Throwing light on auto lights

Lead in: The type of lights you use in the interiors and on the body of your vehicle have a huge impact on driving safety. Here's a look at the different types of auto lights and their various benefits.

James Thurber, the renowned American author, once said, "There are two kinds of light - the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures". Thurber didn't have the sheer variety of car lights in his mind when he said this. In automobiles, lights are meant to more than just illuminate; they make your trip safer and more comfortable. From tungsten lamps of the 18th century to the present day LED headlights, auto lamps have undergone a metamorphosis, providing better performance with less power consumption.

The remarkable progress made by the car manufacturing industry in the last decade has led to high-tech features in all automobile components, including auto lights. While head lamps, tail lamps and turn indicators are pre-installed when you buy a car, lights like fog, LED, Xenon, etc. are add-ons that you can buy after purchasing the vehicle. If you are interested in knowing more about this space, keep abreast with the latest car news.

Elucidated below is an array of car light options available in the market.

• Fog lights
  Fog light beams are specially designed to angle sharply downwards, illuminating the road better in foggy conditions. Fog lights are a boon for car owners who drive frequently in foggy or rainy weather, and are useful throughout all seasons. You can install fog lights as an accessory when you buy a car from a showroom.
  
  
• LED lights
  Light-emitting diodes or LEDs, as they are popularly known, are gaining immense popularity in the automotive sector today. These lights consume very less power and are easy to maintain. LEDs can be installed as tail, brake or even side lights.


• Xenon
  These are High Intensity Discharge lamps (HID), in which current is passed through a gas known as Xenon. The resultant light is nearly three times brighter than the factory-installed headlights of an automobile. If some latest car news reports are to be believed, Xenon lights also last two to three times longer than normal headlights. If you are looking for long-lasting and powerful lights, Xenon lights are a good option.|
  
  
• Pencil beams
  Pencil beams provide long range illumination on the road ahead. While standard lights cover a range of about 1,000 feet ahead of the car, pencil beams illuminate nearly about 2,000 feet - double the range. However, before installing these lights, check local rules and latest car news to ensure that you are using the permissible nature of lighting for your area.
  
  Several car accidents occur due to auto light malfunctions and inadequate lighting. To avoid these mishaps, you need to maintain your car's lighting system right from the time you buy the car. In addition, stay updated with the latest car news so that you are aware of different lighting technologies.
  
  Car lights are crucial in ensuring your family and car's safety. If you need help in low-visibility conditions like night-driving, rain, storm or fog, do not hesitate in selecting from the above-mentioned options. This will go a long way in illuminating roads adequately and ensuring a safe trip.