When it comes to your car or truck’s performance, prematurely dying headlights is a common conundrum. 

Particularly with stock Halogen lights, which are notorious for becoming dull and dim over time, faltering or fading visibility on the road ahead isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous! Dark surroundings and inclement weather conditions can prove disastrous if your headlights are not providing adequate illumination on the road. 

If you’re looking for ways to extend the life of your headlights, read on for some top tips. 

Expert’s Choice!

Upgrade Your Lights—and Your Look! 

A commonly recommended tip from car and truck lighting professionals is to make the switch from stock Halogen lights to a new and improved model. HID and LED headlights are top picks for transitioning to an instantly updated lighting look. 

HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights

These are also known as Xenon gas bulbs, produce a brilliantly bright light. 

• Similar in design to a neon light, HID bulbs function by a combination of an electrical charge and Xenon gas. 
• HID bulbs have an impressive lifespan of around 10,000 hours, depending on the model you select. 
• HID bulbs are known to sometimes project such a bright illumination that they can be mistaken for high-beam headlights, so it is wise to shop with a trusted, reliable manufacturer to ensure the highest quality and safety standards are met. 

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) 

These headlights do not produce as bright a shine as HIDs; however, they are much brighter and more illuminating than Halogen bulbs.

• In addition to projecting a very brilliant light to make your driving conditions clearer and safer, LED bulbs are longer-lasting and, thus, more energy-efficient than both HIDs and Halogen bulbs. 
• In fact, LED bulbs can last up to 20,000-30,000 hours, depending on which product you pick. 
• LED headlight bulbs function by heating a filament (which Xenon bulbs do not have) and streaming halogen gas over the heated charge. 

Initially developed for high-end luxury vehicles, more and more consumers are opting to switch out their stock lights for better, brighter, longer-lasting alternatives. 

Although these newer options are pricier than their predecessor, your investment is more than worth it in the long run, saving you a great deal of time and money. 

Buy from the Best

• As aforementioned, purchasing your car or truck’s new headlight bulbs from a reputable manufacturer is of utmost importance. 
• Be leery of any deal that seems too good to be true—as with most things in life, it probably is! 
• Whichever type of bulb you decide to replace your burnt-out bulbs with, be sure to do your homework. 
• Look for companies that offer warranties on their products, as well, for added confidence in your headlight-shopping selection. 
• Read customer reviews, as well as reviews by trusted auto industry publications to assist you in making the most informed decision. 

Buy Top-Rated Headlights!

Ensure Proper Installation

• Most of the newer HID and LED headlight bulbs and conversion kits feature “plug and play” installation, meaning that there is no complicated splicing or wiring involved in making the switch, and it usually takes about 30 minutes or so. 
• However, if you’re unconfident in your abilities, don’t be afraid to enlist the services of a trusted professional. 
• Correct installation is key to ensuring proper functioning and maximum performance. 
• You can always attempt the installation yourself and stop by a mechanic or auto shop to have them look over your handiwork. They will be able to troubleshoot any issues or missteps you may have made in the process. 
• If you’re thinking of going the DIY route, just take a deep breath, read the instructions carefully, and don’t assume anything. Taking your time and not rushing through the job is imperative for a successful swap. 
• Another important tip to note is that after installation, the bulbs should not be rattling or shaking when you drive. If you hear any noises, this likely means the bulbs are not properly intact and need to be adjusted accordingly. 

Treat Them with TLC

• The better you take care of things, the longer they’ll (usually) last. This applies to your vehicle as well, including your headlights. 
• Try to avoid particularly rough road conditions, including extra bumpy roads, potholes, etc.
• Not only will taking careful driving precautions help to extend the life of your headlights, but it will help extend the life and condition of your other car parts, as well. 
• Practice smooth, controlled driving and preview any new road conditions in your immediate future for the best results—your car will thank you. 

Don’t Use Your Headlights Unnecessarily

• For added time on your headlights’ lifespan, avoid using them or leaving them on when it isn’t necessary. 
• Do your headlights really need to be on in the daytime? No, so be sure to leave them off when it’s light outside. 
• Although this sounds like an obvious piece of advice, some consumers leave them on during camping trips or other outdoor nighttime endeavors. 
• Increase your headlights’ performance, durability, and longevity by cutting them off when they simply aren’t needed. 
• The more you use them, the quicker the countdown begins for the need to replace them. Save time, energy, and money by being smart about your headlight usage. 

As you can see, some smart tips and tricks for extending your headlights’ lifespan are easy ways to keep more money in your pocket. 

Car and truck expenses can rack up quickly, so don’t waste unnecessary time or funds on headlight maintenance. 

Upgrading your headlights to more efficient versions, choosing your bulbs with careful consideration by purchasing them from a reliable manufacturer, and doing what you can to keep them in tip-top shape are all ways you can ensure that you get the maximum life out of your lights.