How Long Do Vehicle Headlights Last?

Modern vehicle head- and taillight bulbs are designed to be long-lasting, but even the longest-lasting bulb can eventually burn out. When your vehicle’s lights start to grow dim, you should consider getting them replaced as soon as possible. The thing is, though, there isn’t just one type of light bulb for your vehicle, so you may be curious which ones will work the best and last the longest. Thankfully, the parts and service team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler has crunched the numbers, and can give you an idea just how long different headlight bulbs should last.

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Expected Lifespan

There are two main factors which affect the expected lifespan of a lightbulb; what they’re made out of, and how bright they are. Brighter bulbs burn hotter, which causes them to wear out filaments faster, while different filaments and gases can last longer while illuminating. LED bulbs, which work very differently than incandescent bulbs, are much longer lasting by comparison.

Xenon Bulbs

A standard halogen bulb is constructed with a tungsten filament, which burns hot, bright, and fast. Tungsten-xenon bulbs work differently; rather than burn the tungsten filament for light, the filament illuminates xenon gas in the bulb. They’re also very bright, but the filament suffers less stress and lasts significantly longer than a standard incandescent halogen bulb. High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs are also filled with xenon gas, but they use an electrode instead of a tungsten filament.

LEDs

The longest lasting lighting you can use in your vehicle is a light emitting diode (LED). They produce light completely different from incandescent bulbs, using electrical currents passing through a microchip. This illuminates the bulb, while also absorbing and redirecting heat, which is easier on the bulb as a whole. LEDs don’t generally burn out, instead they tend to dim over time, and it’s recommended you replace them when they’ve lost about 30% of their light output. They’re bright, efficient, and last significantly longer than any incandescent lightbulb, but tend to be more expensive.

Get Your Vehicle Bulbs Replaced in Perth, ON

If any of your vehicle’s light bulbs are showing signs of failing, or have been damaged, don’t delay! Book a service appointment with the team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler in Perth, ON, today, and we can give your vehicle the attention it deserves.