Replacement Bulbs for Headlights

The United States Department of Transportation reports that poor headlights or headlamps cause low driving visibility, brightness problems, contrast detection and glare, especially at night. The effects of poor visibility are a leading reason for wrong-way driving. Beams in the bulbs come at different levels of brightness or intensity. Replacing or upgrading bulbs can allow drivers to gain significantly improved and long lasting visibility.

Halogen Replacement Bulbs

General Electric Lighting reports that halogen replacement headlight bulbs operate off of halogen gas. Light from the bulbs is generated by applying heat, about 500 degrees Fahrenheit, to a tungsten filament. Dual filament bulbs come with both low and high beams. The bulbs range in power from 37 to more than 200 watts. Generally, the higher the bulb wattage, the longer the light lifespan. Sylvania Silver Star, Peterbilt 389, HW Clear Blue, Luminics Krypton Titanium White 9004 and Pyle 100 Watt bulbs are popular halogen types. Bulbs come in blue, white and purple, are sold in single and twin packs and are available for most modern cars makes and models. Costs for the replacement bulbs range from $13 to $100.

Xenon Light Bulbs

According to the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council, Xenon headlight bulbs emit an electrical discharge between a pair of electrodes to create light. Unlike halogen bulbs, Xenon bulbs do not use a filament. When the bulbs reach a high voltage arc, they can produce a blue light. Xenon bulbs are high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. BMW was first to use the bulb in 1991 when it rolled out its 7 series automobile. The dual system bulbs come with both low and high beams. The bulbs that are labeled "for off road use only" are not legally permissible to be used on highways. Xenon bulbs have a long lifespan and can work for as long as 3,000 driving hours. D4S 6000K HID, Osram Xenarc D2S, D4R 4000K HID and D1S 6000K HID replacement headlight bulbs are used in many luxury vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Volvo and Porsche. The bulbs range in price from $36 to more than $100.

Ultra-Violet Headlight Bulbs

Headlights that are made with Ultra-Violet light allow wavelengths from the bulb to lengthen as the light strikes certain materials. The process is fluorescent and makes objects more visible sooner than lower-beam bulbs. The bulbs provide excellent visibility. In addition, they reflect objects like road signs and directional markings better than bulbs with lesser intensity, which allows for decreased eyestrain while driving. Luminics H11, H3, 9007 and 9006xs headlight replacement bulbs emit a strong white purple hue. Multifunction bulbs come with both low and high beams. The bulbs are available at most automotive stores for cars or trucks and typically cost from $35 to $60 per twin pack.

Benefits

The right replacement headlight bulbs can improve driver visibility while operating a vehicle at night or during inclement weather. Drivers who have less than perfect vision may notice improved confidence while driving after they upgrade or replace their headlights with a stronger bulb. Additionally, driving with a burnt out headlight bulb can earn you a traffic ticket that will vary in price depending on the state in which you reside.

Considerations

Refer to your vehicle owner's manual before purchasing replacement headlight bulbs to ensure that you get the right size bulb for your vehicle. You also can check with your dealer to find out if you need single or dual beam replacement bulbs. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be able to simply remove the lens cover to replace the bulb. Other vehicles like the Hyundai Accent require you to open the hood and remove the electrical plug and cover behind the headlight before you can replace the bulb. The Department of Transportation requires all vehicle headlights to come with both low and high beams.