Blog - LED vs Halogen Headlights
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Blog - LED vs Halogen Headlights


September 10, 2020

What's Better: LED or Halogen Headlights?

In the battle between halogen and LED headlights, halogen bulbs took the early lead thanks to their debut in Europe in the early 1960s and in the United States in 1978. However, LED headlights are coming on strong since their automotive debut in the 1990s, as they appear in an increasing number of vehicles each year. But does that mean they’re better? Or have halogen lights advanced further with that decades-long lead?

Here, we'll learn about the key characteristics and performance capabilities of both types.

Comparison #1: Brightness

Headlight brightness is measured in lumens, a number that represents the amount of light produced by a particular source. Halogen bulbs can generate anywhere from 700 to 1,200 lumens. LED headlights, on the other hand, can deliver anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 lumens! So, if you’re looking for the brightest option, LED is a good option for you.

Advantage: LED headlights

Comparison #2: Color

Halogen headlights produce a white light that looks more yellow-ish to some people. This shade of light provides good illumination in rainy or foggy conditions. Halogen lights can also provide less eye strain for oncoming drivers than brighter, whiter LED headlight. But when it comes to what you see from the driver's seat, LEDs can produce whiter lighting that more closely mimics daytime conditions, potentially leading to more comfortable visibility for night-time driving.

Advantage: LED headlights

Comparison #3: Energy Consumption

Halogen lights can’t compete against LED when it comes to energy consumption. After all, LEDs contain some of the latest lighting technology and require much less energy. For roughly the same amount of light, LEDs require about 20 watts of power, while halogens need approximately 125 watts.

Advantage: LED headlights

Comparison #4: Cost

Halogens cost much less than LED lights, which is understandable given LED’s cutting-edge tech and performance benefits.

Advantage: Halogen headlights

Comparison #5: Overall Performancet

Brightness, energy consumption, and cost are all good to know when considering each type of headlight. But it's important to consider all of these factors together instead of individually. So, which headlight is better overall? The answer: it depends! Producing a superior headlight is about more than the bulb type or the technology behind it. After all, it’s possible to find cars with halogen lights that are as effective as LEDs when put to the test. However, the future might be looking much brighter for LED headlights and their illuminating, bright white beams.

Advantage: It depends

What Kind of Headlights Do I Have?

If LED headlights and the clear advantages they offer pique your interest, but you’re not quite sure of the type of headlight you currently have, these suggestions will help you:

  • Review your INFINITI owner's manual.
  • Look at whether your headlights throw off a hue that's bright-white or white-yellow. If the light feels more like daytime light, your headlights may be halogen. If you see a cluster of small light sources arrayed in rings or strips, they’re most likely LED.
  • Check with your local INFINITI service center to know for sure which type of headlights you have.

INFINITI Parts: Lighting the Way

You have hundreds of solutions available to you when you're shopping for headlights. Hundreds! That said, there's only one option you can be sure is the right fit for your INFINITI vehicle. That's genuine INFINITI replacement parts.

Also, keep in mind that depending on your INFINITI model, you may not be able to directly substitute LED headlights if your vehicle was originally designed to accommodate halogen lights. The electrical connectors may not be the same.

Purchase directly from INFINITI and install your headlights yourself, or bring your INFINITI to your nearest service center and our expert mechanics can tend to your headlights in no time.

Material in this article is for general information purposes only and was accurate as of the date of first publication. Information is subject to change and does not constitute an offer, representation or warranty (express or implied) by Nissan North America, Inc. ("Company"). Interested parties should confirm the accuracy of any information in this website as it relates to a vehicle directly with Company before relying on it to make a purchase decision. Unless expressly referenced, Company does not endorse and is not affiliated with any company that might be mentioned in this article. Company is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services, privacy policies, or other materials on or available through these websites or resources, or for your reliance thereon. Any references to data or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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