Lights for 4×4 Vehicles – Which Lights are the Most Eco Friendly?

Unless you’re driving a state of the art 4×4 vehicle then your car will come equipped with standard lighting.

It’s not until you experience driving at night with the latest and greatest lights that you realise just what a difference the right lights can make to your off road experience.

There are lots of different types of upgrades to choose from that can cost you anything from £50 to £500, so check out our info before you make a decision about which lights are right for your 4×4.

Traditional Lights

The Majority of vehicle lights still use traditional bulbs that use a filament (a thin piece of metal) which heats almost to the point of melting.

This causes it to glow which is what gives your lights their light. Within the housing of the lamp is a reflector which directs the light in front of the car and also intensifies it.

This type of light is measured in watts so one of the easiest way to get brighter lights is to use a higher wattage.

Filaments are enclosed in a casing that is filled with gas. Different types of gas can be used depending on the age and make of the light.

In older lights an inert gas is used which gives off a warm glow. Once the light has been used it begins to deteriorate immediately and grows dimmer with each use. Today halogen and xenon are the most commonly used gases.

HID Lights

HID lights don’t use a filament, they use gas and electrodes that are placed apart from each other. When the light is switched on the gas heats up until it is nearly at evaporation point, then light is produced which travels in an arc, connecting the two electrodes.

This type of light is often used by professional off roaders because it creates a very bright, white light.

LED Lights

LED lights have been used in tail lights for quite a few years but have only recently started being used in headlamps as well.

LED lights use diodes which are mounted to a circuit board, they are then charges with electricity which creates light.

LED lights are considered to be more environmentally friendly, they last a long time and produce very little heat. They are also unlikely to be damaged by vibrations or shock.

Choosing your lights

When it comes to choosing your lights, remember you want the model that you will get the most use out of. Consider whether you want long lasting, low amp lights or the very brightest lights you can get. LED lights are by far the most environmentally friendly lights you can choose. they use less power, are not manufactured using harmful gases and last much longer.

Getting brighter headlights can completely transform your off roading experience when driving at night because you’ll be able to see so much more ahead of you, meaning that you’ll feel more confident when tackling tricky terrain in the dark.