Choosing 4WD Driving Lights

Some believe it is a must to install specialized driving lights on their 4WD vehicles. These extra lights offer significant benefits. They make it much easier to see in the dark, whether you’re on a tour or working.

Modern 4WDs already have better headlights compared to those made a few decades ago. But the 4WD industry has developed specialized products. They go beyond the factory setups.

These lights improve nighttime visibility. It makes driving safer and more convenient. In this guide, we’ll discuss different types of driving light setups.

Why Use Driving Lights? 

Aftermarket driving lights are to enhance your visibility when darkness falls. These lights provide superior vision akin to daylight hours. Be it: 

• Embarking on a weekend getaway after a long Friday drive
• Working night shift
• Engaging in various nighttime activities
• They ensure you can safely drive, illuminating the road ahead for a range of purposes.

Night driving poses risks not only due to reduced visibility but also fatigue. Searching for details in the dark can strain your eyes. It can lead to quick exhaustion. This becomes particularly hazardous when driving close to your regular sleep time. 

Different types of wildlife can pose significant road hazards. Also, the absence of fencing increases the likelihood of encountering unexpected obstacles. 

• Adequate illumination while driving at night serves various purposes including:
• Providing a clear view of the road ahead
• Aiding navigation through inclement weather
• Avoiding potential collisions with animals
• Minimizing driving fatigue 

Investing in a reliable set of lights enhances safety. And it increases enjoyment during nighttime journeys.

It’s always wise to pick the advantages over the cost of lighting. A single accident has the potential to ruin a holiday. Render your vehicle inoperable, or even result in more severe outcomes. So, it is safe to say that the investment you make is never a waste. 

What Varieties of Aftermarket Driving Lights Are Available?

As technology advances, driving lights continue to evolve. They offer a wide range of options to choose from. Selecting the right driving lights involves choosing between Light bars and spotlights. 

Spotlights are typically characterized by their rounded shape. The light bars are known for their elongated and narrow design.

Within these two configurations, you have a range of options when it comes to the type of bulbs used. Spotlights can be equipped with:

• Halogen 
• LED
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge)
• A hybrid of Laser and LED 

Also, light bars are primarily available as LED bulbs.  Anyway, it is crucial to find driving lights that align with your preferences. 

Laser, LED, HID, or Halogen 

Now, let’s explore the four main types of lights in detail. Halogen lights are the original spotlights. They were commonly installed on older 4WD vehicles during modifications. They emit a warm yellow light.

They have a reasonably quick response time when the light is switched on. In comparison to the factory lights of their era, they provided a significant improvement.

But, it’s worth noting that they consume a considerable amount of power. This can be a disadvantage, particularly during remote travels.

The Halogen spotlight lost its popularity to some extent after the introduction of LED and HID. Only some people found Fyrlyt versions interesting. 

HID lights use distinct reflectors. They enable premium units to illuminate roads several kilometers ahead. Yet, the necessity to see that far varies from person to person.

For most individuals, such extended visibility may not be essential. Despite consuming less power, HID lights have a minor drawback. It has a slight few-second delay before reaching full illumination.

• LEDs serve as an excellent alternative option. 
• They offer instant illumination.
• Consume minimal power.
• Deliver impressive results. Especially in flood patterns (although flood patterns are more commonly used). 

But, it’s important to note that LED lights emit white light. It can reduce your ability to focus on contrasting elements. This makes them less optimal for nighttime use.

A relatively recent addition to the market is the emergence of laser lights. This innovative technology is being introduced as a hybrid alongside LED lights. It is regarded as a significant advancement in spotlight distance.

When combined with LEDs positioned around the laser, these lights provide enhanced visibility. It is across both sides of the road. Although the color temperature remains a bright white, the expanded spread of LED light greatly improves peripheral vision.

Amount of Light Needed and Places to Install Them

A multitude of exceptionally powerful lights are available in the market. They are capable of providing visibility several kilometers down the road.

However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone requires such an intense level of brightness. Investing in lights that surpass your actual usage requirements can lead to unnecessary expenditure for your 4WD vehicle.

