Category: Aftermarket Headlights

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Do My Truck’s LED or HID Headlights Blind Other Drivers?

Truck LED headlights close up.



The question many drivers have is whether or not their aftermarket truck headlights blind other drivers. If you’ve recently installed HID and LED headlights, you know that they’re much brighter compared to the traditional halogen bulbs. So are they blinding to other drivers on the road?

Road safety always comes first, so while you may be able to see what’s ahead of you better with your new aftermarket truck headlights, you want to ensure that other drivers can maintain a proper line of vision as well. It all comes down to the quality and the positioning of your bulbs.

The Problem with Poor Quality Aftermarket Truck Headlights

One of the biggest mistakes that truck owners make is purchasing HID or LED headlights that are poor quality, usually in hopes of saving money. HID and LED lights do tend to be more expensive than their halogen counterparts, but with good reason. Not only do the aftermarket truck headlights have a much longer lifespan than traditional halogen bulbs, but they provide a much better quality of light too.

If you try to skimp on the bulbs, you may be sacrificing quality and putting other drivers in danger. It’s important to always purchase your aftermarket truck headlights from a reputable, professional brand to ensure that you’re getting the best quality lights possible.

Poor Quality Bulbs Can Be Too Bright

While the purpose of HID and LED headlights is to provide better illumination, when you purchase poor quality bulbs, you may end up with a light that’s too bright. When the light becomes too bright, it can pose a danger to other drivers. Those in oncoming traffic may be blinded by the lights, making it difficult for them to see what’s in front of or around them.

Drivers in front of you may suffer from the bright reflection in their rearview and side mirrors, too, causing the same effect. The effect that blinding headlights may have is why it’s essential to make sure that the aftermarket truck headlights you purchase are high quality.

The Positioning of Aftermarket Truck Headlights

If you’ve followed our install guides before, you know that a crucial part of installing HID or LED headlights is to ensure the proper positioning after installation. If your aftermarket truck headlights are angled incorrectly, they can blind other drivers.

It’s vital that when you make the switch to your new headlight bulbs, you use the proper conversion kit, which helps assure that the lights are correctly aligned. Bulbs that are aimed too high, too low, or too far off to the side will not only fail to provide you with an adequate line of vision, but they may blind other drivers as well.

The Bottom Line When It Comes to HID and LED Headlights

If you’re wondering whether or not your aftermarket truck headlights blind other drivers, you can take your truck to a shop for them to evaluate the positioning. However, if you have purchased high-quality bulbs from a reputable sale center and installed them correctly, they should not pose a risk to anyone else on the road.

If you’re looking for the perfect aftermarket truck headlights, visit RECON today and use our handy install guides or customer support representatives for all your lighting needs.

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The Ultimate Guide: LED Headlights vs. HID Headlights

Black pickup truck showing headlights

Halogen light bulbs come stock on most trucks and vehicles, though they often aren’t the best option for drivers. As technology has progressed, better lighting options have been developed that offer a wide range of benefits to consumers. RECON offers options for all aftermarket headlights, helping drivers choose the part that best suits their needs. 

Alternatives to standard halogen bulbs include LED and HID headlights, with both offering more power and cleaner lighting. LED and HID headlights differ slightly in their use and capabilities, and RECON provides insight to help match you with the best aftermarket headlight for your vehicle.  

LED Headlights

LED, or “light emitting diode,” headlights are one option for aftermarket headlights. They are currently the most popular choice for aftermarket headlights. There are many benefits of installing LED lights in comparison to stock halogen bulbs. Benefits of aftermarket LED headlights include:

  • Producing more light while pulling less energy from your truck.
  • A lifespan that is five times longer than stock halogen bulbs.
  • Cleaner, white light that increases visibility in poor or dark driving conditions.
  • Instant illumination, providing full brightness and color upon powering on.
  • Increased durability, with the ability to withstand rugged wear and tear, and poor weather conditions.
  • Virtually no maintenance over the course of LED headlights’ lifespan.
  • Highly unlikely to overheat, blow a fuse, or pose risk for electrical fire.

Aftermarket LED headlights are a great option for drivers who want to install an aftermarket headlight and not have to worry about maintenance or continuously replacing the bulbs, or “set it and forget it.”  Many drivers will never have to replace an LED headlight for the entirety of their vehicle ownership; possibly the biggest selling point.

HID Headlights  

HID, or “high-intensity discharge,” headlights are another option for drivers looking to purchase an aftermarket headlight as a better alternative to halogen bulbs.  Another newer technology, HID headlights offers numerous advantages over traditional headlights, with many similarities to LEDs.  Benefits of aftermarket HID headlights include:

  • 3x-5x the brightness in comparison to traditional halogen bulbs.
  • A lifespan of several years; longer lasting than traditional halogen bulbs.
  • Affordability.  HID headlights are great for drivers looking to upgrade on a budget.
  • More energy efficient than halogen bulbs.
  • Provide the ability to choose your color temperature and a light quality that matches your personal preference. 

Aftermarket LED Headlights vs Aftermarket HID Headlights

With multiple purchase options for aftermarket headlights, you may be left wondering what the difference is between LED headlights and HID headlights.  Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.  There are a few differences to keep in mind before making a decision on which to purchase:

  • LED headlights produce more of a white light, while HID headlights produce a light that is more blue in color.
  • LED headlights may cause more eye discomfort in other drivers in comparison to HID headlights.
  • LED headlights have a much longer lifespan than HID headlights.
  • LED headlights tend not to be as bright as HID headlights.
  • LED headlights are more durable than HID headlights, which tend to be more fragile.
  • LED headlights maintain their brightness for their full lifespan, while HID headlights may fade over time. 
  • LED and HID headlights both come in multiple colors, offering customers choices.
  • HID headlights are more affordable than LED headlights in the short-term.
  • LED headlights provide a wider scope of visibility when compared to HID headlights, which provide a more narrow view.

Things to Keep in Mind

When purchasing aftermarket headlights, whether LED or HID , it’s important to keep in mind that no bulb is indestructible and that the lifespan of each will depend on how much the headlights are used.

For example, a driver who utilizes their headlights for two hours a day will experience a much longer lifespan than someone who utilizes their headlights for six hours a day.  Any type of headlight may need to be replaced eventually, but purchasing aftermarket LED or HID headlights will greatly cut down on the frequency of which they will need to be changed. 

RECON offers a variety of aftermarket headlights available for purchase, as well as handy installation guides for each type of product.