Headlight Replacement Bulbs: Is It Time For An Upgrade?

Last updated 7/7/2023

It’s amazing just how bright factory headlights are these days. If you’re driving a not-so-brand-new car, you know what I’m talking about. It’s dark, you’re driving along, and suddenly some grandma in a Honda in the other lane totally washes out your range of visibility with her mega-ultra-factory lights that shine with more power than a thousand suns. While, it’s great that such lighting power is available in stock form, when you’re the opposing traffic it can be incredibly annoying (especially when your lights are perfectly adequate otherwise).

So, let’s talk about how you can get your own lights up to par—without blinding fellow drivers. That means, selecting good-quality headlight replacement bulbs that are appropriate for your vehicle and aiming them properly during installation. This is something we should all be aware of as low visibility season is creeping in and that can be downright dangerous.

Selecting Headlight Replacement Bulbs

First things first: where do you start? Well, before you go making upgrades, you need to know what headlights your vehicle is already working with. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or via a quick online search.

You should also understand your options before you start shopping. Here’s a quick recap:

Halogen

Halogen bulbs remain the most popular option among stock vehicles, largely because they’re cheap. However, many OEMs are beginning to move away from them in favor of more energy-efficient LEDs and HIDs. It’s worth noting though, that there are high-performance halogens available on the aftermarket—such as the PIAA Xtreme White—that use less energy and heat while still emitting a strong light that is DOT-compliant.

LED

As you’ve likely noticed, an increasing number of cars are coming equipped with LED lights straight from the factory. Typically, LEDs present the best option as they are bright, energy-efficient, and durable. If your stock LEDs aren’t doing the trick or it’s simply time for a replacement, brighter bulbs or new aftermarket housings with better lighting characteristics may be an option. For example, Vision X offers sealed beam replacement housings that not only give your vehicle a new look but also add 30% more light output than the stock equipment.

HID

HIDs, like LEDs, offer excellent light output but generally take a few seconds of “warming up” to reach their full lighting power, which is why they require a ballast to provide voltage and regulate the current. HIDs are often noted for their blue tinge, which has made them popular among auto enthusiasts, as it lends a unique look to the vehicle.

Selecting A Supplier

In addition to the brands briefly mentioned above, you have a whole lot of options when it comes to replacement headlight bulbs. Frankly, this can be overwhelming, but there are some stellar brands you can feel comfortable leaning on.

PIAA is a fantastic name to turn to. Not only do they offer a line of high-performance halogens for customers looking for affordable and easy-to-install solutions, but they also provide LED conversions for those looking to take things up a notch.

Putco is another solid brand, as they’ve been innovating in the LED sphere for awhile now. For example, the company’s Nitro Lux LED kit features a clever Easy-Clock collar design that makes light beam adjustments incredibly quick and easy—meaning there’s much less chance you’ll be blinding oncoming drivers. Putco’s LuminiX line is a proud long-term contender in the game of LEDs as well.

If you’re looking for aftermarket housings, keep an eye out for Anzo’s name in your product selection. With decades of experience and a massive selection of designs, you’re sure to find something that delivers on style and function.

Remember, it’s important to know what your local laws are in regards to lighting upgrades before you start spending money.

Installing Headlight Replacement Bulbs

It’s as easy as changing a light bulb… right? Eh, not always. I genuinely enjoy working on cars—except when I run into situations where the engineers seemingly enjoy messing with me. Changing headlights should be a simple process, but I don’t think there is a job that leaves me muttering curses under my breath more than swapping bulbs.

Why? Because getting to the actual bulb feels like a puzzle! From stripping away entire parts of the vehicle, like inner fender wells, to removing the whole battery just so you can squeeze your arm to the housing, prepare for some additional steps.

While every vehicle is different, here are a couple things to keep in mind when upgrading headlight replacement bulbs:

• Change both bulbs at the same time. Generally speaking, if one bulb is out or starting to fade, then the other isn’t far behind. Keep it consistent and swap all necessary bulbs so everything is on the same lighting life cycle.

• Properly aim and adjust the beams. Not only do uneven light beams annoy oncoming drivers, they can be downright dangerous to your own visibility. If you’ve recently adjusted your ride’s height or even if you’ve been in a fender bender, it’s important to make sure your headlights’ aim is correct.

For a comprehensive breakdown on how to properly adjust headlight beams, check out this helpful step-by-step from Advance Auto.

What About Classic Cars?

If you spend any time driving your classic car in modern traffic, you know just how pitiful those old-fashioned lights can be. Most classic rides use sealed beam technology which is dimmer than halogen lights. But rest assured, this does not mean you’re dead in the water.

Conversion housings and bulbs are available to set up your classic car with halogen, HID, and even LED bulbs. Check out United Pacific for plenty of classic and modern styles on a variety of makes and models dating back to 1928. Morimoto also offers period-correct sealed beam LED replacement headlights. Dubbed “RetroBright,” they deliver the best of both worlds by pairing the safety and performance benefits of modern lighting tech with the old-school styling of a classic vehicle’s original equipment.

Winter is Coming

It’s that time of year again, friends. Not only are the days getting shorter but low visibility conditions will be all too regular with rough weather on the way. Poor lighting just isn’t an option.

So, if nothing else, prepare yourself for a long winter and keep yourself safe. Don’t forget that the bulbs can only do so much. If the housings are shot, faded, cracked, or simply out of date, be sure to address them by either cleaning, polishing, or replacing them as needed. Additionally, good-quality lighting is useless if you can’t see out the windshield. So, upgrade those wipers, swap to a winter-grade cleaning fluid, and address any nicks or cracks in the glass before freezing temps settle in.

Concerned that some simple replacement headlight bulbs won’t do the trick this year? Then check out our discussion on auxiliary lighting, as additional lights may be exactly what you’re looking for.