What are Composite Headlights?

Composite headlights are headlights that have replaceable bulbs. They are made up of different parts that you can separate. They come filled with halogen gas and have the ability to include fog lights and turn signals in their design. 

Before composite headlights were invented, sealed beam headlights were the norm. In 1940, the US government passed a law that required all vehicles to feature sealed beam headlights. This was done to standardize the supply of headlights in vehicles. 

SEALED BEAM HEADLIGHTS

Sealed beam headlights are built as a single piece with a glass lens. The housing includes a bulb, parabolic aluminized reflectors, and a lens that cannot be separated. When the bulb goes bad, the only solution is to replace the entire assembly.

Between 1940 and 1978, all vehicles featured round sealed beam headlights that were available in only two sizes – 5.75 inches and 7 inches. All cars had the same external light with a few manufacturers including headlamp covers. 

In 1978, the US government passed a law allowing the use of rectangular sealed beam headlights. Car manufacturers could now play around with their headlight styling to differentiate between different cars. 

In 1983, the sealed beam headlight rule was completely removed. The government allowed carmakers to use composite headlights that included replaceable bulbs and a plastic lens. This also improved the design elements of headlights, allowing them to flow with the look of the car. 

TYPES OF COMPOSITE HEADLIGHTS

Today, headlights are no longer standardized. The market is filled with headlights that have different designs and light intensity. The main types include halogen headlights, HID or Xenon headlights, projector headlights, LED headlamps, and quad and non-quad headlamps. 

Halogen headlights

Halogen headlights have a plastic lens that holds a bulb. The lens is filled with halogen gas. The gas keeps the bulb clean and helps to produce a constant light output. 

HID or Xenon

These type of headlights use ballast to control power flow to the bulb. They last about twice as long as halogen lights and usually consume less power. They tend to cost more than halogen lights. 

Projector lamps

Projector lamps can take the form of halogen or HID headlights. They feature a metallic shield housing that projects light in a particular direction. They tend to have unstable dynamic parts. 

LED headlights

LED headlights are an ultra-modern option that is available in most new cars. Instead of using gas and filaments, the lights use light emitting diodes (LEDs). These types of headlights consume less energy while producing more light. 

Quad and non-quad headlamps – Quad headlamps have two bulbs per headlights. Non-quad headlights have one bulb per headlight. The most important thing to note here is that if your vehicle comes with either type, you can’t switch to the other. The two styling options are non-interchangeable. The wiring installed in the car is different for each and will not match if interchanged. 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE HEADLIGHTS

The main advantage of composite headlights is that they allow for neat styling in vehicles. Manufacturers are able to match the headlights design with that of the car. This creates a look that is unique to that particular vehicle. 

Unfortunately, the plastic lens that comes with most composite headlights turns yellow after prolonged exposure to the sun. Some composite headlights are also known to be extremely bright and can obstruct other motorists on the road. 

CONCLUSION

All new vehicles today feature composite headlights. Car manufacturers have done away with sealed beam headlights. This has made it easy for consumers to replace their headlight bulbs when they fail. They no longer have to replace the entire assembly.