Has anyone ever tried LED headlights?

[YarisSedan]

I have heard mixed reviews about them that the light output is very low compared to a typical halogen.

Something like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-H4-Lens-...bbdbff&vxp=mtr

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Yeah, I wouldn't bother. You're going to hate yourself for buying those once night hits. I'd reserve LEDs for DRL's (none in the sedan) and turn signals if just swapping bulbs.

[YarisSedan]

Yeah i know about 5 years ago led bulbs used to be the craze but id think technology has improved since then. Led output has been getting better at least on the flashlight market. Lot of the stuff is made in china anyways. Its hard to believe a 7.5watt led bulb can produce the same light output as a halogen bulb.

[fnkngrv]

lumens and distance of projection are not things that go hand in hand unfortunately in this case.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by YarisSedan

Yeah i know about 5 years ago led bulbs used to be the craze but id think technology has improved since then. Led output has been getting better at least on the flashlight market. Lot of the stuff is made in china anyways. Its hard to believe a 7.5watt led bulb can produce the same light output as a halogen bulb.

They may be bright in terms of luments (I have some LED flash lights that are as bright, if not brighter than halogen headlights), but it'll be a spot and not widespread. I love LEDs, but I'll never get LED headlights

[CTScott]

I saw some crazy LED off-road lights at the NY Auto Show that were easily as bright as their incandescent counter parts, but one that bright are more than double the price of HIDs.

[dragoonmc]

I saw something the other day about research going into retro fits for LED headlights into Semis so I would imagine that LED headlights on Ebay are not going to be good if there is real research going into them still

[mazilla]

LED light bars are the brightest things roaming the local deserts at night(usually on top of a sandrail) ...much brighter than ANY typical headlight.

[ciscobear]

Those are good for fog lights just for HID matching, just as decorative lights. Don't expect to get any light throw from those.

[UberSilver]

Only two automotive companies are using LED headlamps, and only in there top of the line models. I had a 20,000 lumen LED off road lamp, but I sold it, as there was no good place to mount it.

[fnkngrv]

that's the problem still with LEDs...they can be bright as hell, but focusing them so not as to blind oncoming traffic is the trick

[yarisugi]

Though LED technology is rapidly improving, nothing can beat HIDs yet.
Like fnkngrv stated, bright doesn't mean good for the road and other cars driving in the opposite direction.
Those cars you see with bright white lights - nothing but glare.
High power LEDs still have issues with heat dissipation and they need certain optics for focus.
To the OP, you'll be very disappointed if you buy the LEDs you linked to. Save your money.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by mazilla

LED light bars are the brightest things roaming the local deserts at night(usually on top of a sandrail) ...much brighter than ANY typical headlight.

But we're talking about bulb swaps, not purpose made LED units

[jcboy]

LED lights are usually not wide-angle, theyre directional. that's why position matters when people retrofit their car interior lights with such. (try it yourself, im not talking about ready-made replacement lights, rather just LEDs + DIY). glare shouldnt be an issue, but a lot of careful attention should be put into this when using as headlights.

oh, and the heat, that's actually where the HIDs win hands down over them, and the distance of light projected. light output vs. current, LEDs win by a small margin. the thing is LEDs don't produce UV light, which can cause a little bleaching on the thinner (aka newer cars LOL) reflectors.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by jcboy

LED lights are usually not wide-angle, theyre directional. that's why position matters when people retrofit their car interior lights with such. (try it yourself, im not talking about ready-made replacement lights, rather just LEDs + DIY). glare shouldnt be an issue, but a lot of careful attention should be put into this when using as headlights.

oh, and the heat, that's actually where the HIDs win hands down over them, and the distance of light projected. light output vs. current, LEDs win by a small margin. the thing is LEDs don't produce UV light, which can cause a little bleaching on the thinner (aka newer cars LOL) reflectors.

That is a purpose made headlight. We're talking about just a simple bulb swap here.

But yes, placement matters with LEDs if you don't get a wide spreading one. I took a few minutes to get the lighting right in our Camry (using just a simple, 6 SMD board in the lone (dome) interior light. The same with my ex's Civic (all three interior lights in her car). lol


LEDs do produce a lot of heat if not properly heat sinked or if too much voltage is running through them. I have LEDs in my car. Those are properly made, so they don't run hot. However, on my first attempt to make a macro photography ring light, I over powered the LEDs, and they were HOT within a minute or two. I had to modify the battery case to run lower wattage. All cool now. haha

[invader166]

I came across this article today. It looks like the new LED bulb designs may have cought up to the regular halogen ones. Mind you, quality replacement bulbs like these are not cheap, but it may be an easier non-glare solution then doing a projector retrofit with HID.

http://www.xenondepot.com/Philips-12...eview-s/62.htm

[fnkngrv]

My buddy that has been helping me build my car sells kick ass LED retrofit kits with lifetime warranties for $100 for the set. I will be installing them for sure. I have ridden in close a dozen different vehicles he has installed in that run from 2000 to 2014 for model years. Also they have been GM, Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Jeep. Also as an interesting addition the ones he sells have built in cooking fans.

Sent from m-o-b-i-l-e

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by fnkngrv

My buddy that has been helping me build my car sells kick ass LED retrofit kits with lifetime warranties for $100 for the set. I will be installing them for sure. I have ridden in close a dozen different vehicles he has installed in that run from 2000 to 2014 for model years. Also they have been GM, Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Jeep. Also as an interesting addition the ones he sells have built in cooking fans.

Sent from m-o-b-i-l-e

Sent from m-o-b-i-l-e