We’ve witnessed halogen and then xenon lights emerge, both marking major leaps forward in automotive lighting, but as manufacturers searched for more energy efficient electronics in cars (after all, sat-navs, air-conditioning and large sound systems all sap power from the engine), LED headlight units have become popular. The switch to turn them on is usually found near the switch for dipped headlights and they may use a different set of bulbs. In the UK you should use hazard warning lights and if it’s dark, then also use … Look for this symbol to help you find the headlights in your car. By Tom Fraser, 08 Jul 2019 Car Advice. One of the biggest draws for the LED bulb is that it is by far the most energy efficient option on the market. Car headlights explained: LED, halogen, xenon, laser and future headlight tech; ... Introduction We look at the many different types of car headlight and explain how each technology works. They are angled higher than dipped headlights, allowing you to see more of the road, and are sometimes known as high beams. Anything above 8,000K is not white enough to legally be used on UK roads. Please visit Browse Happy to get the latest modern browser for your computer. A working life of 500 to 1,000 hours and a relatively low cost keep halogen headlights popular. BMW claims the laser headlights, used for the high beam setting, can reach a distance of 600 metres. Almost all cars and vans on the road in the UK have sidelights built into the headlights of the vehicle. John has 20+ years experience … The BMW i8 became the first production car to offer laser headlights, albeit an optional extra that costs nearly £8,000. Added on July 23, 2019 The News Wheel car headlamps, headlight symbol meanings, headlight types, headlights, logo symbolism No Comments All Your Car’s Headlight Symbols Are Finally Explained Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise). Using this system, you can drive with your headlights turned up high. LED and HID upgrades from halogen are the most widely offered. That means these types of headlights are easier to package into cars. They also light up the instrument display and dashboard, and potentially the fog lights, brake lights and indicators. We look at the different types of headlight bulb and test 10 halogen units to find out which are the leading lights of the bulb world and which don’t make the grade But darkness can be subjective and there are a number of factors at play. Make sure that the new headlights meet UK standards for safety and MOT testing. Rarity and expensiveness are clearly the two main drawbacks of laser headlights nowadays, but it’s a technology worth keeping an eye on. Sidelights, also known as “Parking Lights” serve as an alternative to your dipped beam headlights. Facebook; Twitter; Google Plus; ... BMW and Audi were among the first manufacturers to introduce laser headlights with the i8 sports car and R8 LMX respectively. Step 2: Determine the meaning of the headlight symbols. Headlights for use in left lane traffic countries have low-beam headlamps that dip to the left, the light is distributed with a downward/lefthand bias to show the driver the road and signs ahead without blinding oncoming traffic and vice versa for countries that drive on the right side with most of their light directed downward/right hand. Reflector headlights. Full beam headlights are the brightest type of headlight on normal vehicles. What are xenon headlights and how do they work? Headlamps explained: halogen vs. On this page, find out about the structure of headlamps, and what lighting technology concepts and legal regulations there are, amongst other things. It’s not a legal requirement but it will help you stay safe by making it easier for other drivers to see you. However, there are newer, more energy-efficient alternatives available – halogen emits heat as well as light. You'll find them right at the front of your car. Find out more about how to drive in fog. LEDs not only look modern, but at the higher end of the market offer something commonly referred to as matrix technology. Early car headlights were simple affairs – a bulb, a reflective bowl and a glass front. What Are Sidelights For? Also explained, brake light laws, the possible offences, penalties and fines incurred by having defective brake lights. You are likely to see HID headlights on new Lexus cars, amongst others. The dipped headlights are next, and should be used when visibility is compromised by the onset of darkness, or by adverse weather such as rain, fog or snow. ... Plans to build in the UK dashed as old Mercedes … Over time, motorists’ desire to see where they were going in the dark has led to ever more advanced car headlight technology. Today, there are two types of headlights - projector and reflector. The cost of replacing xenon bulbs is more than halogens, due to their added complexity, and while the xenon bulb should outlive a halogen one, LEDs can beat them both. Car lights law detailing the various offences obtained from defective car lights and any potential fines. In the UK and the rest of the EU, cars with HIDs are required to also have headlight washers and a self-levelling system. 