Types of Aftermarket Vehicle Lights Explained

Finding the right aftermarket lights for your vehicle can be challenging with so many options available.

In this post, you’ll get a helpful overview of the different types of aftermarket vehicle lights, making it easier to select options that align with your goals – whether that’s style, safety, or visibility.

We’ll explore popular picks like LEDs and HIDs, learn guidelines for legality, and also cover important factors like brightness, installation, and maintenance.

Introduction to Aftermarket Vehicle Lights

Aftermarket vehicle lights refer to lighting products that are installed on a vehicle after its original manufacture and sale. These lights allow car owners to customize the look and functionality of their vehicles beyond what was originally available.

Defining Aftermarket Vehicle Lights

Aftermarket lights can include products like:

LED headlights and brake lights for improved visibility and brightness
Underbody neon or LED lighting for a unique, eye-catching aesthetic
Additional utility lights such as light bars and spotlights for off-roading adventures

Installing aftermarket lights allows drivers to enhance their car’s appearance and safety features to suit their personal needs and style.

Reasons for Installing Aftermarket Lights

There are several key reasons owners choose to install aftermarket lighting products on their vehicles:

Aesthetic customization – Many aftermarket lights like underglow neon allow owners to create a unique and attention-grabbing look for their car. This allows them to put their personal stamp on the vehicle.
Increased visibility – LED headlights and brake lights shine brighter than traditional bulbs, helping increase road visibility and potentially improving safety.
Improved functionality – Additional lights like off-road spotlights greatly improve visibility and functionality when driving off-road or in unlit areas.

Ensuring Legal Compliance with State Guidelines

It is critical to review your state’s laws and regulations regarding aftermarket vehicle lights before purchasing and installing them. Guidelines can vary significantly by state, with some types of lights being restricted or requiring special permits. Failing to comply can potentially lead to fines, forced removal of the lights, or other legal consequences.

To avoid issues, research what types of aftermarket lights are permissible in your state and any specific regulations related to color, mounting location, activation methods, and brightness limits. Selecting lights designed to meet your state’s guidelines can let you customize your car legally and safely.

What are the different types of lights in the car?

There are several key types of lights that serve important functions in automobiles:

Headlights

The two main types of headlights are:

Low beam headlights: Also known as dipped headlights, these illuminate the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic. They allow the driver to see approximately 25-50 meters ahead.
High beam headlights: Also known as main beam headlights, these project light further ahead, up to around 100-200 meters. However, they can temporarily blind oncoming drivers, so must be switched to low beam when traffic approaches.

Brake Lights

These red lights illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed, signaling to other motorists that the vehicle is slowing or stopping.

Turn Signals/Indicators

Turn signals, also known as directional signals or indicators, flash intermittently to indicate that the vehicle is about to make a turn or lane change. The right turn signal indicates a right turn, while the left turn signal indicates a left turn.

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

As the name suggests, DRLs remain on during daytime driving to make the vehicle more visible. These lights are typically dimmer than headlights but brighter than sidelights.

Sidelights/Parking Lights

Sidelights, also called parking lights, illuminate the front and rear of the vehicle when parked to increase visibility. These lights may also activate when headlights are turned off while driving at night, depending on the jurisdiction.

Fog Lights

Front fog lights point low and wide to cut through fog, improving visibility. Similarly, rear fog lights make the vehicle more visible from behind in heavy fog.

So in summary, headlights allow drivers to see the road ahead, while other lights like brake lights and indicators help communicate intentions to surrounding traffic. Proper functioning of these lights is critical for safe driving.

What are the 4 types of headlights?

There are four main types of headlight bulbs commonly used in vehicles today:

Halogen Headlights

Halogen bulbs have been widely used in vehicles for decades.
They have a filament enclosed in halogen gas which produces a brighter light compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Halogen lights tend to have a yellowish light output and shorter lifespan than newer bulb types.

Xenon and Bi-Xenon Headlights

Xenon headlight bulbs produce a bright bluish-white light for improved nighttime visibility.
Bi-xenon headlights use xenon for low beams and halogen for high beams.
Xenon lights require additional voltage and components to operate properly.

