How to Choose Headlights

You may find the need for new headlights but may not know how to choose which ones suit your car and your needs best. It is important to be careful in choosing headlights. Not only will changing headlights require money and effort, but it will also change the look of your car. Furthermore, when changing the headlights of your car, you should consider not only the cost of the new headlights, but also other incidental costs that can accumulate, such as maintenance and replacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Car maintenance book
  • Learn more about the available headlights in the market by reading a car maintenance book. It is important to learn more about your options because each kind of headlight has a different purpose. The yellowish-colored headlights are filled with tungsten filament and are mostly seen in old cars. They give the car a classic look. The xenon headlights are high intensity discharge lamps that are default headlights for luxury cars. These headlights give the driver clearer visibility. Halogen bulbs are also common, and they are an update to tungsten bulbs because they burn brighter.

  • Ask yourself what your motivations are for choosing new headlights. You may find that you need to replace dull headlights after years of wear, or you may want to change the design of your car. You may want to buy a brighter bulb to feel safer on the road. Whatever your priorities are, they will inform your decision on which headlights to buy.

  • Prioritize factors such as safety, cost and style that are important to you. Knowing what your urgent needs are will help you narrow your options down further. You may want to consider longer lasting bulbs or brighter bulbs, depending on your needs. If you drive long distances, a longer lasting bulb may suit you better; but if you live in a place where there are less cars on the road, a brighter bulb may be a better option at night.

  • Learn more about your car headlights by consulting your car's owner's manual. It is important to know what kind of bulbs can fit in your car so you have a better idea of price estimates. Note how many bulbs your car has and buy the headlights accordingly. Some cars are equipped with one bulb while others use multiple bulbs. Check the pins of your car's headlights to see which size and connections will fit. Be familiar with your car's make and model so you know what to look for when shopping for headlights.

  • Determine the cost of the headlights by visiting your dealer or auto parts store. You may buy headlights directly from your dealer or an independent seller. Xenon headlights can run more than $150 for luxury car models while halogen bulbs can cost more than $100 on cars such as the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord as of January 2010. You may also consider buying a restoration kit that will help to maintain your new headlight investment. Restoration kits for clouded headlights can range from $20 or more, depending on your car's make and model.