Headlights are essential for driver safety, as they illuminate the road ahead at night and during inclement weather. They help ensure you have clear visibility when navigating in darker conditions. Below, you will find some practical advice on how to pick the best headlights for your car.

Types of Bulbs

There are three main types of headlight bulbs:

• Halogen: Halogen lights—the standard in most vehicles—are powered via an electrical current to a metal filament in the lamp; various gases guarantee a bright, warm glow and prevent the filament from breaking.
• Xenon/HID: Xenon or high-intensity discharge lights do not have a filament; instead, they produce light by igniting a high voltage connection between two electrodes. They are much brighter than halogens or LEDs.
• LED: Light emitting diode lights are increasing in popularity, largely due to their energy-efficiency and long life. They operate through a process called electroluminescence; the diodes inside the lamp convert electricity into light. They are common in luxury vehicles.

Types of Lamps

Most headlights today are either reflector or projector lamps. Reflector lamps are the more typical of the two, comprised of a bulb that sits within a metal bowl that reflects light onto the road. They are less expensive then projector lamps, and they are well-suited to smaller vehicles that cannot accommodate larger options.

Projector options operate on the same principle as reflector lamps—a bulb attached to a metal bowl—but they take it one step further. A lens magnifies the intensity of the beam even more. As a result, they offer a brighter stream of light than reflectors.

You should also consider how the lamp is constructed. Sealed beam lamps encompass the bulb, lens, and housing all in one single unit. They produce dependable bright light and incorporate well into the design and visual flow of virtually any vehicle.

Composite lamps have removable bulbs, meaning the entire lamp does not have to be removed as it does with sealed beam varieties. This makes composites the best choice for a quick bulb replacement. Turn signals and fog lamps might also be incorporated into the design of a composite headlight.

When you need new headlights, visit F.A.T.S. Parts. Since 1984, they have been providing the Anchorage, AK, area with a wide variety of quality auto parts, from car batteries to brake fluid and oil. They also offer tuneups and auto repair services. Call (907) 561-4721 or visit their website to learn more about their services.