Headlights are arguably one of the most, if not THE most important components of your vehicle. They help light the way in all kinds of weather conditions, and allow you to safely get from point A to point B. Advancements in technology have made great strides in improving visibility — whether you’re driving through fog, heavy snowfall, torrential rain, or simply through a starless night on a seldom driven road in Canada. Gone are the days where we are required to rely on stock lighting.

Aftermarket retailers like PartsEngine.ca offer a variety of different headlights. The only question is which type is right for your vehicle?

LED Headlights

LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlights are chosen by some consumers because they produce a brighter, more energy efficient beam of light than stock headlights. LED lighting is up to 75% more efficient than traditional halogen headlights — but there is another consideration as to why people are upgrading to LEDs; style. Visual appeal is becoming more and more of a consideration when it comes to accessorizing trucks, SUVs and cars. The best accessories are the ones that meet all of the requirements of the purchaser; LEDs couple a desirable appearance and function.

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FROM: $140.82 CAD

Are there any downsides to installing LED Headlights?

The only issue associated with installing LEDs is the potential for heat buildup which can cause issues with adjacent assemblies and connectivity cables. For this reason, automakers used to avoid using LEDs as headlights; however advances in technology have overcome this issue and LEDs are quickly gaining ground on halogen as the headlight style of choice.

HID Headlights

HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights use capsules of gas to create light rather than a standard filament. Like the LED headlight, HID headlights produce far more light while using a lot less energy. The light they create also more closely resembles natural light, in stark contrast to LEDs. HIDs are powerful — they will cut through the blackness of night like a warm knife through butter.

Are there any downsides to installing HID headlights?

We would be pretty hard-pressed to find any major faults with HIDs. Compared to LEDs, HIDs have a slower startup time (approximately 15-20 seconds) and are generally more fragile. Having said that, comparing current LED and HID technology, HID would come out the winner in terms of brightness—this is because the side-emitting light found with HIDs is much easier to focus; the front-emitting nature of LEDs does not lend itself to a tightly focused beam however LED technology is progressing quickly and will soon match the intensity of HIDs.

Halogen Headlights

Halogen headlights are the most common headlight in use today. This is largely because halogen headlights have a long life — roughly 1,000 hours of regular use — and because of the relatively low replacement cost when they do burn out.

Are there any downsides to installing Halogen headlights?

One of the main problems with halogen headlights is that they are not terribly efficient. While they do produce bright light, most of the energy created by the burning filament is expressed as heat. Special care must also be taken when handling the bulb while replacing it. Chemicals located in your skin can lead to the glass being damaged when exposed to high temperatures, causing you to have to replace it more frequently.

Product Profile: ANZO USA Head Lights

Features

• Designed using the latest in CAD technology for a modern and stylish look.
• Visually, it gives your vehicle a very different look within 30 minutes.
• Fits most makes and models of vehicles; for a complete list, visit PartsEngine.ca.
• Utilizes OEM style weather tight connections and wire harnesses to shield from the elements.
• Ultra bright LED – Available in single or dual diamond cut angle eyes.
• Quick and easy installation.

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FROM: $140.82 CAD

Product Profile: IPCW Headlights – Projector Headlights CWS-3040B2

Features

• Custom made to fit the sockets of your particular make and model.
• Weather sealed to prevent moisture from damaging the components.
• Projector headlights boast a euro style design and a brighter, tighter pattern, focusing the beam on the road ahead for extra range.