Cars with Weak Headlights In India And What You Can Do About It

I just bought Kia Carens Prestige Plus DCT to replace my 10-year-old Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. There is a lot I like about Kia but the headlight isn’t one of those. The halogen bulbs are okay if you are commuting somewhat lit roads in the city but are absolutely not enough for highway runs in the dark. So I would be replacing those.

My initial research threw up some interesting insights that all of you might find useful [plenty of cars have weak headlights].

So here we go:

Aftermarket Solutions

Upgrading to better headlights can significantly improve night driving safety. Here are some popular aftermarket solutions:
1. LED Headlights:

LEDs are brighter and more energy-efficient compared to halogens.

– Osram LEDriving HL: These LED headlight bulbs offer excellent brightness and can be fitted in various car models like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. Price ranges from INR 7,000 to INR 10,000.

– Philips X-treme Ultinon LED: Known for their high performance and longevity, suitable for models like Honda City and Toyota Innova Crysta. Prices range from INR 8,000 to INR 12,000.

2. HID Xenon Kits:

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon kits provide excellent brightness and a whiter light compared to halogens.
– Xtreme Vision HID Kit: Offers bright, white light suitable for cars like the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Price ranges from INR 6,000 to INR 10,000.

– Morimoto Elite HID System: Known for its reliability and performance, suitable for premium cars like the Honda City. Prices range from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000.

3. Projector Headlights:

Projector headlights offer better beam focus and less scatter compared to traditional reflector headlights.

– Morimoto Mini H1 Projector Kit: A popular choice for retrofitting projector headlights into models like the Swift and Innova Crysta. Price ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 20,000.

– FX-R Projectors: Known for their superior performance and brightness, suitable for cars like the Hyundai i20 and Honda City. Prices range from INR 12,000 to INR 18,000.

4. High-Performance Halogen Bulbs:

For those who prefer sticking to halogens, high-performance halogen bulbs like Philips X-tremeVision or Osram Night Breaker can offer better brightness without a significant cost increase.

– Philips X-tremeVision +130%: Provides up to 130% more light, suitable for various models like the Swift and Dzire. Prices are around INR 1,500 to INR 2,000.

– Osram Night Breaker Laser: Offers a brighter and whiter light, suitable for cars like the Renault Kwid and Hyundai i20. Prices range from INR 1,200 to INR 1,800.

Halogens are cheaper for sure but the gain is limited. So I would be picking between Projector or LEDs.

Do’s and Don’ts

When upgrading your headlights, it is essential to consider the following:

Dos:

– Ensure Compatibility: Check your car’s headlight bulb type (e.g., H4, H7) and confirm the new headlights fit these specifications. Refer to your car’s manual or consult with a professional.

– Maintain Power Requirements: The power requirement of the new bulbs should not exceed the original specifications to avoid electrical issues. For instance, if your original bulb is 55W, ensure the new bulb is also 55W.

– Opt for Professional Installation: To ensure proper alignment and avoid damaging the headlight assembly, have the new headlights installed by a professional. Improper installation can lead to misaligned beams that can dazzle other drivers.

– Check Beam Pattern: Ensure the upgraded lights have a proper beam pattern to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. A well-defined cut-off line is crucial.

Don’ts:

– Avoid Overpowered Bulbs: Do not use bulbs with a higher wattage than recommended, as they can cause overheating and damage the headlight assembly. Overpowered bulbs can also lead to quicker burnout and potential fire hazards.

– Skip Cheap Alternatives: Avoid low-cost, non-branded headlight upgrades as they may not meet safety standards and can have a shorter lifespan. Quality brands ensure reliability and safety.

– Neglect Legal Requirements: Ensure the new headlights comply with local regulations regarding brightness and beam pattern. Using non-compliant headlights can result in fines and safety hazards.

Legal Considerations and Impact on Insurance

This was an important discovery during my research process so sharing:

1. Legality: According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, headlights must comply with specific standards regarding brightness and beam pattern.

– Brightness: The luminous intensity of the headlamps must not exceed the limits prescribed by the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS). Ensure your headlights are within these limits.

– Beam Pattern: Headlights must have a defined beam pattern to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Using improperly aligned headlights can lead to fines and safety hazards.

– Color Temperature: The color temperature of the headlight must be within the permissible range (generally 4300K to 6000K for white light). Avoid excessively blue or any other colored lights that are not approved.

2. Insurance Impact: Modifying your car’s headlights can affect your insurance policy. Most insurers require you to declare any modifications made to the vehicle. Failure to do so can lead to claim rejections.

– Inform Your Insurer: It’s advisable to inform your insurance provider about the headlight upgrade to ensure continuous coverage. Some insurers may charge a nominal premium for modifications.

– Document the Upgrade: Keep records of the upgrade, including receipts and installation details, to support any future claims or inspections.

3. Warranty Concerns: Some car manufacturers might void the warranty if aftermarket parts are installed. Check your car’s warranty policy before making any upgrades.

– Use Reputable Brands: Using parts from reputable brands and having them professionally installed can mitigate this risk. Reputable brands usually comply with automotive standards, reducing the likelihood of warranty issues.

Conclusion

Since I often go for long drives—including at night–driving with weak headlights is not an option. There’s ton of good options but I have realized that upgrades have ramifications. What I have shared is the Part 1. Once I have upgraded my Kia Carens headlights, I will share the entire experience. Stay tuned.