While you can change the bulb, you are not changing the distance, i.e., not necessarily improving safety." Advertisementįurther Reading This institute crash-tests cars to make us all saferHigh-end headlights are now a must if an automaker wants the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation for a particular model of car. "Distance and how far a headlight illuminates is governed more by the reflector (behind the bulb) or the lens (ahead of the bulbs). Consumer Reports' testing of conventional replacement bulbs found that while aftermarket units can improve headlight brightness, there's much more to it than that. A comprehensive Consumer Reports aftermarket LED replacement bulb test would go a long way to bring clarity to the market. The lack of regulation enforcement and objective, independent testing puts lives at risk.Īlthough Consumer Reports tests new vehicle headlamps, it hasn't tackled the topic of LED replacement bulbs, despite Consumer Reports' extensive resources. While the lighting giants are incredibly cautious in bringing new products to the market, as drivers we're all guinea pigs on four wheels for off-brand manufacturers that spin out new bulbs like chickens lay eggs. With all that in mind, it would be wise to keep a set of securely packaged OEM bulbs in the glovebox or trunk if you are running aftermarket LEDs.įurther Reading The car of the future is taking shape-and it will know how we feel about it With LED technology rapidly evolving, the industry in a constant beta-test state. More ominously, once the officer has pulled you over, you risk a vehicle search. In addition to issuing a citation, the law enforcement officer may have the legal right to force you to remove the bulbs. You can get pulled over for non-spec headlamps, and for a good reason. The major brick-and-mortar auto parts stores know this, which is why they tend to shy away from aftermarket H11 LED bulbs, other than ones clearly marked for use in fog lamps or "for off-road use only." It's a different world online, with off-brand H11 LED bulb listings on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart websites failing to carry the same prominent warnings. While LEDs can deliver more intense light at a higher end of the spectrum, most aftermarket units also create a hazardous condition. But stuffing aftermarket LED headlight bulbs into OEM housings designed for conventional halogen units results in dangerous glare for oncoming drivers. Eventually, they go looking for a solution, starting with their local automotive parts store. But sometimes a commuter wants to see more of where they're going when the sun goes down. For a while, carmakers have been fitting powerful LED headlights to their high-end offerings, but more often than not, their cheaper cars-and particularly cheaper trim levels-get saddled with much-weaker illumination. It might be stating the obvious, but your car's headlights are a safety device, and not all headlights are created equal.
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