How To Tell What Type Of Headlights You Have

What Type of Headlights Do You Have?

You want to improve your headlights, but you're unsure of where to begin or even what you already have. Today, I'll demonstrate three distinct methods for determining your headlights and the optimal modifications for each use case.

What Is Your Beam Pattern?

First up, let's talk about the beam pattern.

The colors of the beam pattern typically differ depending on the choice. Put on your headlights, approach a garage door, and take a look. If you see that the beam pattern is yellow, it is likely a halogen bulb with a standard power uptime.

If your headlights flash for a second after turning on, they are usually HID. Peak performance lasts seven to ten seconds and is often white. If your headlights turn on instantly and have a pleasant white glow, they are probably factory LEDs.

Still Stumped? You Have Options.

The second alternative is to seek assistance at your dealership. "Just what kind of headlights do I have, man?" is a good question to ask the dealer. They will be glad to help.

Additionally, you can look through your car's handbook to see whether the VIN is listed there, on the door jamb, or in the front corner of the dashboard. Give them the VIN and give them a call if you would like assistance. Please get in touch with us by phone or email if they tell you, and you're still a little perplexed. We'd be pleased to assist; we speak the language.

The last resort in this situation is to examine the bulb by removing it from the housing. This particular bulb is a halogen bulb. Nothing particularly noteworthy is happening with it. Take it out and have a look.

I'm Looking At It. So What's The Difference?

The filament wire is visible inside the glass housing. The tungsten filament wire produces the light. This is a simple halogen lightbulb.

The HID bulbs are an additional option. These are more distinctive.

The return wire is visible since it extends all the way to the tip of the lightbulb. You can see the glass bubble inside the bulb. This is an excellent method for recognizing a HID lightbulb.

Examining the headlamp itself is the final method to determine what kind of headlights you have.

I have alternatives from an F-250 right next to me. They are both OEM LED and halogen.

This is the reflector halogen model, as you can see right on the front. Jane, all you'll see is the reflector design. There is nothing particularly remarkable about it; it is just like a mirror.

When you choose the LED option (the left headlight in the first image), you'll see that the LED module is much more intricate and active inside the headlamp. If you flip them over, you'll notice that the halogen lightbulb and this one are interchangeable. Your halogen is there if you untwist it and pull it out.

The LED F-250 headlight has blank plates where the halogen bulb would usually be located if you look around the backside. Since LEDs are integrated into the headlamp assemblies, they don't have any changeable parts. HID is the other choice you'll see.

We should examine this headlight's rear.

You'll note that HID is, in fact, interchangeable. When you remove the dust cover, your HID bulb is visible. Although it can be pulled out with some effort, it is somewhat tricky. Usually, retaining springs hold them in place.

If you reach inside with one finger, pop the bulb out, and pull up the retaining clip, it should fall out quickly.