How to Tell if Headlights Are Original Equipment?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if headlights are original equipment include: 1. Non-original headlights often have many burrs, and the engraved character markings on the headlights are blurry; 2. The font on aftermarket headlights is relatively indistinct, while original headlights have deeply and uniformly engraved characters; 3. Original headlights use thicker materials; 4. Every original headlight has a row of codes located at the bottom left and right corners; 5. The installation interface of aftermarket headlights is not as precise; 6. Aftermarket headlights have poor reflectors, resulting in inferior lighting effects and scattered light; 7. When turning on the headlights, aftermarket versions have a slower response time and may even exhibit uneven brightness between the left and right sides.
A few years ago, I bought a used car and immediately checked if the headlights were original, as aftermarket ones are prone to issues. The method was quite simple: First, look for the manufacturer's logo on the lens surface—for example, Toyota cars have clear 'Toyota' engravings, while aftermarket ones may be blurry or missing. Then, feel the texture—original headlights have smooth, hard plastic without burrs, whereas aftermarket ones are often rough and prone to cracking. After installation, check the gaps—original parts fit tightly with no gaps, while aftermarket ones often have small spaces. During a lighting test, original headlights provide uniform brightness without yellowing. I also recommend checking the serial number, located inside the headlight or on the packaging, which can be verified online for authenticity. Back then, I discovered the lights weren’t original, and after replacing them, the lighting became much more precise. Safe driving starts with attention to detail.
