In this blog post, we’re going to discuss every aspect of adaptive headlights shortly. We will discuss the pros and cons of adaptive headlights and the issues that you can face while using them. Want to learn if switching to these headlights is worth it? Join us as we reveal everything about these lights.

What are Adaptive LED Headlights?

Unlike standard headlights, an adaptive LED headlight does not always remain in the same position while steering. These headlights use smart electrical sensors to detect your steering wheel angle and ‘swivel’ in the way your car is traveling.

Adaptive headlights can switch between high beams and light beams. Technically, it is a feature known as High Beam Assist. Unlike headlights with incandescent bulbs, adaptive headlights sense light from opposite traffic. After the detection, it can automatically switch between high beam and low beam according to the situation.

Not to mention, the main purpose of adaptive headlights is to give drivers better vision and prevent road hazards. These headlights perform at par with xenon bulbs and swivel in response to the direction of the vehicle and, in certain cases, speed, curve, and travel direction. This way, when you turn, your adaptive light will beam the road curve ahead rather than a side street using its light beam. 

To know more deeply, let’s look at the pros and cons of adaptive LED headlights.

Pros of Adaptive LED Headlights

There are a lot of amazing advantages of having adaptive headlights on a vehicle that improve driving comfort as well as security. Here are a few of the biggest advantages of this technology:

1. Better Visibility

The great advantage of adaptable LED headlights is that they adapt to how you drive and the road conditions. Thus, they won’t point toward the sky and leave you if you’re climbing a steep incline. Rather, they will remain parallel to the road, increasing visibility with a bright view. As a result, the darkness won’t blind you, and you’ll be able to see the oncoming traffic easily with a brighter view.

2. Enhance Safety

These LED headlights are super smart and safe because they respond to things such as your speed, how far you spin the steering wheel, and the shape of the road. For instance, when a driver indicates a right turn while approaching a T-junction, the corresponding adaptive headlights turn in that way, while the left headlight can illuminate the road ahead. After turning and following the car’s progress, both LED lights will realign to point forward again.

3. Benefit Others

But it’s not just about you – an adaptable LED headlight technology makes things safer for other motorists and does not blind people to bright light. Imagine that a second car is coming towards you as you turn a dark bend. In this scenario, standard headlights with an old lighting system may temporarily dazzle the other drivers with a bright light. In contrast, LED lights remain level with the road and will not glare too brightly in their eyes using a low light beam.

4. Optimized Efficiency 

It’s always good to save money, right? That’s exactly how adaptive headlights work compared to a halogen bulb light. They are amazingly energy efficient. Your car won’t have to work as hard since it consumes less energy than outdated bulb headlight designs. Plus, you won’t need to replace them as frequently because they last longer. 

5. Customizable Settings

Have you ever wished you could adjust the bulb brightness of the headlights? With LED lights, you can! You can control all sorts of settings to ensure your headlights are just right for you. Drivers can enjoy a customized experience with a controlled light beam.

Cons of Adaptive LED Headlights

As with anything, there are drawbacks of adaptive headlights to take into account. 

1. Cost

Despite their wonderful features, adaptive headlights are not without a price. If we compare a standard halogen bulb with adaptive lights, the latter are often more costly to buy and install. Even though you could enjoy a lot of benefits after some time, you’ll have to pay more upfront.

2. Complexity

Installing adaptive LED lights is not as easy as replacing halogen bulbs. Because of their complexity, they might be harder to fix when anything goes wrong. They may also need repairments again and again, which results in additional time and money.

3. Compatibility Issues

If you’re thinking of adding adaptable LED headlights to your old car, you may run into some issues. Yet, they require some adjustments to get to function correctly, as they aren’t always compatible with older cars. This can make installing them more expensive and difficult.

4. Reliability Concerns

While an adaptive LED headlight is usually reliable for cars, it is not without flaws. Sensors can fail, control modules might malfunction, and electrical failures can arise. These kinds of issues may not be easy to deal with and need expert assistance as well. For this reason, looking for an extended warranty helps.

Common Adaptive Headlights Failures and Solutions

The adaptive lights have more advanced lighting technology than halogen headlights. However, they may experience various failures in a car over time. Some common issues include: 

1. Sensor Malfunction

Sensors are undeniably the eyes and ears of an adaptive headlight. They assist the headlights in adapting to various low-light conditions. However, these sensors occasionally go crazy, and the headlights might not operate accurately. Regular maintenance and calibration can help prevent this from occurring. 

2. Mechanical Wear

All those moving parts in adaptive LED lights can wear out over time. Motors, actuators, and pivot mechanisms can get rusty or worn down. It could lead to poor performance. Lubricating these parts regularly and replacing them when necessary can keep your halogen headlights in top shape. 

3. Electrical Faults

An adaptive headlight of the car can face general wiring issues like any other electrical system. For example, sometimes, wired connections get loose or break due to abrasion, corrosion, or general wear and tear. However, we can avoid this by regularly checking these parts of the adaptive headlights. It also lets us avoid more serious problems later on. 

4. Control Module Errors

The control module is like the brain of the adaptive headlights. Sometimes, it can have problems with its software or configurations. To fix this, update the software and check everything carefully to find and solve any issues. 

Are Adaptive Headlights Worth It?

Now, it’s quite obvious that adaptive headlights are beneficial for cars. They don’t blind oncoming drivers, giving you, the driver, a better, brighter, clearer vision of the road ahead at night. This enhances highway safety for everyone.

Plus, they consume less energy, which means that over time, you will save money on petrol and maintenance. You can also adjust them to how you like, which makes driving at night more comfortable.

And guess what? They last a long time and have extra safety features, like automatically changing from high to low light output beams. So even though they might cost more initially, they bring many benefits. Better visibility, saving money, and feeling safer make them a smart choice for anyone who drives a lot. 

It’s fantastic if the car you choose has an adaptive LED light. If you switch from a car with halogen bulbs to LED bulbs, your night vision will greatly improve. And it would be smart if you were considering installing these bulbs as an optional extra on your car.

Conclusion

Adaptive LED headlights are a perfect blend of smart technology, safety improvements, and customizable options. However, they might require some initial effort and upkeep.

But their long-lasting benefits make them a great choice for anyone who values clear vision and safety while driving. Of course, they are a better choice than halogen lights. Having explored the benefits and drawbacks, choosing what suits your needs is up to you.

Carlightvision – Your Perfect Partner for Adaptive LED Headlights

We at Carlightvision have a track record of providing automotive lights across the globe. Our focus on quality and customer satisfaction enables us to offer a wide selection of adaptive LED headlights. With more than 15 years of trust and numerous advanced R&D facilities, our lights are created equal. We can supply custom adaptive headlights at unbeatable wholesale prices. Check out our range of adaptive LED headlights on our product page. For more information, don’t hesitate to Contact Us.