5th Apr 2024 by Posted by D&S Automotive
How to Chose The Right Off Road Lights For Your Jeep or Truck
When adding off-road lighting to your Jeep or truck, you have plenty of options based on your budget and lifestyle. Many install lights for night adventures or better visibility in bad weather, but they’re also great for lighting up campsites or outdoor gatherings. With many options to chose from such as bulb types, light patterns and mounting positions, it is important that you consult with one of our Accessory Specialists to make sure that you get the best lights for your lifestyle.
In the meantime, we’ll give you the basic run down off your off road light options to get you started.
BULB TYPE
Halogen off road lights are the ideal choice for those that do not off road often or are on a budget. While replacements are affordable and easy to find, halogen bulbs do not emit as much light as LED or HIG so they do not give optimal visibility. They are also the least efficient with energy and do not have as crisp of a light beam. That being said, they should not be used for flood lights where the goal is to have very focused lighting. KC HiLite offers many halogen lights that will suit a wide range of applications.
LED off road lights are the newest bulb type and are very popular. They use 1/10th of the amount of energy halogen bulbs use, are compact, more durable and longer lasting than any other bulb. In addition, off road LED lights are stylish, as they can be made in different colors and shapes. It is important to get LED lights professionally installed, as systems often burn out prematurely due to improper installation. These lights are great for light bars and the frequent off roader. Rigid Industries is a top brand for LED lights.
HID off road lights have the best illuminating capabilities. In fact, they generally shine twice as far as LED lights. So, if brightness is your main concern, these lights are for you. HID lights are especially useful for those who travel high speeds at night.
LIGHT PATTERN
There are four different types of light beam patterns: Spot, Driving, Fog and Flood.
Spot Lights produce a more focused beam of light that can travel a far distance ahead of the vehicle. These types of lights are extremely bright but illuminate a smaller area, as the light beam is not a spread out as other types of lighting. These lights are typically used for commercial, agricultural and racing applications and should not be used on the highway.
Driving lights are designed to supplement your high beams by illuminating an area further and wider than your headlights are capable of. These lights are great for off road trail riding as well as night driving on the roads for greater visibility.
Fog lights are mounted below the headlights to project a beam that lights up the pathway ahead without catching the fog, rain, dust or other particles in the air that make it difficult to see in adverse weather. These are to be used with your primary headlights for optimal illumination.
Flood lights illuminate a large wide area within short distance. They are typically used as work lights or in back up lights to see the broader area nearby.
MOUNTING POSITION
The ideal mounting position of your new off road lights will depend on what type of light you are adding to your Jeep or truck.
Light bars are generally mounted on your roof, bumper or grill because they are designed to shine light far out in front of your vehicle while also flooding light outward on edges.
Flood and fog lights, on the other hand are almost always installed low on the front bumper to help you see the area immediately in front of you.
Spot Lights are often mounted on top of your vehicle, as the shine a lot further ahead. They, however are not very useful when driving at high speeds.
Driving Lights are generally mounted on your grill to supplement your headlights.
So, What Are the Best Off-Road Lights?
The best off-road lights really depend on your needs and how you use your vehicle. If you're looking for maximum brightness and distance, HID lights are your best bet, especially for high-speed night driving. For energy efficiency and durability, LED lights offer great performance and versatility, making them perfect for frequent off-roaders. If you're on a budget and don’t off-road as often, halogen lights provide a cost-effective solution.
No matter what you choose, it's essential to get the right lights for your specific setup and driving conditions.
Call 440.946.2178 to speak with an accessory specialist today about which off road light options will work best for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spot and flood off-road lights?
Spotlights produce a narrow, focused beam that illuminates far distances, making them ideal for high-speed driving or seeing objects far ahead. Floodlights, on the other hand, spread light over a wider area, providing broad illumination close to the vehicle. They are better suited for low-speed tasks like working or camping.Can you use off-road lights on the street?
Most off-road lights, especially spotlights and light bars, are not legal for street use because they can blind oncoming drivers. Always check local regulations. Some driving lights, designed to supplement high beams, may be legal for road use if installed properly.What is the difference between spotlights and driving lights?
Spotlights focus a narrow beam far ahead for high-speed off-road driving, while driving lights are designed to supplement your vehicle's high beams. Driving lights illuminate a wider area than spotlights, making them useful for trail driving and road use in certain conditions.Why do LED lights say for off-road use only?
LED lights often say "for off-road use only" because their brightness can exceed legal limits for on-road use, potentially causing glare and impairing the vision of other drivers. They are designed for off-road situations where maximum illumination is needed without traffic concerns.How many years do floodlights last?
The lifespan of floodlights depends on the bulb type. LED floodlights typically last the longest, around 30,000 to 50,000 hours, which translates to several years of regular use. Halogen floodlights, by contrast, may only last a few thousand hours, making them less durable.
