Off-road lights come in handy for anyone who loves driving at night. This could be a lifesaver especially, for those who drive off-road or in poorly lit paths with their headlights alone.

The aftermarket lights include LED lights as well. If you can install LED off-road lights on your vehicle, you can save a lot of damages and dangers.

As the LEDs help you see through the darkness, you can easily spot sudden drop-offs, fallen trees, washouts, animals, and sharp corners in the road.

As you can see what’s ahead of you, it buys you time to prepare yourself for unexpected situations. If you don’t stay prepared, your 4×4 could be damaged along with you and other people in the vehicle.

LED lights have captured the off-road lighting market in the past decade. They have almost become the market leader.

LEDs have many benefits compared to other off-road lighting choices. They generate bright light and draw a low level of amperage when compared to halogen lights.

They have a wide range of beam patterns. Plus, they are a cost-effective option if you have a tight budget.

Of course, there was a challenging period for LED lights, just like for every other product. LEDs still face the consequences because of the stigmas generated in the past.

This is why we’re here. We want to help you make a better decision when you’re selecting LED lights. So let’s dive in! Anyway, there are a few things that you need to consider and overlook when choosing the perfect LED lights for your vehicle.

LEDs, HID, or Halogen: What’s Your Choice?

You’d have already figured out that LED lights consume a large portion of lighting options. It’s worth every penny you send for. They are high-quality lights when compared to other lighting options available in the market.

LEDs are the market leader for off-road lighting. You can also find them in different sizes and shapes. They produce a significant amount of light, although they are compact.

Another benefit is that the light produced is in 5,000-6,000 Kelvin. LEDs’ light temperature is more like daylight so that the human eyes can see well.

In contrast, Halogen lights generate light temperatures of 3,500 degrees Kelvin, so they are usually yellowish and dim. They also consume more power to generate less light.

However, HID lights’ light output is usually similar to LEDs. They don’t fire up quickly once they’re turned on. Also, sometimes they need additionally mounted electronics.

Is it Vigilant to Purchase the Cheapest LED lights?

Price speaks quality. It’s the same for LED lights. If you pay less, you are likely to get cheap lights. Cheap LEDs will not be durable. They are not dust, and water-resistant like the quality LED lights.

They will not work great in harsh environments when you are driving off-road. Cheap LEDs will not be bright as quality ones. You will also face issues with the poorly managed LED circuit boards because of vibrations.

Off-roaders will not be pleased with features, so purchasing cheap lights doesn’t sound like a good decision.

You will clearly see how poorly built the mounting, and light housing are. Cheap LED lights have cheap housings, tiny mounting hardware, and narrow mounting brackets.

An inexperienced rider will not understand the depth of purchasing quality lights. In fact, they might not realize the consequences until they see lights in different directions.

The light might wobble when the mounting brackets weaken due to off-road vibration.

The light adjustment is another low blow because of its poor design. You may not get the light to the desired location. So these features make nighttime visibility a nightmare.

Individual lights or LED lightbar: What Should You Get?

Although selecting a design is entirely a personal choice, it’s not that simple. There’s a reason you are purchasing LED lights, so based on it, you must select the design. You have to be considerate of the function as well.

If you’re fond of LED lights and you just want to own them for no particular reason, then go ahead and select whatever designs you want.

But if you are planning on off-road driving, you must ensure that the LED lights you choose serve the purpose. Decide on a design that will add value.

LED lightbars work well for open surfaces, including the front bumper and windshield. Curved lightbars cover a broad area of the 4×4 by dispersing light widely. This is a better choice compared to straight lightbars.

Huge individual lights might reduce the radiator’s airflow if not mounted correctly or – worse, block your vision.

However, if the individual lights are smaller, they might suit tight quarters without creating blocked vision.

The beam types can be mixed and matched if you use smaller lights, and they can even serve your lighting requirements.

R112 R10 R7 Approved  9″ LED Driving Light 

What’s the Beam Pattern You Should Select?

LED lights have various beam patterns, just like many off-road lights. You have to think about why you need the lights. Once you know the reason, you will be able to select the beam pattern.

Driving Beam

The driving beam pattern enhances overall lighting at a distance and up close. The lenses in driving beams are similar to the lenses in regular headlights. However, they are best suited for multiple uses and offer extra light.

Spot Beam

The spot beam has a focused lens, so you can consider them if you are into high-speed driving. Twisty trail driving requires flood beams. They feature fluted lenses, so the light disperses into a large area without covering afar.

Work beam

Work beam mimics flood beam. Off-road LED lights are flexible as they are designed with small light elements. But their lenses are shaped, fluted, and even. So the light covers a wider angle but a short distance. Work beam is great for campsites and even to use like rock lights.

Hybrid Beam

There are hybrid beam patterned LED lights. These lights’ centers consist of spot beams, and outside edges consist of flood beams. This offers the best lighting for your off-road experience.

If you are worried about thick dust and dense fog, consider amber fog lights. The colors in amber light cut through dust and fog without causing a reflection. So you won’t be blinded by the color reflection.

R112 R10 R7 Approved  7″ LED Driving Light 

What’s the Ideal Spot to Mount Your LED lights?

Your 4×4 space and personal preference come into consideration when selecting an ideal spot to mount your LED lights. But don’t forget to think about the lighting needs and beam pattern too.

Windshield and Front Bumper

If you fix the spot beam on top of your windshield, it will spread the light to a larger area and distance.

However, many prefer the straight-ahead position of the front bumper as it doesn’t reflect blinding the driver.

Flood beams are a great fit for up-high mounting. You have to spread the flood beams to the sides to enhance visibility when cornering or on twisty trails.

This might also cause an issue with a hood reflection just like spot beam, so the front bumper is the best spot.

Amber fog lights should be mounted as low as you can. The below section of the front bumper works the best.

This helps you to drive regardless of the fog. It won’t reflect off the dust particles and water droplets so that you won’t be blinded.

Roof Rack

Work beam lights are to be mounted as high as you can. The on-top roof rack is better as it will cover a large area. Work beam can be mounted under the 4×4’s chassis. It can be used as rock lights as well. That’s pretty much about it.