Most drivers only know whether their car headlights are working or not. The story and technology behind them is interesting. If you know how your car headlights accomplish the task, you'll be able to maintain them much more effectively and perhaps avoid some of the emergency dangers in the road.
In the beginning
More than a century ago, automobile headlights were fueled by either kerosene or acetylene. Small electric bulbs in a reflector/lens casing were then used after that. The lights would dim quickly from corrosion since insulation in old bulbs was a problem. These became illegal in 1941 though since they would blind individuals, before the corrosion happened, because they resembled constant high beams.
Sealed-beam lights around now
Standard household light bulbs seemed to be comparable to Tungsten filament bulbs. High- and low-beam switches began to appear by the 1920s. Brightness and overall beam control were inconsistent, which is not surprising, considering the bulbs were cheaply made. Quartz-iodine technology swapped out sealed-beam lights by 1973.
The next move
Quartz-Iodine (QI) is the standard headlight technology in use today. The bulb is once again small, and far more modern sealing materials help protect both the bulb and the reflector array. The filament burns much hotter producing brighter light. This is because quartz glass can withstand very hot temperatures. When QI bulbs require replacement, the headlights do not have to be re-aimed, thanks to precise design of modern filaments.
Now HD bulbs are available
A high-voltage arc just like a lightening bulb is used with High-intensity-discharge bulbs or HIDs. While a high first current is needed to turn the bulb on, once an HID is up and running it demands less energy than a standard QI lamp. Most observers claim an HID produces a crisper beam, but because they take a moment to reach full intensity, high-beams on HIDs could be problematic, particularly in emergency situations. For this reason, some modify HID arrays with QI bulbs for the high beams, but this can be prohibitively expensive.
Very bright LED bulbs
Headlights don't typically use LED (light-emitting diode) lights since they're typically for taillights. Popular Mechanics reports that there is only one car where they are standard. That is the Audi A8. The bright and power efficient LED light helps several people see farther. This helps if there is ever an emergency or dangerous situation.
The Instructables website explains that there were DIY choices for anybody wanting an LED headlight but does not have an Audi A8. Turn signal switches aren't compatible though since LEDs use so little power. To be able to get the right current going, you will need to switch them out.
In the beginning
More than a century ago, automobile headlights were fueled by either kerosene or acetylene. Small electric bulbs in a reflector/lens casing were then used after that. The lights would dim quickly from corrosion since insulation in old bulbs was a problem. These became illegal in 1941 though since they would blind individuals, before the corrosion happened, because they resembled constant high beams.
Sealed-beam lights around now
Standard household light bulbs seemed to be comparable to Tungsten filament bulbs. High- and low-beam switches began to appear by the 1920s. Brightness and overall beam control were inconsistent, which is not surprising, considering the bulbs were cheaply made. Quartz-iodine technology swapped out sealed-beam lights by 1973.
The next move
Quartz-Iodine (QI) is the standard headlight technology in use today. The bulb is once again small, and far more modern sealing materials help protect both the bulb and the reflector array. The filament burns much hotter producing brighter light. This is because quartz glass can withstand very hot temperatures. When QI bulbs require replacement, the headlights do not have to be re-aimed, thanks to precise design of modern filaments.
Now HD bulbs are available
A high-voltage arc just like a lightening bulb is used with High-intensity-discharge bulbs or HIDs. While a high first current is needed to turn the bulb on, once an HID is up and running it demands less energy than a standard QI lamp. Most observers claim an HID produces a crisper beam, but because they take a moment to reach full intensity, high-beams on HIDs could be problematic, particularly in emergency situations. For this reason, some modify HID arrays with QI bulbs for the high beams, but this can be prohibitively expensive.
Very bright LED bulbs
Headlights don't typically use LED (light-emitting diode) lights since they're typically for taillights. Popular Mechanics reports that there is only one car where they are standard. That is the Audi A8. The bright and power efficient LED light helps several people see farther. This helps if there is ever an emergency or dangerous situation.
The Instructables website explains that there were DIY choices for anybody wanting an LED headlight but does not have an Audi A8. Turn signal switches aren't compatible though since LEDs use so little power. To be able to get the right current going, you will need to switch them out.
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