It’s hard to believe but at one time automotive lighting was a strictly utilitarian function, with small, mostly round lights that barely allowed you to see and be seen in the darkness. In contrast, today’s car lights are at the convergence of high-tech illumination and cutting edge automotive design. Both factory and aftermarket headlights and tail lights contain the latest in brilliant lighting technology like projector beams, LEDs, spot lights and fiber optics, and these lights are integrated into the body shape in ways so distinctive that in many cases lights have become a part of a vehicle’s identity. Meanwhile, the color and brightness of interior and dash lighting in modern vehicles can be varied in ways that truly create a custom ambiance in the cockpit.
Vehicle lighting systems are becoming increasingly complex. For a long time now, lighting systems have placed stringent demands on workshops when it comes to maintenance and installation. We offer you a good overview of the various lighting systems and their components along with their properties and special features. We provide a sound basic understanding of the topic in a practical fashion, meaning you acquire up-to-date, comprehensive knowledge ranging from the various light sources right through to explanations of the technical bases of legal regulations.
Headlights
Headlights provide adequate forward and lateral illumination without dazzling other road users with excessive glare. This beam is specified for use whenever other vehicles are present ahead.
Most headlights are made with halogen bulbs, but many new vehicles are now equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) or LED lighting systems.
Halogen lighting is the most common type used in automotive lighting and is the least expensive to produce. It requires minimal maintenance, but it produces a yellowish light that may cause some nighttime glare.
HID headlights are brighter than halogen lights, last much longer and use less electricity, making them a more efficient option for vehicles.
LED lighting systems are the most advanced in automotive lighting, providing superior visibility and a longer lifespan than traditional lighting systems.
Tail Lights
Tail lights provide illumination at the rear of a vehicle, making it easier to see when driving in fog or during other periods of low visibility.
They come in many shapes and sizes, but all tail lights serve the same purpose – to alert drivers behind you that you are slowing down or stopping.
Most tail lights are made with LED bulbs, which provide excellent illumination and last much longer than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs.
LEDs
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are the most efficient form of lighting available for automotive applications.
They use very little electricity, last a long time and produce very little heat.
LEDs can be used in many different automotive lighting applications, including headlights, tail lights and interior lighting. They provide superior illumination, which can make it easier to see in dark or low light conditions.
LED lights can also be the ultimate styling accessory. Arranged on easy to install strips, they can be used for practical purposes like DRLs, turn signals and stop lights, but they really shine when used to accentuate your vehicle’s interior and exterior, delivering a custom effect as distinctive as any spoiler or chrome trim.
Choose from lights that scan back and forth for a “Night Rider” effect, underbody kits that can change color, strobe, and pulse with music.
Bulbs
Automotive bulbs are the traditional form of lighting for vehicles and come in several types – halogen, HID, LED and incandescent bulbs.
Halogen bulbs are the most common type of automotive bulb, they are inexpensive to produce and require minimal maintenance.
HID bulbs use significantly less electricity than halogen bulbs, but they tend to be more expensive.
LED and incandescent bulbs provide superior illumination compared to other types of lighting, making them ideal for automotive applications.
Fog Lights
Fog lights provide additional illumination in dense fog or other low visibility conditions.
They are mounted lower than headlights and shine a broad beam of light onto the road surface, illuminating fog particles to make them more visible.
Most fog lights are made with halogen bulbs, although some vehicles now use LED lighting systems instead.
DRLs (daytime running lights)
Daytime running lights are a form of lighting used to make vehicles more visible during the day.
They normally consist of two or four small, low-mounted halogen bulbs that produce a narrow beam of light to alert drivers in front and behind you that you are approaching.
DRLs help reduce the risk of accidents in low visibility conditions and are required by law in some countries.
Daytime running lights on an Audi A4 (B8) Some countries permit or require vehicles to be equipped with daytime running lights (DRLs).
Depending on the regulations of the country for which the vehicle is built, these may be functionally dedicated lights, or the function may be provided by the low beam or high beam headlights, the front turn signals, or the front fog lights.
Within the lighting domain, Marelli Automotive Lighting has an advanced/deep know-how in all the key technologies that enabled the lighting evolution in the last decades: Xenon, Full-LED, Matrix LED, Laser, and Digital light.
How to choose the right kind of light bulbs for your car?
Choosing the right kind of light bulb for your car is important for safety and optimal performance. It’s essential to understand the type of lighting you need and the various options available in order to make an informed decision about which one is best for your vehicle. Here are some tips on how to choose the right kind of light bulbs for your car:
1. Consider your lighting needs
Different types of lighting provide different levels of illumination, so it’s important to consider the type of lighting you need before choosing a bulb. For example, headlights are typically used for long-distance visibility while fog lights are better suited for illuminating objects closer to the vehicle in dense fog or other low visibility conditions.
2. Understand bulb types
Halogen bulbs are the most common type of automotive lighting and provide good performance at a lower cost. HID bulbs use significantly less electricity, but are more expensive than halogen bulbs. LED and incandescent bulbs provide superior illumination compared to other types of lighting, making them ideal for automotive applications.
