When it comes to spotlights for cars, what do you know? If it’s not much, then you’ve come to the right place! We are going to ensure that you become familiar with everything having to do with LED spotlights for vehicles.
Specifically, you will receive important information on various benefits offered to switch to LED lights, as well as different manufacturers to choose from. Interestingly enough, many people are making the decision to switch to LED lights, which you will fully understand once you’ve reached the end of this blog article.
Before we inform you of everything you need to know about LED lights, we think it’s important to discuss what an LED light is. Though it’s likely you’ve heard of LED lights (and not just for cars), it’s necessary for you to learn just how beneficial and cost-effective these lights really are.
What is an LED Light?
LED, or a light emitting diode, is a semiconductor diode that projects light forward in a form of electroluminescence when electricity is applied to it. Throughout the past several decades, LED lights have widely grown in popularity. It’s now even common to see LED lights on trucks, cars, in the workplace, and even in many household electronics. Though, this article will detail LED spotlights for cars.
LED lights are extremely efficient. Particularly, LED lights have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, while a tradition, halogen bulb has a lifespan of just 5,000 hours. Traditional incandescent bulbs operate at about 20 percent efficiency, while 80 percent of their electricity is used to produce heat. LEDs generally operate at 80 percent efficiency, ultimately producing a lot of light with just a small amount of electricity.
And that’s just the beginning! There are so many different benefits of LED spotlights. Get ready to be impressed!
The Benefits of LED Spotlights for Cars
Besides their amazing efficiency, LED lights are generally rather simple to install. If you are mechanical and good with cars, you will find this procedure even easier. There are plenty of helpful guides, videos, and resources online to help with the process. Better yet, you don’t need to be a mechanic to install LED spotlights in your car. There is also a possibility that with only 30-60 minutes of your time, you can fit headlights with a few tools and save on outside labor costs.
However, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a mechanic will be able to fit these at a low cost. Depending on where you live, you can call around and get the best quote for an installation cost.
Halogen bulbs need to be replaced frequently and only run around 5,000 hours (as mentioned above), whereas LED headlights are able to last for many more hours, even years. Therefore, these lights are much easier to maintain than other lights. By making the switch to LEDs now, you are investing in the future of your headlights, and saving on maintenance and other parts. In the long run, LED lights will actually save you money.
In connection to the fact that LED lights are very easy to maintain, there is also rarely a need to replace the lights. Simply put, they last for quite some time. Not having to replace your headlights or bulbs saves you the effort of switching them out regularly. As a result, you save time and any hassle involved in the replacement process.
LED lights are considered to be much safer than traditional lights. LEDs produce a strong and illuminating white light, which results in safer and clearer driving conditions while making it easier to see in poor visibility conditions, such as fog. This also allows drivers to have a better reaction time to fluctuating and changing conditions ahead; therefore allowing them to stay safe on the road. If you think about it, these lights keep everyone on the road much safer.
When it comes to choosing an LED light manufacturer, there are many options to choose from. As with any product, some manufacturers are better equipped with certain features. Therefore, it is important to fully understand what you’re looking for in an LED light. The best advice we can offer you is to do your research.
While LED lights have many advantages, there are a few downsides to consider. Originally, LEDs were only available for luxury vehicles. LEDs also require a cooling component to keep the diode from melting due to the heat produced by the emitter. This happens because the electrical base on the LED products light and get hot, rather than the bulb. The cooling component adds to the manufacturing cost.
Though, throughout the years, LED headlights have come down in price, meaning they are now more affordable for all drivers. Given the many advantages of LED bulbs, these downsides are easily outweighed by all the benefits LEDs offer compared with halogen and high-intensity headlights.
That is possibly one of the main takeaways from this article: the pros outweigh the cons.
LED Spotlights for Vehicles—Features
As mentioned above, there are a variety of features you will need to consider when purchasing an LED spotlight for vehicles. The most popular features often include the following:
- Size
- Shape
- Beam Pattern
- LED Color
- Safety
Size
The size of the LED light you choose for your vehicle will be determined by the type of car you buy. Specifically, how large is your car or truck? You will want a light that is proportionate and appropriate for your particular automobile, especially if appearance is an important factor for you. It goes without saying that larger lights will produce more light. Larger lights will also cost you more money.
Shape
When it comes to picking the shape of the LED light for your vehicle, there are only two choices: a curved LED light or a straight LED light. Due to the fact that both lights are similar to their functions, this choice will come down to personal preference more than your type of car or how much money you’re willing to spend. This is why it’s best to actually see the light in person or at the store.
Beam Pattern
Generally speaking, there are three different types of beam patterns to choose from:
- Spot
- Flood
- Combination
A spot beam pattern is much narrower, meaning that its light beam can reach a longer distance. This is a great option for on-road driving. Flood beams offer a wider light, making them the better beam choice for off-road driving. You can also consider a combination beam pattern. A combination beam pattern is equipped with both flood and spot LEDs. This latter option is the most ideal because it has both advantages of a spot and flood light.
Color
LED lights come in different colors. For example, a white light will produce the brightest light and is most popular for all driving situations. Yet, the amber light is best for fog and low visibility conditions. Other colors such as blue, red, and green are known as “attention-getters” and are often used by medical or emergency vehicles. Though, it’s safe to say you won’t be choosing any of these latter lights for your personal vehicle.
One aspect that could and should affect the color of light you choose to purchase is where you live. As mentioned, amber lights are great for fog and unclear weather. Therefore, if your home state is generally foggy, you may want to choose a light that holds up better in the fog or bad weather.
Safety
One of the most important features to think about, yet one that is commonly overlooked, is how safe the LED light is for you and others on the road. Whatever LED light you choose for your vehicle, you need to ensure you’re staying safe on the road. You also need to think about other drivers on the road, too. Depending on your location, some LED lights are not legal. Therefore, understand the law before you make a purchase.
To learn more about these laws, you can visit your Department of Motor Vehicles to understand what you can and cannot do with an LED light. These laws are in place to help ensure everyone is safe on the road.
We can’t say it enough, though: Safety is a huge issue that should always be a top priority when on the road. Not just your safety, either, but the safety of all drivers. The last thing you want to do is actively do something (purchase and install and unsafe LED light) that has the potential to cause an accident. Therefore, make sure you’re ready and knowledgeable with your choice.
LED Lights for Everyone
Regardless of your specific wants or need, you can always find LED spotlights for your vehicle. Yet, before you start shopping or make a purchase, do some research to find exactly what you’re interested in. Everyone has a different preference and depending on the vehicle you drive, you may want something specific. Remember to purchase what you want, what fills your needs. Find what’s best for your vehicle.
You will discover that switching to LED spotlights isn’t only smart, but that it’s also easy. From finding the perfect lights to installing them, this can be a fun, quick process. Better yet, it’s affordable too. In the long run, you will actually save money with LED spotlights. Are you ready to make the switch today?
Sources:
https://www.ledequipped.com/flood-spot-lights/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a10124/how-to-install-your-own-driving-lights-16543999/
https://betterautomotivelighting.com/2017/05/03/15-brands-led-headlight-bulb-shoot-ones-best/