Driving lights are commonly categorized as flood beams or spotlights.

• Spot beams emit a concentrated and focused light over a greater distance.
• Flood beams spread the light out wide but cover a shorter distance

When considering your driving needs, if you frequently travel at high speeds during nighttime, having the ability to see far down the road is crucial.

On the other hand, if you frequently navigate slower, winding roads, a wider light spread with less distance coverage is more appropriate.

Another aspect to consider is the frequency of your light usage. This should align with the type of travel mentioned earlier. Investing a substantial amount of money in driving lights becomes unnecessary if you only use them infrequently or on rare occasions.

Many spotlights are available in a split configuration. By featuring one spotlight as a spot beam and another as a flood beam.

Similarly, light bars are now being designed with split arrangements. This is by combining both spot and flood capabilities to provide an optimal compromise.

Another option is to install two different styles of lights. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of both worlds simultaneously.

What’s the Kelvin Lighting Temperature Needed? 

The varying temperature of lighting is expressed in Kelvin. It encompasses a range of options such as: 

• Bright white
• Blue-white
• Yellow-white
• Various shades in between. 

Selecting ideal driving lights involves a similar process to finding our home lighting. Different lights serve different purposes.

When it comes to driving lights, it is important to consider the impact of overly white lights on contrast and visibility. Especially in relation to animals near the roadside. 

Unfortunately, many LEDs fall into this white range. This results in high brightness but not necessarily optimal nighttime visibility.

There may be conflicting information online about Kelvin’s rating for driving lights. But it’s crucial to note that higher Kelvin ratings generally lead to poorer visibility.

What’s the Kelvin Lighting Temperature Needed? 

The varying temperature of lighting is expressed in Kelvin. It encompasses a range of options such as: 

• Bright white
• Blue-white
• Yellow-white
• Various shades in between. 

Selecting ideal driving lights involves a similar process to finding our home lighting. Different lights serve different purposes.

When it comes to driving lights, it is important to consider the impact of overly white lights on contrast and visibility. Especially in relation to animals near the roadside. 

Unfortunately, many LEDs fall into this white range. This results in high brightness but not necessarily optimal nighttime visibility.

There may be conflicting information online about Kelvin’s rating for driving lights. But it’s crucial to note that higher Kelvin ratings generally lead to poorer visibility.

How to Mount it?

The mounting options for driving lights on a 4WD vehicle offer a vast array of possibilities. The opportunities will depend on:

• Your location
• The regulations imposed by your state or region.

The most commonly seen location for mounting driving lights on a 4WD is underneath the bull bar. Occasionally, driving lights are also installed on the top or roof of the vehicle.

Each mounting position has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can expect to achieve a satisfactory level of illumination. But it is as long as the legal requirements are met. 

What’s Your Budget and Where to Get Them?

As of the time of writing this, the price range for driving lights varies. On eBay, a basic set of driving lights starts at around $55 for a budget-friendly LED light bar.

It can go up to approximately $2600 for two spotlights. Or $1800 for a premium LED light bar. If you opt for many setups or more than two lights, the cost can escalate. It can result in a large investment.

For those on a budget, a lighting setup can be obtained for approximately $300. A mid-range option falls below the $800 mark. Anything above that forms a high-end lighting setup.

A wide variety of manufacturer brands exist in the market. They range from generic eBay units to state-of-the-art models.

Are accessible through stockists specializing in automotive equipment, 4WD, and camping.

What Did We Do?

After careful consideration, we designed a double-row 40-inch LED Light Bar. We chose to mount it on the roof of our canopy. It offers ample illumination for our on-road and off-road driving requirements.

We do not engage in extensive night driving. So this setup serves as an excellent compromise. This meets customers’ needs without requiring a significant financial investment.

A combination of LED light bars and HID spotlights is the ultimate choice. This configuration offers the advantage of long-range distance provided by HID lights. And along with the bright foreground illumination of an LED light bar.

But, it’s important to note that this setup can be quite costly and may not be essential for everyone. It’s crucial to select a lighting arrangement that aligns with your specific style of use. It should ensure satisfaction and functionality on the road.