Headlight comparison: LED, xenon or halogen?

The lights are one of the most important safety features in our cars. In fact, they not only let us see where we are going when there is not enough light to see properly, but also allow other vehicles to be aware of our vehicle’s presence. Over the years, headlight technology has steadily improved and has changed the way they work.

The most common technology up to now has been that of halogen headlights. They are still used in many models, although their use is beginning to decline in favour of other technologies. Their operation is similar to that of the light bulbs we have at home. The light beam is uniform, but it cannot be modified. This type of light allows you to see ahead of the car, but it does not achieve good beam quality.

It is a powerful beam at the centre, but as it spreads out, it loses intensity and consequently effectiveness. Furthermore, it is a poor light when it comes to interacting with other vehicles on the road. It is easy to dazzle drivers coming the other way or even those ahead. At most, there is a mechanical system to raise or lower the headlights slightly to avoid this dazzling.

Xenon headlights, more efficiency and power

In the case of headlights that use xenon lights, we find a more intense and pure light. Its lifespan is longer and it also improves other aspects such as energy consumption. That said, when it comes to dazzling, they can be just as impractical as halogens. The light, which is brighter, reaches further and offers better visibility.

The downside is that this brightness also works against it, as the risk of dazzling is similar or perhaps it could even be said to be greater. As with halogens, it requires a mechanical system to avoid dazzling other vehicles, moving slightly and avoiding blinding other drivers.

LED technology, the future of headlights

Headlights with LED technology are reaching most current models, and it is in the higher ranges where they have the greatest presence. For lower or mid-range models they are reserved for daytime running lights, for which they offer very adequate and effective visibility. In the case of the headlights fitted to higher-end cars, work has been done to further improve their capabilities.

The diodes are grouped into clusters, which driver assistance systems switch on or off in order to avoid dazzling drivers who are ahead of the car. This system has been progressively refined and today it is possible to find LED lighting systems in headlights that detect cars approaching head-on or travelling ahead in the same direction, and adjust the direction and intensity of the light beam.

Efficiency has also advanced with LED lights, as headlights have been developed that combine LED technology with laser, creating a more intense light beam with intelligent behaviour. These headlights are integrated into the BMW i8 and will gradually move to other models, both from the brand and from other manufacturers.

The development of car headlights continues, and greater efficiency in their use is being achieved, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the risks that other types of lighting pose to other road users.