Are LED Driving Lights Good?
LED lights have come a long way since their invention in the 1960s. Today, LEDs have practically replaced older technologies, such as incandescent bulbs, in just about every lighting application. From household lamps to smartphone screens, LEDs are the preferred light source—and for good reasons. LEDs are highly energy-efficient, compact, durable, affordable, and simple.
But what about on cars? Are LED driving lights any good, particularly when venturing off-road? That’s a valid concern when considering aftermarket light bars, spotlights, or globes for your 4x4.
The truth is you can’t go wrong with LED driving lights. Let’s look at the three main reasons why LED is undoubtedly the better choice for off-road driving lights.
More Light
LED driving lights can get really bright, ideal for peering through the vast and murky wilderness. A light source’s brightness is measured in lumens. One lumen is roughly the brightness of a single candle as seen from about arm’s length away. High-performance LED driving lights can output tens of thousands of lumens.
However, lumens do not tell the whole story. Lumens only represent the volume of light emitted from the lamps.
For example, the low beam and high beam functions of the same headlamp can produce roughly the same volume of light, yet the high beam looks brighter. That’s because the low beam spreads the same amount of light over a wider area, while the high beam is more focused.
So, while lumens are important, it’s also crucial to consider how the light is focused. That’s where lux comes in. Lux is the intensity or brightness of a light source measured at a distance.
For most LED driving lights, performance is measured down to 1 lux at a given distance. One lux is the equivalent of 1 lumen per square metre. It’s generally accepted that 1 lux is enough light by which to read a newspaper.
So, quite simply, the wider or longer the distance at which the driving light outputs 1 lux, the better.
Light from LED driving lights scatters less than light from other light sources. So, the beam maintains its density even at great distances—the light travels farther in an intense beam before it diminishes. The 9 INCH BRG DRIVING LIGHT, for example, achieves 1 lux at an impressive distance of 921 metres.
More light reveals more details about the terrain, making you more aware of your surroundings, even from a long way off. Seeing farther and more clearly in front and around your vehicle improves your reaction time. In other words, excellent illumination helps you avoid hazards and stay on course.
Dynamic Flexibility
LED driving lights come in various shapes, sizes, and performance specs. Thanks to the compact form factor of LED bulbs, driving light manufacturers can get really creative with lighting design, aesthetics, and functionality.
When it comes to performance, you can choose a set of LED driving lights best suited to your off-roading and general driving needs. For example, some lights are designed specifically for off-roading, while others are dual-purpose—powerful enough to illuminate the great outdoors yet still gentle for driving down a
highway.
Light temperature is another property where LED flexibility shines through. You can choose between warm and cold LED driving lights to match any preference, terrain, and weather. Warmer lights are excellent at penetrating through fog and rain, while white LEDs illuminate farther and wider with intense brilliance. There’s also a wide selection of coloured lenses you can fit to LED driving lights to enhance the aesthetics or enrich the beam’s colour.
You can even get a dual-coloured light like the COVERT 9-INCH LED DRIVING LIGHTS, which lets you switch between white or amber illumination with the Dynamic Position Light. However, with this particular model, the amber position light is not ADR-approved and can only be used off-road.
Ruggedly Dependable
The fundamental construction of an LED light is remarkably simple. A basic construction means fewer failure points, making LED driving lights ruggedly dependable and durable.
Manufacturers also improve this durability by encasing the lights in heat, water, and dust-resistant shells. The ingress protection rating on most off-road LED driving lights starts at IP67. The 5 INCH BRG DRIVING LIGHT has an IP68 rating, meaning it’s completely dust-tight and waterproof for up to 3 metres of submersion.
LEDs are arguably the most durable lights money can buy. The lifespan of a typical LED bulb ranges between 50,000 and 100,000 hours. Assuming you go off-roading every night, a high-quality LED driving light will shine on for well over a decade.
The Final Verdict: Are LED Lights Good for Off-Roading?
In a word, “yes!”
Upgrading your 4x4 with LED light should definitely elevate your off-road driving experience. One, the illuminating performance of LED driving lights is unparalleled. You can rely on LED lighting for excellent visibility when driving on rough terrain and smooth highways.
Two, these lights are impressively reliable, tough, and durable. They not only give you great value for money but also peace of mind when wading through harsh weather or unforgiving turfs. Finally, LED driving lights offer high-level flexibility and versatility when it comes to light output properties and performance, from colour and intensity to beam width.
However, not all LED driving lights are equal. You’ll only enjoy the benefits of LED lighting if you fit your 4x4 with high-quality LED globes, spotlights, or light bars from renowned brands. And there’s much more to consider when choosing LED driving lights than the price tag. You must get the right size, form factor, design, power rating, and performance specs to match your car and off-road driving needs.
Contact us to find out more about LED driving lights and discover the ideal lighting setup for your off-roading adventures and 4x4 vehicle.