Should You Convert Halogen to LED Headlights?

With the benefits of LED headlights, it makes sense that people want to upgrade their old halogen bulbs. Yet, making this conversion is not as simple as you think, and it can be dangerous.

Can I Convert Halogen Bulbs To LED Headlights?

Converting your vehicle’s halogen bulbs to LED headlights is possible, but there are some things to consider first.

High-quality halogen bulbs like Sylvania’s Silverstar Ultra are the best no-hassle lighting upgrade.

Swapping out a halogen bulb with a similar LED bulb isn’t straightforward. You can’t exchange one for the other—you’ll need a conversion kit.

While LED bulbs last much longer than halogens, you will pay more for them. Additionally, the equipment needed for the conversion can get expensive.

LEDs run cooler than halogens, but everything around them heats up. For this reason, current regulators and dedicated cooling systems are also needed. In addition, even though LED bulbs are smaller than their halogen counterparts, the headlight conversion may take up more space in the long run.

It’s essential to do some research before installing LEDs. Let’s look at some pros and cons.

LED Headlight Conversion Pros

• Improved visibility
• No time to heat up
• Uses less power than halogen bulbs
• Attractive look
• Longer lifespan

LED Headlight Conversion Cons

• Often too bright for oncoming traffic
• Heat sinks get hot
• Tighter flood pattern
• Not usually DOT certified
• More expensive
• Requires modifications
• Aftermarket manufacturer quality varies

How Do I Convert Safely?

So, you’ve examined the pros and cons and decided you still want to move forward with a conversion. If that’s your choice, it’s important to proceed with caution.

If you currently have a sealed beam headlight, you’ll have to replace the entire assembly. This is the safest upgrade since the assembly is designed for LED lighting.

Otherwise, consider these steps.

• Determine your bulb size and figure out what you’ll need for the conversion.
• Purchase a suitable conversion kit.
• Remove the halogen light bulbs. Depending on the type you have, the entire assembly may need to be replaced.
• Connect the LED ballast.
• Install the new headlights.
• Adjust the position of the headlights using a garage door or wall.
• Secure the headlights in their proper position.
• Test drive the vehicle to ensure you have good visibility.

To make the setup even safer, you can remove the existing reflectors and replace them with LED-compatible projectors. For this process, you must install new wiring, mount new hardware and seal the projectors. These kits aren’t cheap, often selling for $200 to $750.

If you aren’t sure how to perform the conversion safely, you should talk to a qualified mechanic.

What Components Do I Need for an LED Headlight Conversion?

In most cases, all you need is a headlight conversion kit. Reputable companies provide the ballasts, wiring adapters, and heat sinks needed to upgrade.

You may face trouble figuring out how the LED bulb fits into the housing. Halogen bulbs are shallow behind the bulb. Because the heat sink’s built into the LED bulb, you may need extra room for the installation.

Some installations require cutting a relief in the moisture and dust cap of the headlight housing to create more space. We advise against this.
Research the specific requirements for your vehicle before you start.

What Are the Pitfalls of Converting to LED Headlights?

Many aftermarket bulbs aren’t DOT-certified, making them illegal for street use. Is it enough of a problem that you will fail state inspection? Not most of the time. Most people won’t get pulled over unless the LED lights are insanely bright.

On top of that, some LED headlight conversion kits have inconsistent output. You may deal with fading or flickering lights. In some cases, the bulbs may not power up at all.

What Are the Legalities Involved?

The manufacturer’s original equipment (OE) LED headlights are completely legal for on-road usage. When the bulbs wear out, they must be replaced with OEM parts. Thankfully, LED bulbs don’t wear out often. Some can work for up to 30,000 hours.

Retrofitted LED headlights aren’t road legal because they require aftermarket modifications that aren’t regulated. However, they are still available because they are legal for off-road usage.

What’s so dangerous about LED headlights? The LEDs are so bright that, at the wrong angle, they could cause visibility issues for oncoming traffic. For that reason, you must adjust your headlights properly.

That said, you probably won’t be bothered by the authorities for using them. The big concern would be a lawsuit if you are involved in an accident because your lights are too bright. That could spell trouble.

If you want to use LED bulbs for your other lights, there isn’t as much of a problem. You can find street-legal LED tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights.

Where Can I Get My Headlight Bulb Replaced?

If you only want to replace the headlight bulb with the same type, most auto parts stores offer the service for free with the purchase of the bulbs. However, they will not replace a sealed headlight assembly.

To upgrade the headlight or replace an assembly, you must do it yourself or visit a local repair shop. Some mechanics won’t get involved with replacing halogen bulbs for LED, so that’s something you’ll need to ask about upfront.