How Long Do Car Halogen Lights Last?
1 Answers
Car halogen headlights typically last about 4 to 6 years, with a theoretical cumulative usage time of around 300 hours. If you drive at night three times a week, this would be their lifespan, though it depends on nighttime driving and headlight usage (day or night). The biggest drawback of halogen lights is their relatively low brightness, which may not meet the needs of drivers who require high illumination. Their main advantage is their affordability and good penetration. Types of car lights: 1. Halogen bulbs: Halogen bulbs are the most common type in cars, working on the same principle as the incandescent bulbs once used in homes. The bulb contains iodine and bromine gases along with a tungsten filament. When electrically heated, the tungsten filament glows, and as it heats up, tungsten sublimates. The tungsten reacts with the iodine and bromine gases, and upon cooling, re-solidifies onto the filament, preventing premature breakage. 2. Xenon bulbs: Xenon bulbs consist of a quartz tube filled with xenon gas. A high-voltage current activates the xenon gas inside the tube, creating an arc light. Many car owners choose xenon lights for their high brightness, which is about three times that of halogen lights. Xenon lights typically have a color temperature between 3500K and 8000K. Lower color temperatures result in a more yellowish light, which has better penetration in rain and fog, while higher color temperatures produce a whiter light with poorer penetration in such conditions. 3. LED lights: LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, are currently the most popular car headlights. They are about twice as expensive as xenon lights and are rarely found in low-end models, mostly being used in high-end and luxury vehicles. The higher cost is justified by their high brightness, low power consumption, and almost no risk of burning out. LED lights can last between 60,000 to 100,000 hours, meaning they are unlikely to fail over the entire lifespan of the car.
