If you’re considering working in the automotive industry, you may have noticed that many cars today offer a choice between Xenon and LED headlights. The headlights are an important feature of a car, offering various light intensities for nighttime driving. Xenons have been a staple of the auto industry for a while. In recent years, however, LEDs have come into play with an increasing number of car manufacturers adding them to their lineups.
For those interested in working in the auto industry, here’s a look at the different features of these two headlights and their comparative performances.
A Look at the Different Headlight Features
Students in auto mechanic training should understand the technical details and features of each headlight type. The main difference between the two is that Xenon HID headlights are intense versions of regular light bulbs that rely on gas, while LEDs rely on diodes and electrons to create light. Accordingly, the two headlights produce very different effects.
In general, LED headlights produce a brighter beam of light of around 8,000 to 10,000 lumens. In contrast, Xenon headlights produce a clear beam of around 3000 lumens. In terms of life span, LED lights boast a long service life of up to 50,000 hours, while Xenons offer around 2000 hours of light. The energy consumption between the two also differs: LED bulbs use around 95% less power than Xenon bulbs. Since LED lights hold numerous advantages over Xenons, it’s no surprise that they are far more expensive to produce.
Comparing the Performance of LED and Xenon Headlights
When it comes to comparing the performance of car headlights, consumers are generally looking for the best possible illumination. By that metric, LED headlights tend to overpower their Xenon counterparts. Most modern cars equipped with LED headlights offer a warmer light and a larger area of illumination. That is not to say that Xenon headlights offer poor light quality. In fact, the difference in light levels may be imperceptible in many cars.
Professionals with an auto mechanic certification will know that there are other factors that affect headlight performance, including the design, their aim, and a vehicle’s projectors that direct the light. Longevity is another factor to consider. While LED headlights last longer than Xenons, both score well in that department. In fact, Xenons are likely to last longer than many drivers own their vehicle.
Which Headlights Should You Recommend After Auto Mechanic Training?
In terms of life span, energy efficiency, and light quality, LED headlights are generally considered to be better than Xenons. That’s why car owners are increasingly advised to opt for a vehicle with LED headlights. It’s important to note, however, that LEDs come at a higher cost. Their performance also depends on the vehicle model that they’re used for and the design of the reflectors or projectors that focus the light beam. In general, LED lights are smaller which means they’re more easily fitted into car designs.
As LEDs become cheaper to produce, manufacturers are gradually using them in a wider range of vehicles, as they offer a safer and more energy-efficient option.
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