Is it necessary to replace halogen headlights with LED headlights?
2 Answers
It is not necessary to replace halogen headlights with LED headlights. If the original factory uses halogen headlights, switching to LED headlights will cause the vehicle to fail the annual inspection. Alternatively, you can switch the lights back before the annual inspection. Modified lighting systems often include a voltage regulator and fuse, but because they do not match the original vehicle circuit, blown fuses can occur frequently. Additionally, the voltage regulator can become extremely hot during operation, and improper installation can easily melt the wiring, leading to a short circuit. The advantages of LED headlights include high brightness, versatile design options, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, long lifespan, and compact size. However, their downside is that their light penetration is inferior to halogen headlights.
I don't think it's absolutely necessary to replace halogen bulbs with LED lights unless you have specific needs. When I drove an older car with halogen lights, the yellowish light wasn't very bright at night, but it was still sufficient to see the road. Although upgrading to LEDs improves brightness and gives a whiter, more modern look, the cost can be significant—a set of LED bulbs plus installation might range from several hundred to over a thousand yuan, depending on the car model. If you mostly drive during the day or rarely travel on dark roads, this expense may not be worthwhile. Original halogen bulbs have a shorter lifespan but are cheaper and easier to replace. Additionally, if the beam pattern isn't adjusted properly after modification, it could dazzle oncoming drivers and cause trouble, not to mention potential safety regulations involved. So my advice is to evaluate your daily driving conditions before deciding—don't blindly follow trends just for the sake of being fashionable.