Skip to content 
What is the difference 4×4 Driving Lights: Halogen vs HID vs LED
Why do you need to install a driving light?
The moment you get hold of your 4×4, you need to have proper driving lights in the first place. This is as essential as getting a bullbar and a set of muddies for your new vehicles.
The process of selecting the right lights for your vehicle is a big investment for many. The whole process is very crucial as well since it depends upon which quality light you intend to buy.
Thus, before making a final decision, it is better to do your required homework on lights. You need to see what is available in the market and what specific lights meet your expectations.
There are mainly three different technologies available in this domain, Halogen, HID & LED.
Halogen technologies
Halogen technology is one of the oldest in the category of vehicle lights. Since the inception of the land rover old shape, these lights have been making waves in the market.
For light to develop, inside the filament, a halogen globe is generated. In other words, light is produced from the heating process.
When compared to the electrical input, a small quantity of light is generated. Thus, the overall color of the light is yellow with lower quality.
Halogen disadvantage
The most significant disadvantage of halogen lights is their failing and unsuccessful capability. The technology might not be ideal for off-road ride conditions.
Experts advise taking along the spare globes when traveling off the track. These also have a short life span for long travel. Such lights are not to be trusted.
Halogen advantage
Halogen lights are very light on your pockets. As these are produced from a simple technique, thus these are much affordable.
When to choose?
If you are tight on your budget and have 4×4, should consider these lights. If plan to go to the highway or some bushy area, then halogen lights are a good option.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
HID are comparatively more expensive than halogen lights. The lights suit you in case you have good cash in your pocket.
If you spend a greater amount, you will get bright lights with better penetration. HID can flash as long as 1 km down the road with good quality light.
Your eyes won’t feel any burden and even at night, you will find a day-like impression on the road.
HID benefits: comparison halogen
The efficiency of the HID is better when compared with halogen lights. The longevity of halogen is lesser than HID globe.
The High-Intensity Discharge consists of both gases and rare metals. The combination of both produces bright light of HID. There are no filaments in these lights.
The replacement globes are heavy on your pocket due to their advanced technology.
When to Choose?
You need to join hands with both users of recreational and commercial applications. You will be able to get help from these lights on a highway or bushy areas. And also when on way to your favorite campsites.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
The Light-emitting diodes have been in town for a long now. But the technology has not entered the market of vehicle lights.
In the beginning, LEDs were being used in combination with HID for driving lights. Both LED and HID technologies were doing their parts.
HID was providing better lights to the road. LED was responsible for better illuminating a vehicle.
Now the latest LED can reach up to 500 meters owing to its good penetration power. Some premium lamps are able to even go further than this range.
LED Benefits
The spread of LED lights is very sharp. One is able to see from all corners and every side. This is possible due to the better illumination and penetration power of LED.
The LED lights have a long life, i.e., 50,000 hours which is fair long. During any particular conditions, the LED lights show:
- Resistance to shock
- Better vibration
The moment lights are turned on, they give in full beam, thus requiring no time for warming.
LED disadvantage
LED Lights are the most expensive of all these lights. Another issue with these lights is the emission of heat from the lights.
When to Choose
First of all, if your budget allows you to invest in these higher-priced lights.
If you want quality and premium lights for your vehicle, that could lead to a smooth ride. It also helps in the clear visibility of all signboards with better penetration.
For all off-road trips, the spread of these lights is excellent. Even in bushy areas, you won’t have to worry about visibility ahead.
Thus, it all depends upon your pocket, if you can afford to buy these quality lights.
It is advisable to always go for the branded version of lights for your vehicle. Be it Halogen, HID, or LED, go for the known and branded lights.
