4 Tips for Buying Aftermarket LEDs

If you are frustrated with the dull yellow light of your vehicle’s halogen headlights and need a brighter and more focused beam of light for improved visibility on the road, then it’s time to replace your old-fashioned traditional incandescent halogen headlights with LED headlights. There is a wide range of LEDs available in the market in all price ranges, quality standards and specs, and to find the best LEDs here are 4 expert tips. 

Choose the brightness level carefully

The brightness level is one of the primary reasons for replacing classic incandescent halogen or xenon headlights with LED headlights. LEDs outperform conventional lights, especially in terms of brightness. The brightness of an LED bulb is measured in “lumens,” and the normal range is between 8,000 to 12,000. This is the total rating of both bulbs. Most manufacturers now create bulbs with a total lumen output of less than 3,000. The ideal combined lumen rating for an LED headlight is 12,000 lumens. So, proceed with caution because most vendors advertise LEDs with 6,000 ratings, which is the combined rating. Furthermore, most states have rules governing maximum brightness levels and you need to understand those regulations before making a buying decision. 

 

Take note of the chip type

The life span and energy consumption level of LED headlights depends on the type of  chip used. That’s why the chip type is the second most important aspect to consider while replacing your traditional headlights. Generally, there are three chip types: Surface Mounted Diode (SMD), Chip-on-Board (COB), and Flip Chip (FC). Both the SMD and COB chips have multiple diodes on their chip and can give you different color combinations. But the downside is that the likelihood of diode failure is a possibility. The FC is the latest technology and so far the best one. Unlike SMD and COB, it doesn’t require a heat sink and is more durable, long-lasting, and consumes less energy. Checking the chip type of LED’s before purchasing is crucial. 

Carefully choose bulb type

Like chip types, bulb types vary as well, and each has its pros and cons. Some cars use bulbs that have two separate bulbs per headlight bulb. One is used for low beams, and the other is used for high beams. Similarly, vehicle types have a single bulb per headlight, and it can produce both high and low beams. So, before purchasing the LED headlight, check your vehicle’s manual and identify which bulb you need. 

Check for automatic leveling

The main purpose of LED headlights is to illuminate the road. Imagine a headlight that is directed upward and not illuminating the road at the right position. LED headlights from reputable brands come with an automatic leveling system. It is essential to check for the automatic leveling system of the build before making a decision. 

To summarise, one should exercise caution when choosing aftermarket LED headlights. For a better and safer experience, examine the brightness level, chip kind, bulb type, and automatic leveling system before actually buying.

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