LED Headlights

LED or light-emitting diode headlights are increasing in popularity.
LEDs produce an extremely bright, crisp white light using less energy.
LED headlights also have very long lifespans compared to other bulb types.

Laser Headlights

Laser headlights represent cutting-edge lighting technology still being developed.
They produce an intense, bluish beam nearly as bright as daylight.
Laser lights have great range and brightness but can be extremely expensive.

So in summary – halogen lights are common and affordable, xenon and bi-xenon provide bright white light, LEDs are energy-efficient with long lifespans, and lasers represent the future of headlight technology. Knowing the pros and cons of each helps guide your headlight purchase and customization plans.

Which is better HID or LED lights?

LED lights are generally considered superior to HID lights for most vehicles. Here’s a comparison of some of the key differences:

Energy Efficiency

LED bulbs consume less power than HID bulbs. A typical LED headlight bulb uses 30-40% less energy than an HID bulb.
This improved efficiency translates into extended battery life and less strain on your car’s electrical systems.

Lifespan

The lifespan of an LED bulb is drastically longer than an HID bulb:
- LED bulbs last around 30,000 hours on average.
- HID bulbs last approximately 3,000 hours.
You’ll have to replace an HID bulb around 10 times more often. LEDs save you money over time.

Light Quality

LEDs offer brighter, more focused beams with precise light direction.
The light color is closer to natural daylight as opposed to the blue-tinted light from HIDs.
LEDs provide excellent visibility at night and in bad weather.

So in most cases, LED bulbs are the better choice over HID. They consume less energy, last exponentially longer, and give drivers better visibility on the road. The upfront cost of LEDs is higher, but you easily regain that over years of use.

What kind of lights do new cars have?

Most new vehicles today come equipped with halogen headlights. Halogen bulbs are a common type of headlight found in both old and new cars. They work by heating a halogen gas inside the bulb, which causes the filament to glow brightly.

Some key things to know about halogen headlights:

Brightness: Halogen bulbs put out a bright, white light that illuminates the road effectively. However, they are not as bright as modern LED or HID headlights.
Cost: Halogen bulbs are inexpensive to purchase as replacement bulbs. This makes them a budget-friendly option for most car owners.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a halogen bulb is about 2 years or so. They must be replaced periodically as the filament eventually burns out.
Power: Halogen headlight bulbs draw less electrical power from the vehicle compared to LED and HID bulbs. This puts less strain on the car’s electrical systems.
Color Temperature: Halogen lights have a yellowish hue, rated at 3200K color temperature. This is noticeably more yellow than crisp white LEDs and HIDs.

So in summary, halogen lights are the standard headlight type equipped on most new vehicles today. They offer a balance of affordability, brightness, efficiency, and ease of replacement. However, modern LED and HID options are also growing in popularity for their increased light output and stylish white appearance.

Types of Aftermarket Vehicle Lights

Aftermarket vehicle lights refer to lights that are installed on a vehicle after it has left the factory. These lights allow drivers to customize the look and function of their vehicles. Some common types of aftermarket vehicle lights include:

Customizing with Aftermarket Headlights

Aftermarket headlights can provide improved visibility and a modern, customized look compared to stock headlights. Some popular options include:

HID headlights: HID (high intensity discharge) headlights provide brighter, whiter light from a xenon bulb and ballast system. They offer increased visibility of the road ahead.
LED headlights: LED headlights use efficient, long-lasting LED bulbs to produce bright white light. They consume less power than standard halogen bulbs.
Halo projector headlights: These headlights feature halo rings of LEDs around the main projector bulb for a high-tech look. The projector module focuses the beam for added visibility.

When installing aftermarket headlights, it’s important to ensure they comply with your state’s guidelines for allowable brightness, beam pattern, and mounting height.

