When upgrading your
car's headlights, you have two main options: projector headlights and reflector headlights. Both types of headlights have unique advantages and disadvantages, but which is the better choice for you? In this article, we'll look at
projector headlights vs. reflector headlights
to help you make an informed decision.
What are Projector Headlights?
Projector headlights dramatically improve visibility and safety. Unlike old-school reflector headlights that scatter light haphazardly, projector headlights use a lens to focus light into a directed beam on the road ahead. This gives you a well-lit view of more of the road, especially farther down, so you can see better when driving at night.
Projector headlights also reduce glare for other drivers by limiting how much light shines to the sides. Although once found only on high-end cars, projector headlights now come on many vehicles as the technology has become more affordable. If you want to see and be seen clearly after dark, projector headlights have significant advantages over standard reflector headlights.
How Do Projector Headlights Work?
The key to projector headlights is an elliptical reflector and shutter. The elliptical reflector focuses light to a point, which the shutter then aims precisely onto the road. This creates an evenly-distributed beam with a sharp cut-off that avoids blinding other drivers.
Projector headlights also use brighter bulbs, like LEDs and HIDs, since their design better controls glare. The shutter can also be adjusted to switch between low and high beams. Finally, a lens distributes the light evenly onto the road and softens the cut-off between light and dark.
Pros and Cons
The pros of projector headlights are many:
• The projector lens gives them a more high-tech and futuristic look, which can enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle.
• Many projector headlights come with LED bulbs, which can provide a brighter and more energy-efficient lighting solution.
• A sharp cut-off prevents blinding other motorists with glare.
• An even spread illuminates more of the road and roadsides.
• Many projector headlights come with LED bulbs, which can provide a brighter and more energy-efficient lighting solution.
• A sharp cut-off prevents blinding other motorists with glare.
• An even spread illuminates more of the road and roadsides.
However, there are some downsides to consider:
• Projector headlights typically cost significantly more.
• Their complex components require larger headlight assemblies.
• Improperly installed, they can be misaligned and unsafe.
• Their complex components require larger headlight assemblies.
• Improperly installed, they can be misaligned and unsafe.
For drivers willing to pay a premium, projector headlights are the ultimate solution for seeing and being seen after hours.
Which Bulb Type Is Suitable For Projector Headlights
The best bulb type for your projector headlights depends on factors like cost, brightness needs, and the age/model of your vehicle. Halogens work well for most basic needs. HIDs and LEDs are ideal for maximum visibility, longevity, and advanced styling on newer luxury models.
Halogen projectors utilize standard halogen bulbs to produce brighter, more focused beams than halogen reflector headlights. Halogen bulbs emit light in all directions, but projectors direct the light where drivers need it. That's why halogen projectors, popular in vehicles since the 2000s, offer substantially improved visibility over reflectors.
HID projectors are premium upgrades that use xenon HID bulbs to generate the brightest, whitest illumination. HIDs last longer and shine brighter than halogens, which is why HID projectors frequently equip luxury and modern vehicles. However, HID bulbs must only be installed in dedicated HID or bi-xenon projectors; in halogen reflectors, they would glare blindingly.
LED projectors are the most advanced and efficient option. They contain integrated LED chips instead of bulbs, emitting light electronically with minimal energy usage and an extremely long lifespan. LED projectors are found on high-end, contemporary vehicle models and provide the brightest, most high-tech headlights.
For the best visibility, LED and HID projectors are unequaled. But halogen projectors still significantly outshine reflector headlights for solid performance at a lower cost. Choose based on needs and budget.
What are Reflector Headlights?
Reflector headlights have been the standard on vehicles since electric headlights were introduced. They contain a bulb inside a steel bowl, with mirrors that reflect the light onto the road.
Original sealed-beam reflectors used lenses to shape the beam, so burnt-out bulbs couldn't be replaced. In the 1980s, improved reflector headlights with internal mirrors guided the beam, allowing bulb replacement.
Reflector headlights are simple, affordable, and provide basic visibility for most driving needs. However, their scattered light pattern can leave dark spots, and their glare can blind oncoming drivers.
How do Reflector Headlights Work?
Reflector headlights are the older of the two technologies and are found in most older cars. They work by reflecting the light emitted from the bulb using a mirrored surface, and directing it onto the road ahead.