3. Look at brightness
It is important to pay attention to the brightness of a bulb when making your selection. Bulbs with higher lumens rating provide brighter light than those with lower ratings and are better suited for long-distance visibility.
4. Consider the environment
Different types of lighting perform differently in different weather conditions. LED bulbs are best for foggy and wet conditions, while halogen bulbs are more suited to dry environments. It’s important to consider the environment you will be driving in when choosing a bulb type.
5. Compare prices
Different types of lighting come with different price tags, so it’s important to compare prices before making a purchase. This will help you find the best value for your money.
The benefits of LED lights over traditional bulbs
LED lights are quickly becoming the go-to lighting solution for both residential and commercial applications due to a variety of advantages that they have.
LEDs last much longer than traditional bulbs, drastically reducing the frequency of replacing burnt out bulbs. Additionally, LED lights consume far less power than their traditional counterparts and give off very little heat, providing greater energy efficiency.
Finally, LED lights offer more flexibility in design since acoustically sensitive areas like movie theaters don’t need to worry about the buzzing sound from fluorescent bulbs.
Overall, LED lights are changing the way people think about lighting solutions and make it easier to maintain efficient and elegant lighting environments.
Why daytime running lights are important for safety?
Daytime running lights (DRLs) are important for safety because they increase the visibility of a vehicle in broad daylight.
This makes it easier for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to see the car on the road, increasing their chances of avoiding collisions.
DRLs can also help reduce glare from sunlight reflecting off the windshield and headlights, making it easier and safer for drivers to see the road ahead.
Additionally, DRLs can help alert other drivers of a vehicle’s presence even when the headlights are off and reduce the chances of accidents in low-light situations.
By emitting a bright white or yellow light during the day, DRLs also make vehicles more visible from a distance, alerting other drivers of their presence.
DRLs are especially important for cars with dark-colored exteriors and for those driving through areas with dust or fog that could otherwise reduce visibility.
Therefore, installing daytime running lights in your vehicle can be an easy and cost-effective way to increase safety on the road.
When to use fog light?
Fog lights are most effective when driving in low visibility environments such as fog, heavy rain, dust or snow where visibility is greatly reduced.
In these conditions, the bright light from a pair of fog lights helps to illuminate the road ahead and provide a greater degree of safety for drivers.
However, it’s important to remember that using fog lights when visibility is not impaired may be distracting and can even reduce visibility for other drivers.
Therefore, it’s important to know when and how to use your fog lights in order to maximize safety on the road.
How to install new headlights or tail lights on your own?
Installing new headlights or tail lights is a relatively simple job that anybody can do in their own garage. All it takes is the right tools and some basic knowledge of how car lighting systems work.
The first step is to locate the headlight or taillight assembly on your vehicle. Once you’ve identified it, you’ll want to fine-tune your approach, as some cars require more complicated removal procedures than others.
Next, disconnect the battery and then begin to carefully remove any fasteners holding the headlight or taillight in place. Be sure to store these safely and handle any electrical connections carefully.
Finally, take your new headlights or taillights and install them in reverse order of disassembly and reconnect the battery – your car lighting system should be good as new now!
Here you will find useful information and handy tips relating to light distribution for low beam, high beam, and country lights.
Tips for keeping your headlights clean
Maintaining the cleanliness of your car’s headlights is important for optimal visibility and safety.
It is recommended to regularly wash them using a mild detergent and warm water solution, being sure to avoid any harsh chemicals.
Additionally, you can use a plastic polish or wax designed specifically for headlight covers to help prevent dirt and dust build-up.
Finally, make sure to periodically check your headlights for any cracks, chips or other signs of damage and replace them if necessary.
By following these tips, you can help keep your car’s headlights clean and ensure optimal visibility on the road.
Troubleshooting tips for common problems with automotive lighting
When it comes to troubleshooting common issues with automotive lighting, there are some simple tips that can help you determine the source of the problem.
If your headlight isn’t working correctly, it might be time to replace the fuse or check if there is enough power supply. You should also make sure the assembly is properly secured and connected, and that all light bulbs are properly installed in their sockets.
Similarly, if your car is having trouble with tail light illumination or brakelight activation, checking wiring connections may reveal a quick solution. There may also be a fault in the system’s controllers or switches; it’s advisable to inspect them and replace them as necessary.
Last but not least, corrosion on any of your vehicle’s components should not be taken lightly as these can cause electrical problems that could affect your car’s lighting system.
Following these troubleshooting tips will get you well on your way to ensuring excellent automotive lighting performance at all times.
Conclusion
Automotive lighting is an important safety feature of any vehicle.
Headlights and tail lights help other drivers see your car on the road, and they can also add a unique style to your ride.
When choosing new headlights or tail lights for your car, it is important to consider the type of light, the brightness, and the color. You should also find bulbs that fit your make and model of car.
Installing new headlights or tail lights is relatively easy to do yourself, but if you have any trouble, there are plenty of resources available online or at your local auto parts store.