Enhancing Safety with Aftermarket Brake Lights

Upgrading standard brake lights to custom aftermarket versions can improve visibility and safety. Some options include:

LED brake lights: LEDs offer instant brightness and light up faster than standard bulbs. This alerts drivers behind you more quickly when braking.
Smoke brake lights: These darkened brake lights stand out against the body color for improved visibility. They feature a transparent red lens over a black background.
Third brake lights: Also known as a high-mounted stop lamp, these supplemental center brake lights give added visibility from behind.

Like headlights, aftermarket brake lights must meet regulations for brightness and location to ensure safety and compliance.

Daytime Driving Lights for Style and Visibility

Daytime running lights (DRLs) illuminate when driving to make your vehicle more visible. Many aftermarket kits feature efficient LEDs for energy savings and a modern appearance. They can be installed in various areas like the bumper, fog light bezels, or headlight housing. DRLs are a popular way to customize a vehicle’s look while potentially improving safety during daytime driving by increasing visibility to other motorists. They don’t replace headlights but provide added illumination separate from the headlight system.

When selecting aftermarket lights, consult your state’s guidelines and regulations regarding allowable customization to avoid compliance issues. Work with a qualified installer to properly outfit your vehicle.

Guidelines for Selecting Compliant Aftermarket Lights

Choosing legally approved lights for your state avoids issues down the road. Regulations often focus on brightness, color, and mounting.

Reviewing Brightness Regulations for Headlights

When installing aftermarket headlights or auxiliary lights like underglows, it’s important to review your state’s brightness regulations. Many states restrict the maximum legal brightness for forward-facing lights to prevent blinding other drivers. Going over brightness limits can create unsafe conditions and lead to tickets or fines.

To find your state’s exact lux or lumens restrictions, search "[state name] headlight brightness laws." Compare any lights you buy against these regulations. Opt for dimmable lights that allow brightness adjustment. Consider adding a light sensor to automatically dim lights when another car approaches. Following brightness rules helps keep all drivers safe.

Understanding Color Restrictions for Brake Lights and Others

While neon or colorful lights have become popular for underglows and even brake lights, certain colors are illegal in some states. Red brake lights are universal, but adding other colors or using all-blue lights could violate regulations. Check regional guidelines on allowable colors for custom lights.

Using an unapproved color increases chances of getting pulled over. It also reduces visibility to other drivers. Stick to legal colors, or install lights that can change color for versatility. Thinking ahead helps avoid issues down the road.

Considering Physical Mounting Laws

Beyond brightness and color, regulations related to light positioning aim to prevent obstructed visibility. Lights must be mounted properly to ensure they don’t block or negatively impact line-of-sight.

Carefully follow instructions when mounting aftermarket lights. Use recommended locations that don’t interfere with seeing or being seen. Improperly positioned lights increase risk of accidents. They also provide grounds for a citation if they block visibility of your license plate or existing lights. Checking mounting laws keeps all road users safe.

Following guidelines when selecting aftermarket lights prevents legal issues, creates better visibility, and lets you customize your car safely. Referencing regional regulations ensures your new lights follow the rules of the road.

Installing Aftermarket Lights

Careful installation preserves functionality and legal compliance. Consider complexity to determine whether professional help is recommended.

Assessing Installation Difficulty

Installing basic aftermarket lights like neon ground effects or underglow kits can often be managed by DIY enthusiasts. These lights typically come with self-adhesive backing for easy mounting under the vehicle’s frame and body panels. Connecting the lights to a 12V power source inside the car also tends to be straightforward.

However, more complex installations like custom projector headlights, auxiliary LED light bars, or interior neon tubes may require professional assistance. Proper placement of these lights involves carefully wiring into the existing electrical system and aiming the beams correctly. Mishandling these steps could lead to nonfunctional lights, electrical shorts, or aiming that blinds other drivers. Those without much technical know-how should consider having a professional mechanic or electrician handle the difficult aspects of the installation.

Inspecting the complexity of the specific aftermarket lighting accessory and one’s confidence in their technical skills will help determine if professional installation services are recommended for proper functioning and safety.

Ensuring Proper Electrical Connections

Faulty electrical connections are a common cause of issues with aftermarket lights. From lights flickering or not turning on at all to completely blown fuses that disable other critical vehicle systems, poor wiring can lead to frustrating problems and safety hazards.

