15/09/2022
Hi everybody!
Subject: LED headlight "replacement globes".
These products have been an issue for some time, but recent encounters with oncoming vehicles fitted with these have led me to bring you some facts surrounding these products, with the goal of improving road safety through a bit of education.
Headlights are each designed with a particular globe to be fitted. These globes are manufactured to fine tolerances and standards in order to maintain the designed light pattern. When replacing with the correct globe, the same pattern will be produced.
When a globe gets replaced incorrectly(out of position/crooked) the light source(the globe) can not interact with the headlight reflector and lens how it was intended- therefore the pattern is not how it needs to be. This can, and often does result in light projected above the horizontal.This is most important in the Low Beam, the light that you are projecting towards other road users.
LED headlight "replacement globes, LED upgrades" (whatever name they are sold by) have a poor chance of replicating the identical light source to the globe they are replacing. So, like an incorrectly/crooked globe install, once again, in Low Beam applications, light is often directed/scattered above the horizontal, dazzling oncoming road users.
I am unaware of any LED headlight replacements that are a true swap out for the equivalent globe. In fact, all such products I have seen state "not ADR approved, for off road use only" or similar.
When you pull up in your driveway or yard at night, check this:
With your car level and about 5 meters from a flat surface(eg:shed wall)
Low Beam should be: light from the ground and up to the height of your headlight, and will also be horizontal across your shed.Older style/H4 lights can have a small"kick" of light to the LEFT (because we drive on the left, this does not dazzle the oncoming road user) more modern lights do not have this kick.
If your Low Beam is not as described, chances are, you're dazzling others!
High Beam: light everywhere- it is not a concern as high beam is not used approaching other road users.
There are other disadvantages to installing "LED headlight replacements",however, road safety is the priority here, so I'll leave it at that.
Note: I am not writing about genuine LED headlights/factory LED headlights, as those are designed from the ground up with those light sources in mind.
I hope this has been informative for a few readers.
Don't forget, for any Auto Electrical repairs, call JAElec on 0409035109