The headlights are an indispensable part of any car. This is not just because car headlights have an important purpose, and they help the driver to drive easily in the dark but also because they have an aesthetic value. They improve the overall appearance of the car and thus, car buffs are keen while selecting or upgrading the headlights for their cars.
Vintage cars offer a wide range of choices when it comes to headlights, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the common options for vintage car headlights:
Sealed Beam Car Headlights
Advantages: Sealed beam headlights are simple and reliable. They consist of a sealed unit containing the bulb and lens, making replacement straightforward.
Disadvantages: Limited design options and often provide lower light output compared to modern headlights. They may also lack the aesthetic appeal of other options.
Halogen Car Headlights
Halogen headlights are the good old classic headlight bulb types that have been around forever. Your parents probably had them, and maybe you did too! Halogens are super cheap to buy, and you can find them at any auto parts store. But the annoying thing is they never seem to last very long – seems like you’re replacing burnt bulbs every year or so.
Advantages: Halogen headlights offer improved visibility and brightness compared to sealed beam headlights. They are relatively affordable and widely available.
Disadvantages: While brighter than sealed beams, halogen headlights still fall short of the performance offered by newer technologies like HID and LED. They also tend to generate more heat.
HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Headlights
Halogen bulbs are cheap but dimmer and shorter-lived. HIDs are super bright, bluish, glare prone. LEDs last the longest, give the whitest light, and cost more upfront. The cool blue tone of HIDs can create more glare and be harsher on the oncoming driver’s eyes. So, while HIDs offer great illumination, they may not be ideal for all driving conditions. They also have a lifespan between halogen and LED bulbs.
Advantages: HID headlights produce a bright, white light that enhances visibility in low-light conditions. They consume less power than halogen bulbs and have a longer lifespan.
Disadvantages: HID headlights can be more expensive upfront and may require additional components such as ballasts for proper operation. Improper installation or alignment can also cause glare and safety issues for other drivers.
LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Headlights
LED headlights have become popular recently. LEDs last a long time, like over 50,000 hours. They also make very bright, crisp white light that helps you see better at night. LEDs do cost more money upfront.
Advantages: LED headlights offer several advantages, including energy efficiency, long lifespan, and superior brightness. They provide instant illumination and can be configured into various shapes and designs.
Disadvantages: Initial cost may be higher compared to other options, although prices have been decreasing with advancements in technology. Retrofitting LED headlights into vintage cars may require modifications to the electrical system and housing.
Laser Car Headlights
Laser headlights are a recent innovation in automotive lighting technology. These lights illuminate through the process of chemiluminescence, which means they produce light by triggering a chemical reaction.
Laser beams are shot through a chamber which causes the phosphorus gas inside to glow. What you see in front of your vehicle is the light coming from the gas, and not the laser beams themselves.
Advantages: Laser headlights are more efficient than LED bulbs. They can produce 1,000x the amount of light for half the amount of energy that LEDs consume. They are also 10x smaller than the latter, which allows manufacturers to design a shallower assembly.
They are far-reaching, have good adaptability, and can easily be switched on/off as well.
Disadvantages: While they can produce more light, they also produce more heat than LEDs. This means the assembly requires more sophisticated built-in cooling systems.
Also, they are only currently available for use in high beams, which means they must be paired with regular halogen, LED, or HID headlights. Compared to other headlight types, these lights are very expensive and could set you back thousands of dollars.
Projector Headlights
Projector headlights are the newer style headlights that use lenses and cutoffs to control the beam pattern. This creates sharper, more focused light where you need it. Projectors reduce glare and give you better visibility. But they cost more than basic reflectors.
Advantages: Projector headlights utilize a lens to focus the light beam, resulting in improved visibility and reduced glare for oncoming drivers. They often feature a sleek, modern design.
Disadvantages: Retrofitting projector headlights into vintage cars may require custom fabrication and modifications to the front end. Proper alignment is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
Tips for Choosing Headlights
- Avoid those cheap knock-off replacement headlights that may promise the world but don’t deliver. Stick with quality, brand-name lights.
- Make sure to aim and adjust the headlights properly after installing new ones. You don’t want to be “that guy” blinding other drivers.
- Match the headlight technology basis your driving pattern – example, if you do a lot of night/rural driving, splurge on those LEDs or HIDs for maximum vision.
- Advanced options like adaptive beams may cost more, but they can be worthwhile for frequent night drivers.
- Don’t neglect the high beams! Having powerful high beams complement the low beams for night driving.
Finally
When choosing headlights for a vintage car, consider factors such as compatibility, aesthetics, performance, and budget. It is essential to research and consult with experts to determine the best option based on your specific needs and preferences. Whenever installing new car headlights make sure to check and adjust to get the proper lighting angles to maximize the headlight’s efficiency. Additionally, be mindful of any regulations or legal requirements regarding headlight modifications in your area.
Despite the availability of conversion kits and the possibility of better lighting, many states have made HID and LED upgrades illegal due to their propensity to increase nighttime driving accidents and fatalities. If you are considering an upgrade, check which car headlight types are legal in your area.
