Headlights are one of the most important safety features in a vehicle, but they don't last forever. Headlight lifespan depends on several factors, including the type of bulb and how often the headlights are used. Understanding how long your headlights may last and the signs that they need replacement will ensure maximum visibility and safety when driving at night.
Without any further ado, let’s check out how long do headlights last.
Lifespan Of Different Types Of Headlights
Most vehicles will require at least one headlight replacement during their functional lifespan, which averages 12 years. While typical OEM headlight bulbs tend to burn out after 5 years of regular use, replacement bulbs come with lifespans that differ greatly.
Headlight technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, with durable and energy-efficient options like LED and HID bulbs replacing basic halogen bulbs in many vehicles. However, the lifespan of headlights depends heavily on the type of headlight bulb.
Halogen headlights are the most common and inexpensive bulbs, but they typically only last between 500 to 2,000 hours. They are low-cost but less durable and efficient than other types of headlights.
Xenon HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlight bulbs have a significantly longer lifespan of 2,000 to 10,000 hours. HID headlight bulbs use an electrical charge to ignite xenon gas inside the bulb, which produces a very bright bluish light. HID bulbs are more expensive than halogens and require additional components like ballasts to operate.
LED headlights are the most long-lasting option, with an estimated lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours or 10-15 years. LED headlight bulbs are the most energy efficient option. They produce a whiter, brighter light but are the most expensive option among the three types.
In the end, while halogen bulbs are cheap and simple, their short lifespan leads to higher costs and environmental impact over the lifetime of a vehicle. HID and especially LED headlight technology continues to improve, offering brighter light, greater visibility, and much longer lifespans for drivers willing to pay the higher upfront costs. For maximum safety and eco-friendliness, LED headlights are the best choice.
Factors That Affect Headlight Lifespan
Several factors can influence the lifespan of your headlights:
Type of headlight (halogen, LED, HID): Different types of headlight bulbs used in the headlight unit have varying lifespans, with LED headlights generally outlasting halogen and HID headlights.
Not all headlights are created equal. High-performance, premium headlight bulbs crafted to meet stringent quality standards tend to outlast cheaper versions not built for long-life operation.
Frequency of use. The more miles logged at night, the faster your headlights age and meet their end of life.
Environmental factors. Harsh weather and environmental factors take a significant toll. Exposure to extreme heat, heavy rain, snow and vibration from rough, uneven road conditions cause headlights to deteriorate more quickly.
Other factors like improper bulb installation or handling and electrical issues within the headlight fixture or wiring can also reduce lifespan prematurely. Handle new bulbs carefully, thoroughly clean and inspect headlight fixtures when performing replacement, and address any flickering or uneven illumination right away to keep all components in working order.
How To Know Your Headlights Need to Be Replaced
As your headlights age, they can lose the ability to pierce through the night, putting you at risk in low visibility. Below are signs your headlights give to let you know when it's time for replacement.
Headlights look dim. If you notice that your headlights are not bright enough like they were when you first installed them, then you should consider replacing them. It may not happen suddenly, but over the period of time, you can see the intensity of the light is getting dimmer. This is one of the most common problems that you will observe.
Flickering headlights. You might notice the vehicle’s headlight is flickering a lot. This could be a sign of some other internal issue or a bad electrical connection. In this case, you may seek a professional’s help and if there are some internal issues with the headlight, then you might need to change them.
Discoloration or yellowin.: Foggy headlights or scratched lenses block visibility and require replacement. Moisture damage or sun exposure over time are common causes of discolored, damaged lenses.
Doesn’t turn on. Well, this could be the most obvious warning that your vehicle needs new pair of bulbs if headlights simply don’t turn on. Whenever you change your headlight bulbs, it is recommended to change both sides as the other one might also burn out soon. Moreover, you don’t want one light to be brighter than the other one.
Physical damage. Any cracks, chips or damage to your headlight lenses, housing or other components require replacement to function properly. Water or moisture can enter through damaged areas, impacting your headlight bulbs and other electrical systems.
How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Headlights
With regular care and maintenance, it’s possible to extend the lifespan of your headlights and keep visibility high for miles to come.
Regular cleaning and maintenance. Built-up dirt, debris and oxidation are headlight killers, reducing light output and causing permanent damage over time. Clean your headlights regularly to keep their lenses crystal clear and reach full illumination potential.
Limit unnecessary use and avoid harsh conditions when you can. The more time spent operating at night or in extreme weather, the faster your headlights will age and burn out. So when possible, limit nighttime driving and exposure to high heat, heavy moisture or vibration that can rattle your headlights loose.
Upgrade to higher-quality, longer-lasting bulbs. When it's time for replacement, invest in high quality LED or HID bulbs designed to provide visibility for up to 50,000 hours. Choose bulbs rated for years of continuous use and bright for maximum safety in all conditions.
Save Time and Money with Online Auto Parts
When it’s time to replace your vehicle's headlight bulbs or other parts, one concern is the headlight replacement cost. Skip the local auto parts store and shop online to find the exact parts you need while saving valuable time and money. On reputable sites like SuncentAuto, you can easily compare options to find affordable aftermarket parts that fit your specific vehicle make and model.
SuncentAuto offers a wide selection of automotive lighting and parts with competitive prices. As a manufacturer and seller of brands including SEALIGHT, Marsauto, Zoncar and KAC, SuncentAuto provides high-quality parts shipped direct to your door. By buying from the source, you cut out costly middlemen markups. SuncentAuto also offers free shipping and 90-day return policy on their products for your convenience and peace of mind.
Visit SuncentAuto.com today to find affordable headlight upgrades for your ride and get free shipping on all orders!
Conclusion
Different headlights may work differently in terms of intensity and lifespan. When it comes to replacing them, it is recommended to get the headlight bulbs replaced by a professional as they can seal the headlight unit back properly.
Another reason to take a professional’s help is that you will get a second opinion if the bulbs are burnt out or there is something wrong with the wiring. However, if you are confident enough to have all the required tools to change the headlights, then you may do it on your own.
If it’s not done right, it might leave moisture inside the headlight unit. Hope this article helped you to learn how long do headlights last and when to replace car headlight bulbs.