The reflector headlight is made up of three main components: the bulb, the reflector, and the lens. The bulb is usually a halogen bulb, which produces a warm, yellowish light. The glass is a mirrored surface that reflects the light from the bulb, and the lens is a clear cover that protects the reflector and bulb from damage.
Reflector headlights are the traditional type of headlight used in cars for decades. They use a reflective surface behind the light bulb to reflect and scatter the light onto the road ahead. Reflector headlights are generally less expensive than projector headlights and easier to install and maintain.
Pros and Cons of Reflector Headlights
The main advantages of reflector headlights are:
• Low cost and easy to manufacture. Reflector headlights come standard and get the job done for basic needs.
• Compatible with common bulb types like halogen and LED. LED bulbs can improve performance.
• Easy to install: Reflector headlights are simpler than projector headlights, making them easier to install and may not require professional installation.
• Wider beam coverage: Reflector headlights have a wider beam pattern than projector headlights, which can be helpful in situations where you need to see a broader area.
• Compatible with common bulb types like halogen and LED. LED bulbs can improve performance.
• Easy to install: Reflector headlights are simpler than projector headlights, making them easier to install and may not require professional installation.
• Wider beam coverage: Reflector headlights have a wider beam pattern than projector headlights, which can be helpful in situations where you need to see a broader area.
However, reflector headlights also have considerable disadvantages:
• Lack of control. The mirrored surface scatters light in all directions, producing an uneven beam that fades and glares.
• Inconsistent illumination. The light fades in sections, leaving parts of the road ahead dimly or brightly lit.
• More glare: Because the light is less focused, reflector headlights can produce more glare for oncoming drivers.
• Outdated design: Reflector headlights have a more traditional design that may be less visually appealing than projector headlights.
• Inconsistent illumination. The light fades in sections, leaving parts of the road ahead dimly or brightly lit.
• More glare: Because the light is less focused, reflector headlights can produce more glare for oncoming drivers.
• Outdated design: Reflector headlights have a more traditional design that may be less visually appealing than projector headlights.
Which One is Right for You?
The answer to this question largely depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:
Visibility
: If you frequently drive in low-light or inclement conditions, projector headlights may be the better option for you. Their more precise beam pattern can improve visibility and reduce glare, making it easier to see the road ahead.
Style
: If you're looking for a more modern and stylish appearance for your car, projector headlights may be the way to go. They have a distinctive circular lens and a more complex internal design, which can give your car a sleek and high-end look.
Cost
: Reflector headlights are generally more affordable than projector headlights, making them a better option if you're on a tight budget. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost can vary depending on the specific make and model of your car.
Maintenance
: Both types of headlights require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. However, projector headlights may be more difficult and expensive to repair or replace due to their complex design.
How To Tell If You Have Projector Or Reflector Headlights
1. Look at the headlight assembly. Projector headlights will have a lens covering the bulb, giving them a sleek, closed appearance. Reflector headlights have an open design, with the bulb visible behind an angled reflective bowl.
2. Check for glare. Reflector headlights scatter light in all directions, which can produce excessive glare for other drivers. Projector headlights have lenses that focus the light beam, resulting in less glare. If your headlights cause glare problems, they are likely the reflector type.
3. Examine the light beam pattern. Projector headlights produce a sharply defined beam pattern with a crisp cut-off. Reflector headlights result in a more scattered, uneven light beam that fades at the edges. You may be able to see the difference in the light pattern on a wall or garage door.
4. Inspect your owner's manual or vehicle records. The type of headlights your vehicle came with should be listed in the specifications. If not, contact your dealership to check based on your vehicle make, model, and year.
Shop the Best-priced Headlights at SuncentAuto
Headlight housing and their bulbs are one of the most important auto parts that you can purchase online. It is recommended to buy these products from reliable marketplaces, professional car accessories stores, or directly from the brand websites.
If you want to buy high-quality products at affordable prices, then SuncentAuto is your go-to online auto parts store. SuncentAuto manufactures and sells high-quality headlights and owns several famous automotive lighting brands, namely, SEALIGHT, Torchbeam, Marsauto, etc.
SuncentAuto also provides you with free shipping and a 90-day return policy. In case you order something wrong or receive a defective bulb, you can return it with ease.
