How To Install LED Headlights In Your Car?
While you are driving your car at night, the most important thing is that you must be in a position to clearly see every object in front of you. This is dependent upon the illumination capacity of the headlight of your car.
The Need for LED Headlights
The more the illumination, the safer and easier will be your driving. However, if your car is not a luxury type, the headlight must be the standard halogen light or incandescent. Now that the car LED headlights are available as DIY kits, you can change the current one. Before that, you must know how to install LED headlights.
What are LED Headlights?
LED is the abbreviated form of Light-Emitting Diode. LED headlights are lighting fixtures that make use of LED lamp. LED lamps have a greater life span and higher lighting efficiency. Some chips can emit more than 300 lumens per watt.
They produce light electronically, in contrast to the filament or electrical charge, used in other lighting devices. Therefore, they produce brighter light. Although its initial cost is comparatively higher, it is cost-effective in the long run. Moreover, you will get 90% more light compared to the standard bulbs.
Options for Installation
The LED headlight kit comes with step-by-step instruction for installation. Minimal tools are required for installation, and you do not need to have earlier experience of installation. So, you can ‘do it yourself,' if you feel confident enough. Alternatively, you can take the LED headlight kit to a mechanic, who will do it for you. The third option is you can ask any of your friends or relatives who has earlier experience of installation.
If you decide to do it yourself, following are the steps, which if you follow strictly, you will have a perfect installation and best result. You must keep in mind that you need an improved light performance. The crystal clear light will be a great asset, added to the value of your car. If you upgrade the light, you will not have the risk of discoloration and heat damage that are associated with brighter incandescent bulbs.
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1. Selection of the Right Kit
You have to select any of the two styles of LED headlight; the single-beam headlight bulbs or the dual beam one. The single beam bulbs are used either for high beam or low beam. Each headlight assembly has two bulbs, performing each action. In case, you intend to have a low beam and high beam; you need two single-beam LED kits. The new headlights should exactly fit your current headlight housing.
2. Preparation for Installation
Park your car about 20 feet away from your garage, with your headlights on. Make a mark of your headlight beams, on a wall by using a tape. Your LED headlight kit contains two bulbs, wiring, two ballasts and terminated connectors.
Take care to secure the ballasts and wiring from any possible damage. You can use a drill or self-tapping screws or a two-sided tape for securing the ballasts.
3. Removal of Headlight Bulbs
By popping your hood, pull the existing headlights out, but put utmost care while pulling out. Find out the back of the headlight bulb and remove the wiring connector attached to it with a flat screwdriver.
Turn the headlight bulb connector, gently, for releasing it. If you find a metal base on the headlight assembly, fastened by a tensioned wire, press down on the end of the wire and then unlock the wire. You can now slide down the headlight, out of its housing.
4. Install the Headlight
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For protecting yourself and the bulbs, wear clean cotton gloves or use a clean rag or rubber gloves. Make sure that no fingerprint is left on the bulbs. Don’t over tighten, while twisting your headlight and avoid using any tool to assist.
5. Connect the Ballast
Connect one end of the connector of the ballast to the end of the bulb and the other end to the original wiring of your car. Make sure that two connectors seat perfectly on both sides, by giving gentle tug after connecting
6. Secure the Ballast
Mount the ballast securely on a flat location of the inner fender, to avoid its bouncing and the consequent damage to the connectors. Mark the mounting holes with a sharpie, drill pilot holes and secure it by using metal screws. Alternatively, you can use self-tapping screws or two-sided tapes.
In case you prefer not to drill your car, prepare the surface with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry before putting the tape. Using zip ties is not safe because the vibration and movement may cause it to loosen and swing around the moving parts.
7. Test Your New LED Headlights
After starting your car engine, test your headlights to see that it fires right up brightly. Then, for checking its aim, place your car at the same location, where you started working and see if it aims to the same mark made on the wall. If you find any deviation, correct it by resetting it. Ensure the right dispersion of light. If the aim is not correct, you may experience flashes from traffic and also red and blue flashing light behind you.
Your car should automatically turn on the dim lights when it becomes dark. However, remember that your headlight won’t turn on due to some reasons, such as a problem with the fuse, voltage down or problem with the switch. After identifying the exact reason, take immediate remedial measures.
Essential Automotive Parts to Consider
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As a car owner, it is very pertinent that you know about different types of auto parts, that may be required, sooner or later, if your car shows any symptom of disorder:
- Battery: It has multiple functions such as starting, lighting, igniting the engine of your car. Recharge it before it comes down to 3% of its capacity
- Axle: It is the central shaft that turns the wheel and joins the front wheels to the real ones. Protect it from rust
- Brakes: The service brake stops the car, and the emergency brake is used for parking the car
- Pistons: There may be four, six or eight pistons, moving inside a cylinder and its length determines the RPM and HP of your car
- Fuel Injector: It carries gas from the fuel tank to the engine and increases the fuel efficiency
- Radiator: It is the car coolant and protects your car engine from overheating. Take care of its leaking
- Ac Compressor: It controls the temperature inside your car, by moving the coolant in the air conditioning system. It needs regular lubrication
- Clutch: It facilitates transmission of power to the wheels and is controlled by the clutch pedal. It is used while the gear is changed.
- Engine Fan: It keeps air flowing over the radiator and is controlled by a thermostatic switch or a computer for the engine.
- Spare Tire: Although it is not a built-in car part, you can have a full-sized spare tire, or a compact or even a run flat tire that can take you to the nearest tire repairing shop.
- Car Jack: It is used to lift a part of your car, particularly for changing a tire
- Shock Absorbers: They may be either mechanical or hydraulic for dampening the shock impulses, caused due to jerking and bouncing
- Transmission: It is the gear box that transmits the energy generated in the engine to the wheels of your car
The other different automotive parts include spark plug, air filter, muffler, catalytic converter, alternator, and pressure gauge.