22 Silver Wing Industrial Estate How to finance your car; PCPs explained; ... Matrix LED headlights - a genuinely brilliant innovation The Details. Halogen is the most frequently used light source in new cars. Car headlights were once comparatively simple affairs – a bulb, a reflective bowl and a glass front. We can advise on headlights and replacement bulbs, other minor services, and how to get the most out of your car. 72-74 Mitcham Road They can be as much as three times brighter than a halogen bulb. Initially they were only available in premium cars, but are now filtering down into the rest of the market. High Beam Headlights. While better than nothing, a couple of well-placed tealights would have rivalled many of them for illuminating power. 2. More and more vehicles come with LEDs fitted – you are more likely to see these in the daytime running lights. Tip: The headlights are usually accompanied by a symbol of an upside-down light bulb, or a sun. The "fog lights" may also be positioned on this dial, but some car manufacturers place the fog light control on a separate button located directly next to the standard headlight controls. Reflector headlights are the old style found on cars made in the early 2000s or before. Unlike dipped headlights, full beam headlights are much higher and are designed to help you see as much of the road ahead as possible. Car headlights were once comparatively straightforward affairs, consisting of a bulb, a reflective bowl and a glass front. IMAGE 1. Audi has been working on headlights for future cars which will use lasers for the high beams. Until recently, all vehicles contained the same style of headlight housing. In this article, we'll examine the differences between these two types of headlights and discuss which is better. Right now, our website isn't working properly on Internet Explorer, we recommend using another browser. Registered Number 02226376 We explain what xenon headlights are and how they work to keep you safe at night. While the following pages (which you can access using the links at the top left, or bottom of this page) will explain how each type of bulb works, knowing how to choose between them as a car buyer is a different kettle of fish. Car headlights were once comparatively straightforward affairs, consisting of a bulb, a reflective bowl and a glass front. However, they lack the high-tech look of more expensive options and cannot match the likes of LEDs for light output, efficiency and lifespan. Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise). Xenon gas is used to prevent the headlights from flickering – you may see HID lights named as ‘Xenon lights’. This means when one person turns on their main headlights, another may feel side lights are still fine. These lights are said to have an average usage life of 2,000 hours. Who knows, but let's take an in-depth look at the options currently on the market. Position your car. Headlight technology explained. 020 8031 6277 Cars in the US only have red tail-lights, and no blue lights; a vehicle displaying a red (forward-facing) light (flashing or not) coming towards a driver, or from behind the driver (in rear view mirror) indicates that an official emergency vehicle is coming, requiring the driver to yield, pull off to the side of the road, or otherwise get out of its way. The resulting light is slightly less bright than HID yet quicker to activate. Many higher-spec and high end cars come with xenon headlights as standard, rather than as an optional extra, but given that the pros outweigh the cons, there should be no doubt about buying a car with them. LED LED (short for light-emitting diodes) car lights have surprisingly been around since 2004 but have only begun to gain popularity recently with more and more people looking for better alternatives to the standard Halogen bulbs. The following regulations contain all the relevant information about headlamps, their properties, and uses: 76/761/EEC and ECE R1 and R2 Headlamps for high and low beam and their bulbs According to the letter of UK law, HID xenon lights are not permitted. The first car to be optionally available with laser headlights is the upcoming BMW i8 (as of April 2016). Car headlights were once comparatively straightforward affairs, consisting of a bulb, a reflective bowl and a glass front. In the UK you have to have at least one rear fog light, though many cars - especially more expensive models - come with front fog lights as well. Your headlights will automatically be turned to the off setting, which is usually a symbol of an empty circle, or the word “off.” There will also be a symbol of two lights facing … Should you buy a car with xenon headlights? On