the outer part of the headlight, also made of glass. The purpose of an automotive diffuser is to protect the headlight from external influences and diffuse and direct its light. Fog lights do not shine straight forward but downward forward. For these reasons, the shape of the diffuser can be different.
Parking lights − These are designed to indicate the vehicle's dimensions, located at the front and rear.
Low beam − These are the main headlights designed to illuminate the road directly in front of the car. They shine brightly, but only for a short distance (about 40-50 meters).
High beam − The headlights that shine at a long distance, 656-984 feet. They provide a comfortable light path even at very high speeds.
Fog lights − Additional headlights for worsened weather conditions (snowstorms, fog, etc.). When used simultaneously with a low beam, fog lights can severely blind other drivers.
Navigation lights − Work during the day for additional car identification. First used in Scandinavian countries and the British Isles, where daytime lighting is sometimes insufficient to ensure safety fully.
Such lights have a simple design and were the first to appear on the market. The main advantage is the price, hence the popularity among car owners.
In this case, the source of light is heavy inert gases. Halogen bulbs can have one or two filaments. The first type is used in separated illumination modes (high and low beam), and the second in combined mode.
Characteristics:
Halogen bulbs can last 450 to 1,700 hours, depending on the manufacturer. In terms of service life, brightness and reliability, they are inferior to other types.
Xenon lights are a modern alternative to regular halogen. Only premium models are fitted with xenon and bi-xenon.
Xenon headlights involve many components, so their installation requires more space in the under-hood area. The system consists of a xenon light bulb; the glow is activated by an electric arc, the ignition unit, diffuser, lens optics, and the control driver.
Xenon lighting systems function because of two lamps – one works in low-beam mode, and the second turns on when the high beam is activated. Bi-xenon technology suggests two modes of illumination in one bulb. Switching is due to a magnetic curtain changing the geometry of the beam.
Xenon and bi-xenon are superior to halogen in all respects except price. The cost of such headlights can be much higher.
Characteristics:
The lighting system requires washers and correctors, or the quality of light will be poor. Plus, you will need special bases to install the headlights.
LED headlights are installed on the latest models of Lexus, Porsche, and Audi. The headlights consist of multi-crystal LEDs and a projection lens, which collects the light beams into a single light beam.
LED bulbs are considered among the best in luminescence quality, but their main drawback is the price. The cost of high-quality LEDs is comparable to or exceeds the price of xenon.
Characteristics:
LEDs are the best in terms of reliability and battery economy, but they are not affordable to many drivers because of the price.
The most expensive option on the list. Laser headlights are equipped with an electronic unit; it analyzes the situation on the road, illuminating only “active” areas. The laser beam is monochromatic and coherent, distinguishing this particular type from others. The developers hope that in the future, such lights will be able to recognize all obstacles on the road.
Characteristics:
Laser headlights require regular maintenance and proper adjustment.
Laser headlights are only a good fit for premium cars. If you want to save money, halogen lights are the best option. Xenon, bi-xenon, and LED headlamps, on the other hand, are the winners regarding the reliability-longevity-quality ratio.
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