What choice should I make if I want to have a long light and good illumination of the road? LED lamps are a much better choice than ordinary incandescent or fluorescent lamps. They can be used in any type of lighting, be it head optics or interior lamps.
How to choose the right LED lamps by type of socket:
One of the important criteria for choosing LED bulbs on the car is a specific car socket. In this case, the socket is designated as similar to the regular halogen bulbs. You can find information about the socket on the specific vehicle in the technical documentation of the vehicle or use the online selection.
The most common types of socket:
H1, H7 – low beam;
H1 – for high beam;
H4 – a universal version for low and high beam;
H3 – fog lights;
HB3, HB4, H11 – a common option for Japanese cars.
But in each case, you should specify the appropriate option personally for the specifics of your car.
The main criteria for the selection of LED bulb include:
Color temperature;
Light intensity – the intensity of the luminous flux and the light and shadow edge;
Size, socket type (compatibility with car models);
LED type;
Service life;
Power consumption;
Manufacturing material;
Color temperature
Color temperature is the index indicating which color spectrum the light beam produced belongs to. It is measured in Kelvin (K). Three spectra are distinguished with respect to the shades of light:
Warm (2 000 – 3000 K);
Neutral (3 000 – 4 000 K);
Cold (5000 – 6 000 K).
Light intensity
Light intensity refers to the intensity of the luminous flux – how saturated the beam is with light particles. It is measured in Lumens (Lm). The value of this parameter indicates how resistant the light is to scatter under the influence of particles in the air (dust, fog, precipitation). Also, a higher aperture value indicates a greater range of beam emissions. That is the headlight is an indispensable factor.
LED lights can have from 4500 Lm to 8000 Lm, and the figures 9000-10000 Lm in most cases are just marketing. Combined with the appropriate color temperature, such a beam will be able to illuminate the roadway at a distance of up to 900 meters in a straight line.
The light and shade boundary
This is a very bright light, so when creating and placing the bulb in the headlight is so important to properly adjust the geometry of the beam. Accessories of modern design when properly installed directly the light beam exclusively on the road. The light and shade boundary, in this case, has a clear contour of a “gull wing”: a wide area in front of the hood, gradually thinning at a distance. This avoids dazzling oncoming motorists and helps maintain a safe road environment.
The light output depends on the onboard mains voltage, the higher the voltage, the better the light bulb works. But this has a negative effect on durability. There are bulbs with a longer life, but they do not light well. And there are lamps with increased luminous flux, which according to the manufacturer’s statement illuminate by 50% brighter. Paying for this will be a reduced lamp life.