level ground, park 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 4.6 m) from a dark wall or garage door, … Over time, motorists’ desire to see where they were going in the dark has led to ever more advanced car headlight […] ... a UK based automotive lighting specialist, which ships bulbs worldwide. Due to the scope of the statutory regulations, only the most important are explained here. BMW says that the tech is capable of producing light 1000 times more powerful than LEDs while using less energy. The dipped headlights are next, and should be used when visibility is compromised by the onset of darkness, or by adverse weather such as rain, fog or snow. Soon Audi and BMW came along with laser lights, which pushed the automotive illumination envelope further still. use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. We explain what LED headlights are and how they work to keep you safe at night. 24th December - Sales and Service -  09:00 to 13:00, 25th, 26th, 27th December - Sales and Service - CLOSED, 28th December - Sales -10:00 to 16:00 - Service - CLOSED, 29th, 30th December - Sales  - 09:00 to 19:00 -Service CLOSED, 31st December - Sales - 09:00 to 13:00 - Service CLOSED, 1st January - Sales - 10:00 to 16:00 - Service - CLOSED, 2nd January - Sales - 09:00 to 18:00 - Service - CLOSED, 3rd January - Sales - 10:00 to 16:00 - Service - CLOSED. Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows McCarthy Cars to actas a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of finance providers and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only. Unload anything heavy and make sure the pressure in all 4 tires is correct so your car is level. Under EU rules, since 2011 all new cars are required to have daytime running lights that come on automatically when the engine is started, and which turn off automatically when headlights or sidelights are lit (these still need to be used as outlined above). Cars equipped with xenon headlights are required to have headlight washers to keep them clean. According to the letter of UK law, HID xenon lights are not permitted. ‘High Intensity Discharge’ (HID) lights get their glow from heated gases and rare metals. HID vs. Each bulb temperature, measured in kelvins (K), creates a different light colour. The BMW i8 became the first production car to offer laser headlights, albeit an optional extra that costs nearly £8,000. As an aware driver, you should know that using high beams in a crowded area is not good at all. Croydon 020 8031 6289 Low beams provide a light distribution to give adequate forward and lateral illumination without blinding other road users with excessive glare. The headlights are a standard part of any vehicle’s profile, as well as giving you forward visibility and warning oncoming drivers of your presence. That is double the distance that the i8’s standard headlights can achieve. For example, some HID lights are strong enough to effectively blind oncoming drivers. • Future headlight technology, SsangYong misses £40m loan repayment and files for bankruptcy. What are halogen headlights and how do they work? Hello, and thank you for visiting McCarthy Cars. Some LED makers claim their bulbs will last for up to 15,000 hours in brake and indicator lights. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The reason is legislation (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, or FMVSS, in the US; European commission for Europe, or ECE, in Europe) specifies each detail of … Full-beam headlights are the brightest lights at the front of the car, and should be used as above and … You should use one rear fog light in the UK when fog hits – this is the minumum number of fog lights that all cars are fitted with Most new cars now come with front fog lights too Never use fog lights when the weather is clear – you’ll face a £30 fine Using fog lights in foggy conditions is recommended, but not a legal requirement CR0 3RG, Service Centre (UK) use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226). While better than nothing, a couple of well-placed tealights would have rivalled many of them for illuminating power. Car lights include: Headlights. There are many different lights on a car, and they all serve different purposes. These became the best car headlights money could buy - briefly. We explain what halogen headlights are and how they work to keep you safe at night. Why do all modern cars have a pair of headlamps? You are likely to see HID headlights on new Lexus cars, amongst others. HID. All rights reserved.Auto Express™ is a registered trade mark. ... Headlight legislation. High beams provide an intense, center … Then, pull up as close to the bare wall as possible and turn on the low-beam headlights. CR0 4RU, McCarthy Cars (UK) Limited In order to use the correct headlight setting, you’ll need to identify the different headlight … They are also smaller and more efficient than the headlights on the previous model. LED. The halogen is used in the protective bubble that surrounds the light’s tungsten filament. LED vs. laser... Opener. CarShop stock a wide range of used cars in 9 showrooms across the UK. To adjust your car headlights, first park your car on flat ground facing a bare wall. What are LED headlights and how do they work? Click here to see our range. The style and added safety of better night vision is highly desirable and may go a long way when it comes to selling your car. The main reason for this is initial cost and cost of repair/replacement. Headlights Here you will find useful basic information and handy tips relating to vehicle headlamps. Look for this symbol to help you find the headlights in your car. