Whether you typically drive along country roads or city streets, when darkness falls, you need powerful headlights. All headlight bulbs require replacing at some point. But the lifespan of a bulb varies immensely, depending on which type you’re using and how often you drive after dark. Let’s look at when you should visit your local Lexus dealer for a pair of new headlights.
Which Bulbs Do You Use?
Traditional halogen bulbs cost the least and also have the shortest lifespan, which is usually around 500 to 1,000 hours of usage. You’ll know if you’re using halogen bulbs from the yellow tint to the light they cast. If you do have halogen bulbs, expect to require replacements every two years or sooner if you often drive after dark.
High-intensity (HID) bulbs last a good deal longer, with a lifespan that can range from 2,000 to 10,000 hours, depending on the quality and brand of bulb. HID bulbs cast a bright white light which is sometimes tinged with blue. When you turn on your HID headlights, they’ll blink a little, then slowly increase to maximum brightness over about five to ten seconds.
Lexus Triple-Beam LED Headlights
If you’re driving a 2022 Lexus LX, a 2022 Lexus RX, or most of our other premium or standard models, you’ll have the option for outstanding Lexus Triple-Beam Headlights. These are LED headlights with a distinctive L-shaped pattern, dazzling brightness, and an incredible lifespan of 40,000 hours or more. That means you might only have to change your bulbs once or twice over the entire lifespan of your vehicle.
LED bulbs emit bright white light, similar to HID bulbs. But you know the difference by how brightly they shine when you first turn them on. Unlike HID bulbs, LED bulbs instantly shine at maximum brightness.
Dimming Strength
If the light cast by your headlights is noticeably dimming in strength, have them replaced. Both LED, and HID bulbs tend to dim over time, slowly dying out rather than suddenly blowing out one day. Traditional halogen bulbs, on the other hand, are designed to maintain close to 100 percent brightness until the end because of how tungsten particles in the filament get recycled when they’re on.
Flickering
For LED and HID bulbs, flickering is usually a sign of a faltering battery or issues with your electrical system. But halogen bulbs tend to flicker just before they stop working. For all three, flickering might also be caused by the bulb not being screwed in properly, so if you notice flickering, tighten the bulbs before anything else.
If you’d like your headlights inspected, replaced, or upgraded to Triple-Beam LED headlights, schedule a service with DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco. We’re a trusted local dealership dedicated to providing the region’s most luxurious vehicles and customer service.
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