Car headlights explained: LED, halogen, xenon, laser and future headlight tech We look at the many different types of car headlight and explain how each technology works It should be noted that many jurisdictions do not allow the replacing of halogen light bulbs with LED lamps for safety reasons. Basically, you can forget about replacing your LED bulbs for a long time. However you could replace your halogen bulbs with "high intensity discharge" lights also known as HID's or xenon lights. Each type of headlight bulb comes with pros and cons. Selecting the right LED bulb is the primary thing you need to do. In some cases, you can either the manufacturer or remove the bulb and read about them. If you plan on switching your halogen bulbs to LED bulbs, be aware of the upsides and the downsides. Those are the primary benefits. Increased lifespan: LED bulbs can last a very long time; much longer than halogen bulbs, xenon bulbs or anything else on the market. Some car owners purchase after-market LED lights to replace their halogen bulbs. Therefore you cannot replace the LED’s if one fails like you can with current halogen and HID bulbs. Reduced power draw on your system: This may or may not be a selling point for you, because your car was designed to run well with the draw from the stock headlight bulbs. They are lots brighter than halogen bulbs and produce a much whiter light as well. Recent developments in lighting technology have led to the use of LED's (light emitting diodes) in household bulbs, which are able to consume a fraction of the already efficient halogen bulb. You need to go through the car’s user’s manual properly. It is to be noted that LEDs work with a DC electric supply, as opposed to halogen bulbs, which use AC current. LED headlight bulbs typically have a lifetime of over 20,000 hours - a much longer lifespan than halogen or Xenon HID can achieve. The Pros of LED Headlights Can you see the stark difference in energy efficiency? Each type of headlight bulb comes with pros and cons. We guide you through the most important steps for selecting replacement LED bulbs for most commonly used fittings. Should You Swap Your Headlight Bulbs For LEDs? One of my favourite modifications to a car is also one of the easiest – getting rid of those yellow, dated looking incandescent bulbs and fitting LED replacements. Also, you should notice the base fitting, which may be different from halogen bulbs, but usually, it can be placed in halogen fittings regardless. There’s a number of lights around your typical vehicle which can benefit from being replaced with LED bulbs, and changing them is not as difficult as you might imagine. Halogen light bulbs can be replaced for less than $30 per unit, but it can take 10 times that amount, and sometimes a lot more, if you need new LEDs. Optical performance. The drawback of halogen headlight bulbs is the heat they generate, and as a result, the increased energy consumption. ANSWER: Yes, there are LED bulbs you can use in your fixtures. For example, a 40VA transformer can handle up to 40-watts of electrical equipment, while a 10-60VA one can carry between 10 and 60 watts worth. LED lights offer more brightness than halogen bulbs do, although they’re more expensive as a result. And you will reduce the chances of getting pulled over by the police due to a burned-out tail light or whatever. through the OSRAM Night Breaker Laser with up to 130% more light compared to standard halogen lamps. In other words, halogen bulbs waste more energy as it only provides 10% useful light energy. However you could replace your halogen bulbs with "high intensity discharge" lights also known as HID's or xenon lights. We'd say that's a pretty big win! ... just pop out your halogen bulb and stick the LED unit in its place. A sealed LED headlight is a unit where the LED’s are completely integrated with the headlight unit itself. It’s possible to get away with it if you’re careful, but make sure you’re up to date on local laws. This is also a reason why some people opt for DOT/SAE approved halogen bulbs instead of LED or HID. LED Headlight Bulbs; If you’re after the super-bright and white look, LED or HID headlight bulb is what you need. You can find more information about HID bulbs in our simple car bulb guide (HID). Since the Philips LED upgrades are designed to replace any standard halogen bulb, they make upgrading your car simpler, easier. Some car owners purchase after-market LED lights to replace their halogen bulbs. The LED equivalent to the 50-watt halogen bulb will probably burn only about six or seven watts. Introducing our latest technology of LED upgrade to date: the Philips LED headlight bulbs boasts an outstanding beam performance of up to 250% brighter light*, stylish cool white light and enhanced lifetime. They can be expensive to install but the bulbs last a long time, if something fails it is usually the igniter.