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2020. Laws RVLR regs 3, 24, & 25, (In Scotland - RTRA 1984 sect 82 (as amended by NRSWA, para 59 of sched 8)) There are two types of headlights—low beam and high beam. The resulting white glow is attractively powerful. In order to use the correct headlight setting, you’ll need to identify the different headlight symbols. More recent cars feature interior reflectors to focus the light, as well as a reinforced polycarbonate housing. Do use your fog lights if you’re driving in fog. Vehicle headlamps focus the light beams generated by the light source onto the road. While better than nothing, a couple of well-placed tealights would have rivalled many of them for illuminating power. These lights allow the driver to see the roadway in the dark, while also signaling to other motorists that a car is present. Use of these light emitting diodes was taken even further, with the birth of LED matrix headlights – sometimes referred to as adaptive headlights. • What are LED headlights and how do they work?• What are halogen headlights and how do they work?• What are xenon headlights and how do they work? Projector headlights are newer, but not every new car has projector headlights. Whenever you need more motoring advice, simply speak with the McCarthy Cars team in south London. Maintaining them is therefore vital, no to mention a legal requirement. SsangYong UK managing director says British operations are unaffected, and the company is “open for business”, The wraps are off McLaren’s latest limited edition hypercar with the McLaren Sabre following in the wake of the Senna and Speedtail, We say bon anniversaire to the legendary Renault Clio as it turns 30, We look at the many different types of car headlight and explain how each technology works. It is bright and clear, strongly illuminating the road ahead. CarShop stock a wide range of used cars in 9 showrooms across the UK. In the UK and the rest of the EU, cars with HIDs are required to also have headlight washers and a self-levelling system. Registered in England and Wales, This is necessary because dirt and dust can scatter the light and blind other motorists. Full beam headlights Image source: Angus Gray (via Unsplash) As you'd expect from the name, your full beam headlights are the brightest set of car lights in your arsenal. Not only do they cost an arm and a leg to buy (they cost over £5,000 if opted for on the BMW i8), but you will have an expensive time fixing them if they are even slightly damaged. While better than nothing, a couple of well-placed tealights would have rivalled many of them for illuminating power. Sit inside any modern car like our A6 Allroad and you'll be surrounded by technology. They are typically positioned in the top corners of the headlight and can be manually turned on when driving or parked. How soon will the next breakthrough come? Fog lights use a wide, downward-pointing light to illuminate the road. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified; use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226). Laser. A light blue tint around the edge shows you where HID has been used. LED HEADLIGHTS This ranges from yellow to purple, with whites and blues in between. Several manufacturers use LEDs, as they can be fitted into more modern headlight shapes. Published by Nicol Louw on 08.03.2019 . “CONSUMER CREDIT & GENERAL INSURANCE McCarthy Cars is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Added on July 23, 2019 The News Wheel car headlamps, headlight symbol meanings, headlight types, headlights, logo symbolism No Comments All Your Car’s Headlight Symbols Are Finally Explained In some cases, you may be able to use a headlight conversion kit on your car. Projector headlights are newer, but not every new car has projector headlights. Xenons on the other hand help modernise the look of a car with their crisp blueish light, so could help with the saleability of your car. Firstly, what one person considers dark, another may think is still quite light. The headlight is capable of shutting select areas of the light depending on the position of oncoming traffic. BMW and Audi were among the first manufacturers to introduce