Wondering why car headlights seem so bright nowadays? Learn how advancements like LEDs and HIDs entail improved safety but also that annoying glare.
If you’ve noticed that car headlights seem brighter than they used to, you’re not imagining it. Headlight technology has changed quite a bit, and while it has improved safety for drivers, it’s led to ultra-bright beams that annoy and even blind other drivers on the road. This blog dives into why car headlights are so bright nowadays, explains the technology behind them, and explores their impact on the road.
The Evolution of Headlight Technology
Traditional halogen headlights, which were standard for decades and still inhabit about 80 percent of cars on the road, work just fine. However, they aren’t super efficient or long-lasting. We now have some new kids on the block: high-intensity discharge (HID) lights and, more recently, LED and laser headlights.
What Makes Today’s Headlights Brighter?
What exactly contributes to car headlights being so bright nowadays? Let’s break it down by technology.
HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Lights
HID lights first appeared in luxury cars in the late ’90s. These lights use xenon gas, which makes them incredibly bright.
LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Headlights
LEDs are currently the most popular light for new vehicles because they are bright, focused, and highly energy-efficient. Plus, they last much longer than halogens. Keep in mind that some LEDs are brighter than others, as it depends on the light’s design, quality, and wattage.
Laser Headlights
A relatively new technology, laser headlights take brightness to another level. They’re incredibly powerful, but thankfully, they use tech to safely direct beams. While less common (and mainly found in top-tier luxury vehicles), their presence signals where the future of lighting technology could be headed.
A Mixed Bag of Benefits and Drawbacks
There’s no doubt brighter headlights enhance safety for the driver using them. Clearer road visibility reduces the chances of accidents. However, for drivers on the receiving end of that brightness, the situation isn’t as rosy. Glare complaints are on the rise, and poorly aimed or overly bright lights can distract or temporarily blind other drivers.
If you’re finding modern headlights blinding, consider adjusting your rearview mirror to anti-glare mode or wearing anti-glare glasses.