Old halogen light bulbs are quickly becoming extinct. This is primarily due to the new and improved LED lights that are becoming more and more common on high-end cars, but also on pickup trucks and SUV’s where additional lights are often needed. In addition to LED lights, high-intensity discharge (HID) lights are also becoming a popular upgrade but are not quite as popular as the LED.
So it begs the question, Halogen, LED, or HID? Which one of these affordable headlight technologies should I go with?
We’ll help by outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each:
LED Lights
Key benefits:
Energy Efficiency and Longer Lifespan
LED lights use on average about 75% less energy than their halogen predecessors. What this means for you is that they have a much longer lifespan in comparison. An LED headlight can last 5x longer than a halogen light.
Brighter Light
Anyone who has ever encountered a LED light in their home or on a vehicle can attest to the intensely bright light LED bulbs emit. Outfitting your truck or SUV with an LED light will give you a crisper, brighter light to illuminate the road ahead.
Drawbacks:
A bit more costly
LED’s are a newer and more advanced technology, so they’re going to cost you a bit more.
Halogen Lights
Key benefits:
More Affordable
Halogen lights on average will save you money when compared to LED lights. A lot of this will ultimately come down to the wattage of halogen light you choose- As higher wattage/higher quality halogens will typically cost more. But their price ranges from $20 – $100 a piece. If you’re not quite as concerned about the brightness of your light or having the most advanced technology, these cost savings could be desirable.
Drawbacks:
Halogen lights can consume a lot of power. They consume far more power than LED lights. If you’re outfitting your 4×4 with a number of higher wattage halogen lights (for example, mounting four 100-watt halogen lights onto your 4×4) you need to take the necessary precautions to ensure you’re not harming your electrical system.
HID Lights
Key benefits:
More Powerful than Halogen
HID lights are 2.5x more powerful than halogen lights. They produce a much brighter, crisper and farther reaching light when compared to a halogen bulb.
Less Power Consumption
When compared to halogen bulbs, HID lights have the added advantage of requiring about 60% less power to run.
Drawbacks:
A Little Slower
HID lights take a little bit of time to light up after being powered on. It only takes a few seconds for them to ignite, but could cause you a little hassle if you’re in a hurry.
Which is Best?
The answer to this question depends on your driving and off-road conditions and requirements. The team at Campway’s can help answer any truck lighting questions you may have and help you select the right mix of lighting for your truck or 4×4. Call, stop in one of our locations or contact us online for more information.
