Driving lights are an essential part of any four-wheel drive rig. But there are so many myths and different things to consider when buying driving lights that makes it hard to decide which best suit your needs.
So today we're going to bust a few of those myths. We're going to show you what you need to pick the right driving light for your vehicle.
Myth 1: Driving lights have to be round.
Now the first big misconception when it comes to spot lights is, they need to be round in order to be bright. Now that's not exactly the case with LED technology.
If we go back in time a little bit, you'd probably realize 40s like these on your old man's truck. They're old halogen lights. In that case, they had one globe in there and the whole outside was a reflector and they tried to get as bright as they could with a limited technology.
These were great back in the day but technology has gone a long way. Have a close look at the LEDs and reflectors, you can basically think of each little LED as a mini halogen light with a light source in the mill and a little reflector around the outside. But since the LEDs are much smaller well, you need a bunch of them to get the same or even better performance than a halogen light depending on the strength and the way these are designed.
The LEDs can be arranged into whatever shape driving light you want. You can have some crazy lights like LOYO 7inch Honeycomb driving lights which will look awesome on Modern four-wheel drives, classic round driving lights, or even a light bar, which can light up as much on the road as some spot lights can, and the individual LEDs can be designed to spot reflectors for distance or flood reflectors for spread, meaning you can have as much spread or distance as you like.
Myth 2: You need lights with the longest distance possible
There's a lot of light manufacturers out there who basically Market their lights by how much you can see at a certain distance down the road.
If you're in the mountains or even just on the highway a well-lit 500 meters might be all you need and this is why having spread and spot beams is just so important because it's not just about what's on the road it's also about what's on the side of it too.
Having a combination of distance and spread with this bodies makes a huge difference during nighttime driving.
Myth 3: LED lights are equal in quality
In the realm of LED lights, the misconception prevails that all comparable LEDs are of equal quality. However, simply relying on a fancy label does not guarantee superior lighting performance. Let's delve into the intricate world of LED production to understand why quality discrepancies exist.
When a batch of LEDs is manufactured, not all lights are created equal. Picture a spectrum of nuts and bolts, each representing a freshly minted LED. These LEDs undergo a rigorous grading process. The cream of the crop, the Grade A LEDs, finds its place in one bucket, embodying the epitome of quality. In contrast, the Grade B LEDs, slightly inferior in quality, reside in another container. Lastly, the C grade LEDs, the lowest tier, often malfunction and are swiftly discarded.
While a lower-grade LED may emit a substantial amount of light, its substandard reflectors and components spell a short lifespan and inefficient light dispersion. Such lights, though bright, prove to be more of a hindrance than an aid on the road.
In stark contrast, high-quality LEDs illuminate precisely where needed, boasting optimal color temperature and enhancing the overall driving experience. It's akin to fueling a race car with high-octane gas—it promises unparalleled performance.
To distinguish between premium LEDs and their inferior counterparts, one must consider the Color Rendering Index (CRI). This metric quantifies the accuracy of colors under a light source, ranging from 0 to 100. Halogen lights, despite their antiquated nature, score high on CRI, offering vivid color rendition. In comparison, top-tier LED lights exhibit a CRI score around 90, ensuring impeccable color accuracy. Conversely, low-grade LEDs often hover around a CRI score of 50, resulting in poor color definition and compromised visibility.
The impact of CRI transcends mere illumination—it defines how well objects stand out and distances are perceived. Imagine navigating a dimly lit highway in the Australian outback, where a kangaroo blends seamlessly into the terrain. Without a high CRI, identifying such hazards becomes a perilous task.
Remember, it's not just about brightness or color temperature; it's the fidelity of colors that truly matters. Opt for quality lights to experience the world in its true hues.
Myth 4: Good Lights cost a fortune and all cheap lights are bad
As we've explored earlier, the hallmark of a superior light lies in two key aspects: LED quality and robust construction. In the world of four-wheel drives, where vehicles endure relentless punishment—be it from scorching sun, drenching rains, or abrasive encounters with nature's obstacles—durability is paramount.
If you find yourself hesitant due to budget constraints, fret not. Affordable options exist, provided you pay attention to crucial factors. When assessing the build quality of a light, prioritize sturdiness. Opt for lights with robust cast aluminum bodies, reinforced mounts, and high-quality bolts—a combination that ensures resilience against the harshest terrains.
Sealing is another crucial aspect to consider. A light's IP68 rating, indicating waterproofing capabilities up to three meters, safeguards against water and dust ingress. While submerging your lights might not be a regular occurrence, reliable sealing ensures longevity even in the face of relentless rain or muddy trails.
Efficient cooling mechanisms are vital for LED longevity. Premium lights boast weighty housings with substantial fins for optimal heat dissipation. In contrast, cheaper alternatives lack this cooling prowess, leading to overheating issues that shorten the light's lifespan significantly.
Consider the lens quality as well. Even if the LEDs within are top-notch, subpar lenses can hamper light output. Look for lights with high-quality lenses like the LOYO Honeycomb Driving Lights, 2-millimeter thick polycarbonate lenses with hardened honeycomb grille coat
In essence, by prioritizing toughness, sealing, cooling efficiency, and lens quality, you can secure a set of lights that not only illuminate your path effectively but also withstand the rigors of off-road adventures. Remember, the true value of off-road lighting transcends mere affordability—it lies in the fusion of quality and durability, ensuring your illuminated journeys remain bright and safe.
Myth 5: Only auto electrician can handle the installation of driving lights
Should you install your own spotlights? If the thought of 12 volt really daunts you, then probably not. Maybe get a professional auto spark you do the job for you.However, fear not, for technology has leaped forward, empowering even the novice enthusiast to tackle this task.
Enter companies like LOYO, revolutionizing the DIY landscape with user-friendly solutions. Take our DT wiring harness, for instance—it's a game-changer. This plug-and-play marvel seamlessly connects to your spotlights, complete with a pre-installed relay and switch. Typically, the trickiest part of light installation involves tapping into your high beam for the trigger feed. But fret not, as we offers a nifty solution: a vehicle-specific piggyback adapter that easily integrates with your headlights, ensuring legality and simplicity in one fell swoop.
Feel free to drop any lingering questions in the comments below. We're eager to address them and provide further clarity. Until next time, stay illuminated and adventure-ready. Cheers!
