Additional high beam headlights. Additional headlight: arguments for and against

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Automotive optics play a critical role in terms of driving quality and safety. The traditional set of its components are parking lights, main headlights, brake lights and turn signals. And it cannot be said at all that this set is preserved and exists in strictly specified parameters. Updates are regularly made in the segment, shapes, sizes and even the principles of operation of lamps are changing - just remember LEDs and xenon. A slightly different approach to the revision of the organization of light offers an additional headlight, which is increasingly included in the basic equipment of models of large automakers.

Arguments for extra headlights

The very idea of installing additional headlights arose as a means of helping drivers in difficult weather conditions. Improvement in the light qualities of modern optics only slightly improves the quality of lighting in rain, snow and fog. And the means of additional lighting in this regard, of course, give only pluses. As a result, the additional headlight covers a large area of the road, while not adversely affecting the driving process itself in other ways.

Arguments againstadditional headlights

First of all, the introduction of an additional light source is the financial cost of its purchase, installation and further operation. It is pointless to purchase cheap optics for such purposes, since the effect will also be insignificant. And expensive powerful additional light headlights will also affect battery power consumption. Here you can parry with arguments about the importance of safe movement, but is it so often in principle that there is a need to connect this light source? And in this regard, each car owner must proceed from the operating conditions of the car within their own region. Another question should also be answered - what type of additional headlight will be optimal?

Additional driving lights

This option is designed for use at night. Studies show that in the dark, even with a standard set of headlights, the visual acuity of the driver is reduced by 10%. In turn, additional high-beam headlights compensate for this flaw, relieving eye strain. In fact, conditions close to daylight are achieved. This effect is especially enhanced in the case of xenon headlights. Firstly, this lighting option provides at least twice the luminous flux compared to halogen lamps. Secondly, xenon uses one third less energy, which eliminates the lack of additional lighting in terms of energy consumption.

It is also worth noting a fewnegative aspects. If we are talking about xenon, which will be the best solution, then you should prepare for significant costs, since it is not cheap. In addition, an additional high-beam headlight cannot always be installed due to the limited number of places provided for installing lamps.

Features of additional "near" headlights

Another option for amplifying standard optics, which is used in cases where the existing lamps do not cope with their tasks and without obvious weather interference. But even in the choice of such a solution, not everything is obvious. A standard problem for motorists who decide to integrate additional low beam headlights is finding a place to install. Assembly manipulations with a slight change in design are indispensable.

But that's not all. The problem with many low-profile auxiliary light sources is the lack of clear boundaries for dividing the light. As a result, users complain about blinding oncoming cars. As an alternative solution, the additional dipped beam headlights can be replaced with modular optics. In particular, experts recommend using Bi-lenses, which are characterized by both a clear border of light supply and sufficient illumination.

Additional foglights

It is the fog lights that most fully reflect the concept of additional optics. Their function demonstrates the radical difference between using a single standard light and a combined option -Of course, we are talking about the operation of the machine in inclement weather. But to achieve the optimal effect, you should approach the choice of the device correctly. First of all, you can safely avoid buying headlights worth less than 3 thousand rubles. Nothing but an attractive design, and this is at best, they will not provide. Really useful additional fog lamps are characterized by a wide-angle light beam distribution. And this is the main rule of choice. Next, you need to give preference to models with clearly defined upper faces. It is very important that the design ensures that the luminous flux is supplied downward with a large oblique angle. Such a device will minimize the risk of illuminating oncoming vehicles.

Installation of additional headlights

The main beam is mounted in the front, as already mentioned, if there is a structural possibility. However, they should not obscure the light of side lights. From a control point of view, it is important to ensure that these headlights work simultaneously with the basic high beam and turn off when switching to low beam optics. As for the "foglights", these additional light headlights are mounted in the front part symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the car. You should also observe the regulatory distances - the height gap will be 25 cm from the road, but not higher than 80 cm. If we are talking about SUVs, then such devices should not exceed the low beam level. In terms of managing additional fog optics, it is worth noting that it shouldmaintain performance regardless of the operation of the main low and high beams.

Conclusion

It is advisable to think about the possibility of providing the car with additional optics even in the process of purchasing a car. Large manufacturers provide new models with such light, initially optimizing the design of mounting sockets for them. This solution is offered both as a basic option and as an element of advanced packages. Also, an additional headlight can be installed on some models that are not focused on such improvements. But in this case, it is recommended to think over, in addition to the technical part, the possibility of on-board electrical wiring. Especially if the lighting equipment is also controlled by third-party systems like alarms with access control. As for the justification of this choice, if properly installed, new headlights are unlikely to reduce driving safety, and a positive effect will certainly be provided to one degree or another.