An easy guide to car headlights

• Halogen headlights: Affordable, easy to replace, with a lifespan up to 1000 hours. Less bright and less heat efficient compared to newer technologies.
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights: Brighter than halogen, more efficient, with a lifespan of 2,000+ hours. Costlier and require correct installation for MOT compliance.
• Xenon headlights: A subtype of HID, producing a blue light, robust, efficient, and lasting up to 2500 hours. Must be factory-fitted to meet regulations.
• LED (Light-Emitting Diode) headlights: Highly efficient, eco-friendly, with a remarkable lifespan of around 50,000 hours. More expensive and suitable for specific vehicle types.

During an MOT, your car will be scored on the position, visibility and condition of the car headlights. That’s why it’s important that you ensure your vehicle is meeting headlight standards, helping you to stay safe and visible on the roads. 

There are a number of different car headlights available to motorists. Let’s guide you through these choices and their considerations. 

4 Types of Car Headlights

Halogen

Halogen headlights are the most commonly used around the globe, thanks to their affordability and ease of replacement. They also have a decent lifespan of up to 1000 hours. These bulbs work by emitting light when electricity reaches the tungsten filament in the bulb, with the halogen gas protecting the filament and glass. 

However, they are not as bright as some of the newer bulb technologies that are reaching the market, nor are they as good at focussing on the road. Their heat efficiency is also pretty low, meaning a lot of the heat output simply goes to waste. Halogen, while enjoying a decent lifespan, cannot compete with the lifespan of some newer technologies. 

HID

HID stands for High-Intensity Discharge, one of the newer models that are taking on the long-established halogen. However, they are only permitted to be fitted on cars that originally came with HID lights, as these vehicles have met appropriate regulations. 

With a combination of metals and gases working together to produce a bright light, HID bulbs surpass halogen’s light output by twice or even three times as much. This enhances driver safety and visibility of upcoming obstacles, and they are also more efficient than halogen bulbs. Due to a lack of filament in their construction, they are also more robust than halogen options. 

A big downside is the cost, which is a lot more than halogen bulbs, though you will get a slightly longer lifespan of around 2,000 hours and upwards for your money. You’ll also have to wait a little longer for them to start up, which can be an annoyance when driving at night. Another thing to be wary of is that when HIDs have not been properly installed, this can result in MOT failure, so it is highly recommended to get a professional to install them. 

Xenon

Named after the gas they contain, xenon headlights use this gas to produce an instantly recognisable blue light. Xenon lights are also a subtype of HID lights, meaning they come with all the same benefits of robustness, high light output, and excellent efficiency, and they also last up to 2500 hours. 

But like all HID light bulbs, they are only permitted on vehicles that were factory fitted with HID light bulbs and must adhere to UN regulations. As above, ensure they are properly installed for the best results and MOT approval. 

LED

LED is an acronym for Light-Emitting Diode, and although it’s not a new technology, it’s taken a few years to gain traction. LED bulbs are highly efficient, requiring less than a third of power to run when compared to halogen bulbs. And when you consider the fact that they are also free of harmful mercury, all this adds up to make them the most eco-friendly choice. Another significant bonus is their lifespan, which runs on average to a highly impressive 50,000 hours!

All these advantages come at a cost though; LEDs are still more expensive to produce and purchase. However, you could argue that this is balanced out by their long lifespan. It’s also worth bearing in mind that LEDs are only compatible with certain types of vehicle, so consult your manufacturer’s available information or a professional, as fitting an LED light where it shouldn’t be fitted can result in electrical and wiring problems. 

Your frequently asked questions

Will my new car bulb fit my car? 

First check what the OE (Original Equipment) of your vehicle was. Which bulb did it take? As long as your new bulb has the same fitting as the old one, it will fit. The only time you need to double-check is when you’re fitting a bulb that isn’t OE. In these cases, always check with the manufacturer or ask the opinion of an autocentre to see if it will be compatible. 

What is colour temperature? 

All bulbs are designated a number that refers to their colour temperature, which is usually a great indication of the colour that it will be. For example, 3200K means the bulb will be warm and yellow, while 8000K will be white with a very strong blue tint, with variations in between. 

What is a CanBUS error? 

You need to make sure that when fitting an LED bulb that the vehicle is CanBUS compatible. Otherwise, a CanBUS error may display, in which case an engineer will need to resolve the issue. 

MOT Requirements

When taking a look at the MOT requirements that your vehicle will be scored on in relation to lights, it’s worth noting that the assessor will be checking front, rear, fog, brake and registration plate lights. 

In terms of the headlights, factors assessed include the lights’ condition, alignment, how securely they are attached to the vehicle, how quickly they switch on and how quickly they switch between full beam and dipped beam. Your front headlights must also be white or yellow, or white with a slight blue tint. You must also take note of scratches or cracks that impair the quality of the emitted light. 

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Make sure you get the right car headlights for your needs. Here at Mr Tyre, we’re a leading chain of autocentres based in Central England, bringing customers the very best products and expert advice for all your vehicle needs. To find out more give us a call, or book your MOT online.