The Lifespan of Vehicle Headlights

When it comes to your Lexus’ headlights, taillights, and interior lighting, you want a bulb which is bright and efficient, able to help you see and be seen. When one of them burns out or grows too dim, you want to get it replaced as soon as possible. So which bulbs should you consider buying when the time comes? There are a few more options than you might expect. Join the service experts here at Lexus Downtown as we take a closer look at how long you can expect a vehicle lightbulb to last.

Lightbulb Lifespan

Every lightbulb is different, and some will last longer than others based on a number of factors, but, in general, they have an average expected lifespan measured in hours of use. The key factor in lightbulb lifespans is what they’re made of and how bright they are. Most vehicles come standard with halogen bulbs, which burn tungsten filaments for light. These are reasonably long-lasting, but aren’t necessarily the most efficient bulb options for your Lexus.

Xenon Bulbs

Unlike a standard halogen bulb, a xenon bulb directs less heat to the tungsten filament, using it to heat xenon gas to create light. This is much easier on the filament, which is why xenon bulbs, while more expensive than halogen bulbs, often last as much as ten times longer. High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs are also an option, which makes use of xenon gas, but they use an electrode to charge the gas instead of a tungsten filament. While they also last quite a bit longer than halogen bulbs, they aren’t quite as good as a xenon bulb.

LED Lights

If you want a light that will last an incredibly long time and run efficiently, you simply can’t compete with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Instead of burning a filament or charging gas, these create light using electrical currents passing through a microchip, while also redirecting and absorbing heat. This is easy on the bulb, while also making it quite cool to the touch, unlike a standard lightbulb. LEDs offer thousands of hours of illumination more than an incandescent bulb, and don’t tend to burn out completely. Rather, they dim over time, and you should consider replacing them once they’ve lost about 30% of their light output.

Get Your Headlights & Bulbs in Toronto, ON

Remember to replace your headlight and taillights in pairs, as if one has burnt out, the other is likely soon to follow. Our Lexus Certified technical team is happy to assist you in replacing any of your vehicle’s lightbulbs. Don’t neglect your windshield, either. Come visit us at Lexus Downtown in Toronto, ON, for all your automotive-related needs.