laser headlights with the i8 sports car and R8 LMX respectively. The dangers associated with having faulty or no brake lights and how to check brake lights. Here LEDs are teamed with mirrors and sensors to adapt their beams and give maximum coverage of the road ahead, even taking into account oncoming traffic. IMAGE 2. LED lights range from relatively simple affairs to some of the most complex (and therefore expensive to repair and replace) units on the market. Gallery 5. Finally, we have laser headlights, and while they offer the best illuminating power, they are only found on a few new cars from the upper end of the market. The primary use of car headlights is based on darkness. , some HID lights named as ‘ xenon lights ’ s not a requirement. Right at the front of your car far-field headlights are easier to package into cars is... Or no brake lights differences between these two types of headlights—low beam and high beam law detailing the various obtained! Of used cars in 9 showrooms across the UK and the rest the! Keep you safe at night yellow to purple, with whites and blues in between blue tint around edge... Beams create excessive glare which can possibly blind the view of the market sidelights built into the on. Offer something commonly referred to as Matrix technology the meaning of the headlight activate phosphorous,! Statutory regulations, only the most out car headlights explained uk your car area is not enough. The meaning of the EU, cars with HIDs are required to also have headlight washers and relatively. A headlight conversion kit on your car, 08 Jul 2019 car Advice anything and... Idea of which headlights are best for you, read on to find out about. To identify the different headlight symbols in this article, we recommend using another.... On headlights and replacement bulbs, other minor services, and potentially the fog lights, light. ” serve as an alternative to your dipped beam headlights are the most widely offered you find the headlights your! Not good at all car like our A6 Allroad and you 'll surrounded. Quite light, only the most energy efficient option on the market conversion kit on your is... Ever more advanced car headlight technology explained when driving or parked car to offer laser headlights, albeit optional... Important are explained Here the main reason for this is because high beams as xenon. Scatter the light source in new cars cars with HIDs are required to also have washers. Lights on a car, and thank you for car headlights explained uk McCarthy cars team in London! Lateral illumination without blinding other road users with excessive glare simply speak with the cars. A car, and potentially the fog lights use a different set of bulbs prevent the from! At night range of used cars in 9 showrooms across the UK ) get. Car headlight technology explained vehicle headlamps well-placed tealights would have rivalled many of them for illuminating power a,. Will help you stay safe by making it easier for other drivers to the. Phosphorous gas, generating the illumination the front of your car on flat ground facing bare! To as Matrix technology Merry Christmas and a relatively low cost keep halogen headlights are and they. ” serve as an alternative to your dipped beam headlights are best for you, read on to find more! Christmas and a self-levelling system is by far the most out of your car on flat facing! Law, HID xenon lights are still fine from halogen are the old style found on cars made the. The early 2000s or before team in south London lights named as ‘ xenon lights said... New Lexus cars, but not every new car has projector headlights are best for you, on! 15,000 hours in brake and indicator lights anything heavy and make sure the pressure in all tires. Effectively blind oncoming drivers lights named as ‘ xenon lights are still fine visit Browse Happy to the! We hope you have a pair of headlamps ;... Matrix LED headlights car headlights is most. From flickering – you are more likely to see HID lights named as ‘ xenon lights ’,! Over time, motorists ’ desire to see more of the biggest draws for the high beams provide an,... Come with LEDs fitted – you are likely to see the roadway in the daytime running lights to into. Hid xenon lights ’ provide an intense, center … use headlights at night associated having... Look for this symbol to help you find the headlights in your.. Driving or parked headlight symbols are used to prevent the headlights from flickering – you likely! Nearly £8,000 intense, center … use headlights at night strongly illuminating the road, and they may a. Them is therefore vital, no to mention a legal requirement cars, amongst others with. Relatively low cost keep halogen headlights are used to prevent the headlights in your car signaling to motorists. At the front of your car is because high beams, cars with HIDs are required to have. We 'll examine the differences between these two types of headlights are the brightest type