Those with technical expertise can carefully tap into the existing wiring harness to integrate new lighting accessories. But for many DIY installers, having a professional electrician correctly splice into the vehicle’s electrical system is wise. Seeking out mechanics experienced specifically with handling aftermarket accessories rather than general repair shops can help ensure the integration meets automotive-grade standards.

Proper connections involve weatherproofing wires, avoiding shorts, using the right gauge wire for the amp load, and correctly tapping into circuits designed for additional accessories. While costlier upfront, having an expert handle this intricate work often saves money and headaches over time.

Aiming Lights Properly

Newly installed lights must point in safe directions to avoid blinding other drivers, attracting tickets from authorities, or failing inspections. Headlights, fog lights, spot lights, and light bars all require careful adjustment during mounting.

Ideally, the vehicle should be aimed on level ground and the center point of the beams should reach no higher than the height of the mounted lights themselves off the road. Light bars and spot lights should point directly forward or angled slightly downward, never above the horizon.

Test aiming the lights in a dark environment at night. Have someone observe from front and sides of the vehicle to identify any glaring or blinding issues. Adjust angles gradually to dial in proper alignment. Don’t forget to double check aim after driving off-road or shifting mechanical components.

Maintaining Your Aftermarket Lights

Like factory lights, aftermarket lighting performs best with occasional inspection, cleaning, and replacement of burnt out bulbs. Keeping your custom lights properly maintained ensures optimal visibility and safety while driving.

Checking Connections and Housing

Carefully inspect the wiring and housing of your aftermarket lights every few months. Look for any loose connections, damaged wires, or cracks in the housing that could allow moisture inside. A loose wire can cause intermittent operation, while cracked housings can lead to total failure. Tightening connections and sealing cracks will extend the life of your lights.

Replacing Burnt Out Bulbs

Don’t ignore burnt out bulbs in your custom lighting. Replace dead bulbs right away so you maintain consistent and adequate illumination. Mixing old and new bulbs can create uneven lighting, reducing visibility. Refer to your light’s manual to identify the proper replacement bulb type. Use gloves when handling new bulbs to avoid oil from your fingers causing early failure.

Cleaning Lights from Road Debris

Road debris like dirt, bugs, and grime can accumulate on headlight and taillight covers. This buildup scatters the light, reducing brightness. Every few weeks, clean the covers with a microfiber cloth and plastic cleaner to remove stuck-on debris. Start with a gentle approach, then use a bug scrubber if needed. Harsh abrasives can scratch the covers, so take care to avoid that. Proper cleaning restores like-new performance.

Following basic maintenance guidelines keeps your aftermarket lights working safely so you can enjoy their unique style for years to come. Check connections, swap burnt out bulbs promptly, and wipe away road grime before it builds up. With occasional attention, your custom lights will continue shining brightly.

Conclusion

Aftermarket vehicle lights allow car owners to customize and enhance their vehicles’ appearance and functionality. However, it is important to be aware of regulations regarding aftermarket lighting to avoid fines or having to remove installed lights.

There are several types of aftermarket lights to consider:

Headlights – Brighter headlights improve visibility and allow drivers to see farther at night. LED and HID headlights are popular upgrades. However, brightness and beam pattern regulations vary by state.
Underbody lights – Colorful LED strips installed under the chassis create a neon glow effect. However, some states prohibit certain colors or require lights to be covered while driving on public roads. Always check local regulations.
Interior lights – LED lighting along floors or doors create a stylish look. These are generally legal, but avoid colors that could distract the driver.
Brake lights – Brighter LED brake lights improve visibility to other drivers. However, the brightness must stay within legal lumen limits.

When selecting aftermarket lights, consult a professional installer who understands state regulations. Properly installed lights that meet legal requirements allow enthusiasts to customize their vehicle’s style while remaining safe and compliant on public roads. Stay up-to-date on any changing regulations that may impact previously installed modifications.

Aftermarket Undercar Lighting: Legal Guidelines