If you’ve come across this article, you probably feel like you have headlights that are underperforming or are just curious about it. Either way, you don’t ever want to be in a situation where you have inadequate headlight performance. Without fully functioning headlights your car is essentially a hazard to not just yourself, but other motorists and pedestrians around you. 

What makes this problem even worse is that one might even be aware of underperforming headlights until it’s too late. The reason a lot of car owners are unaware of decreasing headlight performance is mainly that it happens gradually. This guide will be mainly based on headlight bulbs and how they wear out over time, but we’ll also touch upon how older headlight assemblies can get affected over time as well.

Types of Headlights

Let’s begin by taking a look at the three most common types of headlights found in cars. It’s important to know this because the performance can vary significantly from type to type. Keep in mind, the lifespan we’ve listed below is for high-quality, durable headlights. This will also help you make a decision when you are in the market for new headlights.

Halogen Headlights

Halogen headlights have been the go-to option for a long time. Manufacturers have only recently started opting for alternatives for widespread use. That said, the majority of cars on the road today still use halogen headlights. The usage of halogen headlights is so common that they can be found at any automotive store in the world. Another benefit of halogen headlights is that they are quite inexpensive.

Halogen headlights produce light by sending an electric current through a tungsten filament placed within the glass that features halogen gas. Due to its design, it emits a yellow beam. However, some companies will coat the glass in a blue material so that it can produce a white beam. The negatives of halogen headlights are that they are quite inefficient and cannot throw light as far as some modern alternatives.

Halogen bulbs also have the shortest lifespan which means one will require new headlights quite often.

Average Lifespan – 500-1,000 hours

HID Headlights

HID or High-Intensity Discharge headlights are newer than halogen headlights but have been around for around three decades. HID headlights are quite different in composition as they don’t make use of a filament. They produce light by generating a high-voltage area between two electrodes. There is a similarity where it makes use of gas as well. Instead of halogen, it uses xenon gas. Hence, why these headlights are colloquially known as “xenons.”

While HID headlights take longer to reach full brightness, they emit a much stronger beam than halogen bulbs. High-quality HID headlights can emit two times as much light as conventional halogen bulbs. HID headlights usually have a blue-ish white beam. 

Average Lifespan – 2,000-5,000 hours

LED Headlights

LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes are the latest and slowly becoming the most popular option for new headlights. LED headlights function by passing electricity through light-emitting diodes. The simplicity of LEDs is what makes them appealing. They also don’t need to warm or emit heat while they are working. New headlights on modern cars feature setups that consist of multiple LEDs.

Another benefit of LED headlights is that high-quality ones can be quite powerful when it comes to their output. Some new headlights that feature LEDs can be twice as powerful as HIDs and three times as strong as halogens. They also have an incredibly long lifespan.

Average Lifespan – 15,000-20,000 hours

Signs That You Need New Headlights

While the most ideal way to make sure you have fully functioning headlights is to keep track of the rough period they have been in use, that can be quite difficult to do. The next best thing is to look for signs that indicate you need new headlights.

Dim Beam

As mentioned earlier, it can be hard to notice a reduction in headlight performance as it can occur gradually over time. However, if your headlights haven’t been changed for quite some time and are feeling like the headlight performance is inadequate, it most likely is. 

If you are in this situation, it is recommended to get new headlights. Don’t delay it as you are compromising your safety. If the performance continues to remain questionable, it’s a good idea to get the wiring and battery inspected.

Flickering Headlights

Another common sign that indicates you require new headlights is flickering. When a headlight flickers, it suggests that the bulb’s filament is on its way out. The fact that it’s flickering means that there is already something wrong with it. 

While it wouldn’t be wrong to order new headlights at this point, you could give the connection a once over to make sure it isn’t being caused by a loose connection. Don’t delay it as you might end up with no headlight functionality when you need it the most.

High/Low Beam Trouble

There are times when a headlight bulb will suffer from an issue with just one of its filaments. When this occurs, you could lose either the low or high beam depending on the filament that is affected. 

No repair can fix this, and it’s certainly not a wiring issue as you have one of the beams working as it should. If you are suffering from this, it’s time to order new headlights. We recommend getting high-quality ones from brands like Hella to ensure you aren’t in a similar situation again. However, if the issue is isolated to the high beam, it would be a good idea to give the dedicated fuse a once-over.

Fuse Issues

Speaking of fuses, if your car keeps blowing them, it’s likely because of problematic headlights. While it’s most likely an issue with the wiring. You could need new headlights if the ones present in the car aren’t the correct ones. Headlights use fuses and relays to make sure they are only using the required current. The only way to fix this issue would be to get new headlights of the recommended rating.

Single Headlight Failure

Single headlight failure is pretty much the clearest sign that you need new headlights. No matter the type of headlight, the odds of both failing together are almost impossible. One headlight will fail earlier than the other, but that doesn’t mean the other one still has a lot of life left in it. When this happens, one must get new headlights on both sides.

Getting both new headlights has many benefits. Firstly, it will keep you from being in a situation where the other will fail you all of a sudden. It’s also easier to replace both headlights at once while you are at it. Getting two new headlights will help you keep track of the lifespan. And most importantly, two new headlights will deliver equal performance and an even spread of light.

What About the Headlight Assembly?

As we said at the beginning, you may be suffering from headlight problems due to the assembly. Older vehicles or ones that have a lot of miles on them have headlights that have taken on the elements. From dirt and debris to harsh sunlight, headlight lenses take quite a beating.

As a result, the lenses of the headlight assembly can fade or become cloudy. When this occurs, it affects the ability of the beam to shine through. This can have similar implications as a headlight bulb that has become weak. Sometimes, headlight lenses can be temporarily fixed with the help of polishing products, but there are instances in which you would be better off with new headlights altogether.

Newparts Is the Way to Go!

At this point, you are probably considering getting new headlights and that’s a good decision! Why not make another smart choice by buying them from the Newparts.com shop. The convenient vehicle selector tool will guide you to the specific bulbs you need, and we are sure you’ll be happy with our competitive pricing. What’s more, is that we deal with the best brands in the business which means quality is assured. Make sure you don’t face frightening headlight trouble by ordering a set today!