Head Lights

Are your headlights dim, flickering, or discolored? Replace your headlights today at KGCAR.PH, the Philippines Online Auto Parts Store. Proper working headlights are essential for seeing while you drive at night or in low-light situations. Generally, headlights project a concentrated beam of light that will help you see the road ahead (both in seeing the road and other vehicles in your proximity) and allow steering direction in some of the latest headlight systems. Over time, headlight bulbs can become dim or fail, and the plastic lens can turn foggy or yellowed and limiting how much light actually comes from the headlight. Whether the headlight bulb was dimming and/or burned out, suffering from an electrical issue, or there was physical damage to the headlight, poor functioning headlights pose a safety threat and may be a violation of road safety regulations. Proper working headlights will help you see and be seen no matter the lighting situation.

Headlight Replacement Intervals and Factors

The lifespan of a headlight will depend upon the type of bulb, how/when it is used, and the stability of the automotive voltage. Depending upon the type of bulb, the replacement intervals can vary considerably:

• Halogen bulbs: Generally from 450 hours to 1,000 hours.
• HID (xenon) bulbs: Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
• LED headlights: 10,000 or more hours.

There are many reasons for needing to replace your headlights, including:

• The bulb is burning out or dimming altogether.
• Cracked or cloudy lenses (less beam focus).
• Water or condensation within the housing.
• Wiring and electrical problems, e.g., bad relay(s), poor connectors, etc.
• Flickering (HID), often from voltage issues (stability or ballast longevity).

If your headlights have faded or are dimmer relative to one another, be sure to check the bulbs and the housing units for damage.

Choosing the Right Headlights for Your Vehicle

Headlight fitment is vehicle-specific. Always consult your owner’s manual or a bulb compatibility chart. Consider these headlight types:

Make sure to check compatibility with your vehicle’s wiring, housing size, and reflector type. Some upgrades may require a conversion kit or voltage regulator.

Symptoms of Faulty Headlights and Related Risks

Failing headlights reduce visibility and can go unnoticed until driving at night. Look for these warning signs:

• Dimming or Flickering: Often caused by aging bulbs, voltage drops, or failing ballasts
• Uneven Brightness: Can result from one bulb degrading faster or misalignment
• Cracked or Yellowed Lenses: Scatter light and reduce projection distance
• Condensation Inside Housing: Points to a broken seal or lens vent blockage
• Headlight Warning Light (if equipped): Some vehicles monitor bulb health

Driving without full headlight output affects your field of vision and other drivers’ ability to see you.

Types of Headlights and Their Differences

Different headlight technologies offer unique advantages and trade-offs in brightness, cost, and lifespan:

Halogen Headlights

Technology: Heated filament in halogen gas
Pros: Low cost, simple to replace
Cons: Dims over time, less bright than newer types

LED Headlights

Technology: Light-emitting diodes in compact modules
Pros: Long life, low energy draw, bright and crisp light
Cons: Higher initial cost, heat sinks required

HID (Xenon) Headlights

Technology: Electric arc through xenon gas
Pros: Very bright, good range and color temperature
Cons: Requires ballast, slower start-up time

Laser Headlights (rare)

Technology: Laser-activated phosphor modules
Pros: High intensity and long range
Cons: Expensive, mostly in premium vehicles

Headlight Fitment and Compatibility

When replacing or upgrading headlights, consider these compatibility factors:

• Bulb type (H11, 9005, D2S, etc.)
• Headlight housing style (reflector vs. projector)
• Voltage and wattage requirements
• Canbus system sensitivity (for LED/HID upgrades)
• Beam pattern and alignment adjustability
• Compliance with DOT or ECE standards (legal use)

Improper fitment can lead to poor road illumination or excessive glare for oncoming drivers.

Common Mistakes in Headlight Maintenance

• Replacing only one bulb, causing a mismatched brightness or color
• Installing bulbs with incorrect wattage, risking overheating or electrical failure
• Ignoring headlight alignment after replacement
• Using low-quality aftermarket bulbs with poor beam control
• Failing to clean or restore oxidized lenses
• Overlooking housing seals, leading to fogging or water damage