Do you know about projector headlights? In this article, we will get into what projector headlights are, how projector headlights work, different types of projector headlights, and some tips or recommendations.
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What Are Projector Headlights?
A more recent type of headlamp, projector headlights are preferred by many over conventional reflector headlights. High-performance projector headlights often referred to as poly ellipsoidal and bi-xenon headlights, are frequently found on high-end luxury and sports cars but can also be purchased as aftermarket accessories. Projector headlights have a number of benefits over conventional reflector headlights, including enhanced compactness and range.
Instead of aiming straight ahead of the driver, this style of headlight installation points downward, toward the road. This configuration is popular because it is less likely to blind other motorists or cause a glare back into their own eyes. Additionally, they provide drivers with the option to choose superior headlight bulbs, such as LED or XENON HID lights, which have longer lifespans and consume less power from the truck’s battery. In most cases, these bulbs are too powerful to be used in typical reflector headlamp systems, which call for halogen lights, which are more prone to burning out.
How Do Projector Headlights Work?
Similar to reflector headlights, projector headlights consist of a headlight assembly with a replaceable bulb. They are comparable in that they both have a reflector component, but that is it.
The general concept behind projector headlights is to focus light using a specially shaped reflector, then use a shutter to project it onto the road with a tightly ordered and uniformly spread beam pattern.
Each projector headlamp contains three fundamental parts:
- Bulb: A projector headlamp employs just one bulb as opposed to the traditional dual-beam headlight design, which uses two (one for high beam and one for low beam). While halogen and, more recently, LED configurations are options, HID Xenon bulbs are most commonly used in projector headlights.
- Reflector: Instead of the traditional parabolic-shaped reflector, a projector headlight’s single bulb is positioned in front of an elliptical reflector. Due to the elliptical form, all of the light is reflected in one direction, towards the bulb’s front, where it collides with a shutter.
- Shutter: A projector headlight’s shutter protrudes upward from the bottom of the headlight, partially obstructing the beam and causing it to shine downward toward the road. The top of the shutter is also tapered, which lowers the beam on the left (or right, in nations with left-hand traffic) and lessens the light that is shone into approaching vehicles. The shutter is lowered when the driver engages the high beam, allowing the headlight to shine without obstruction.
- Lens: Since the shutter controls the shape of the beam in a projector headlight, it may use a simple objective lens, which serves only to distribute the pre-shaped beam evenly.
Types of Projector Headlights: Halogen, HID, LED, Halo
Although they all share the same fundamental structure, projector headlights can employ a variety of various types of bulbs. The primary categories of projector headlights you’ll encounter on the road are as follows, along with a brief description of what distinguishes each category from the others:
- Halogen projector headlights: The original projector headlights, like reflector headlights, used halogen lamps. Despite using the older halogen bulb technology, these headlights often produce a more equal beam of light than reflectors, with a sharper cutoff between light and dark.
- HID projector headlights: The HID bulbs used in the second generation of projector headlights are still in use today. These headlights are also referred to as Xenon HIDs. They last longer and are much brighter than conventional halogen lamps. Because they are so much brighter than halogen bulbs, it is typically not a good idea to use HID bulbs in projector housings made for halogen ones.
- Projector headlights with LEDs: This innovation is relatively recent. They use a lot less energy and have a far longer lifespan than HID or halogen lamps. LED projector headlights can even outlast the operational lifespan of the car they are installed in if they are never damaged in any manner.
- Projector headlights with a halo or angel eye: It refers to those with the recognizable ring of light that some projector headlights have. The ring itself does not employ projector technology, despite the fact that manufacturers occasionally refer to these as halo or angel eye projector headlights. About a dozen different technologies, including LEDs, incandescent bulbs, and cold cathode fluorescent lighting (CCFL) tubes, are used to make these rings.
Projector Headlights vs. Reflector Headlights
Many automakers continue to produce cars with reflector headlights, and many drivers ponder if switching to projector headlights is worthwhile. It’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each type of headlamp installation when determining which is ideal for your truck.
The benefits of adopting projector headlights include having a brighter, more focused beam that performs better at night and in bad weather. However, some people dislike appearance or style. The most advantageous feature of installing reflector headlights is that they typically cost less because of their straightforward design. You might not be able to see as well, though, with reflector headlights. The light may appear hazier or duller compared to a projector headlight installation.
Most truck lovers agree that projector headlights are the way to go and that they pose many benefits not just for the driver of the vehicle but for others on the road as well.
FAQ:
How to Aim Projector Headlights?
Work with one headlamp at a time as you learn to aim projector headlights. As your “template” for measuring the height and angle of your headlight beams once they are turned on, turn your truck toward a solid wall or your garage door. Parking shouldn’t be done on a slanted driveway or floor; the ground should be flat. Your truck must be parked 25 feet away from any walls or garage doors.
Next, measure the distance between the center of each headlamp and the ground using a measuring tape, as well as the distance between the centers of each headlight. Note these dimensions down. Place a mark on the wall or garage door that matches each dimension using a pencil or a piece of painter’s tape. There should be two “plus signs” indicating the location of each headlamp on the wall or door. Once more using your measuring tape, mark a place two inches below each plus sign.
When you turn your headlight on, if it is aimed properly the light should align with the plus marks on the wall horizontally, and the mark two inches below that vertically. Repeat the process with your second headlight.
How to Adjust Projector Headlights?
If you perform this test on your projector headlights and discover that they are not correctly aligned, you should immediately adjust each lamp. Incorrectly aimed projector headlights increase the chance of blinding other motorists and endanger their safety.
Again, focus on one headlight at a time as you learn to adjust projector headlights. Turn on your low beam only and follow the directions for aiming projector headlights. You must locate the adjustment located on the back of the headlamp by opening the hood of your truck. Use the proper tool to spin the adjuster screws on the back of the headlight until your headlights line up with the marks you made as a guide.
Can You Use LED Bulbs in Projector Headlights?
The best kind of lightbulb to use with projector headlights is another frequent query we get. Although many drivers opt for XENON HID headlights, LED headlights are also an option. Since LED lights are known to live longer than both halogen and HID bulbs while being almost as bright as HIDs, utilizing them can actually be advantageous. As a result, you won’t need to change the bulbs as frequently without sacrificing the quality of the light.
It would be beneficial if you chose to switch out your current headlights for projector headlights to acquire an amazing lifespan and high-quality brightness. Choosing the greatest projector light would be fantastic for giving the front of the car a sophisticated appearance. You would find it fascinating to think about the stable lifespan of headlights.
Read More: How to Adjust Projector Headlights?