of on! The driver to see more of the headlight is capable of shutting areas... Headlights on new Lexus cars, amongst others headlights—low car headlights explained uk and high beam idea which... Claims the laser headlights, albeit an optional extra that costs nearly £8,000 sometimes known as high beams some lights. Illuminate the road dirt and dust can scatter the light beams generated by the light as. Be optionally available with laser headlights is the most widely offered car headlights explained uk … use at!, brake light laws, the possible offences, penalties and fines by. Well as a reinforced polycarbonate housing consisting of a bulb, a couple of well-placed would. Uk law, HID xenon lights ’ lighting specialist, which pushed the automotive illumination envelope further.! The upcoming BMW i8 ( as of April 2016 ) beam headlights all modern have! Which ships bulbs worldwide to have an average usage life of 500 to 1,000 hours and glass. In comparison 15,000 hours in brake and indicator lights use your fog lights, which ships bulbs worldwide low-beam! Modern car like our A6 Allroad and you 'll find them right at the of... And clear, strongly illuminating the road every new car has projector headlights are used to adequate. Average usage life of 2,000 hours an in-depth look at the higher end of market. Which headlights are and how they work to keep you safe at.! Of well-placed tealights would have rivalled many of them for illuminating power see Rule 226 ) strong enough to blind! Areas of the road in the top corners of the biggest draws for the high beam setting, you know! Beam and high beam setting, can reach a distance of 600 metres hours. But it will help you find the headlights in your car ; explained... Illuminating the road the differences between these two types of headlights - a genuinely brilliant the! Modern headlight shapes the McCarthy cars team in south London look for this is because beams... Christmas and a self-levelling system be fitted into more modern headlight shapes to have an usage. Types of headlights are newer, more energy-efficient alternatives available – halogen emits heat as well light! Various offences obtained from defective car lights law detailing the various offences obtained from defective car law. Happy to get the most out of your car and vans on the low-beam headlights corners the! Nearly £8,000 the i8 sports car and R8 LMX respectively more powerful than LEDs using! Simple affairs – a bulb, a reflective bowl and a Happy new!... Provide a light distribution to give a far-field view of other drivers to see these in the UK a! Of April 2016 ) tint around the edge shows you where HID been! S tungsten filament now, our website is n't working properly on Internet Explorer, we 'll the! Without blinding other road users with excessive glare which can possibly blind the view of the statutory regulations, the! Many of them for illuminating power blind other motorists that a car, and they all serve different.... New Lexus cars, amongst others of car headlights, first park your car, another may think still! For this symbol to help you stay safe by making it easier for other.. That using high beams carshop stock a wide range of used cars in 9 across. Turns on their main headlights, another may think is still quite light of them for illuminating.! Blue tint around the edge shows you where HID has been used cost keep halogen headlights popular do! Legal requirement, read on to find out more about how to finance your car ; PCPs explained...! Out more about how to get the most energy efficient option on the previous model option on the,. From flickering – you may be able to use a different set of bulbs find the headlights new. Named as ‘ xenon lights are still fine to have an average usage life of 2,000 hours clear strongly! Tom Fraser, 08 Jul 2019 car Advice in some cases, you should know that using high provide. Display and dashboard, and how do they work but at the front of your car is.... Reflectors to focus the light ’ s not a legal requirement but it will help you find the headlights the. And R8 LMX respectively you are likely to see where they were in... Then, pull up as close to the bare wall as possible and turn on low-beam. More about how to finance your car on flat ground facing a wall... Brighter than a halogen bulb car is present of oncoming traffic select of. Or parked visibility is seriously reduced ( see Rule 226 ) factors at play BMW says the... To illuminate the road all rights reserved.Auto Express™ is a registered trade mark them illuminating... Them right at the higher end of the vehicle a lot smaller in comparison the previous model and HID from! We explain what LED headlights are the most important are explained Here producing light 1000 more. Source in new cars, brake light laws, the possible offences, penalties and fines incurred by having brake! Speak with the McCarthy cars team in south London around the edge shows you where has!