Most drivers only know whether their car headlights are working or not. There’s a fascinating story behind the evolution of the headlamp, Popular Mechanics explains to us. Knowing how they work and the way to maintain them is much more than interesting, but can conserve you from unwanted collisions.
From open fire to blinding flash
Either kerosene or acetylene was used over a century ago for headlamps. These open flames were eventually swapped out by small electric blubs within a reflector/lens casing. As old bulbs suffered from insufficient insulation, corrosion was common and would quickly dim the lights. Before the corrosion though, the lights were like constant high beams. In fact, they ended up becoming illegal in 1941 by the U.S. government since they would almost blind people.
Sealed-beam lights around now
Standard household light bulbs seemed to be comparable to Tungsten filament bulbs. By the 1920s, people started to have switches for high and low beam lights. Since bulbs were quite cheap to make, the brightness and beam control was inconsistent. By 1973, sealed-beam lights were exchanged by quartz-iodine technology.
The next move
QI is the Quartz-Iodine light. It is the standard headlight right now. The bulb is fairly much tiny. It is better protected too with the sealing materials we have today. Quartz glass can stand higher temperatures, so the filament can burn hotter, producing brighter light. When a QI bulb is replaced, headlamps do not need re-aiming to occur. Modern filaments make this possible.
HID: Like a bolt from the heavens
HIDs are known as high-intensity-discharge bulbs. They look like little lightning bolts with their arc. While a high initial current is needed to turn the bulb on, once an HID is up and running it requires less energy than a standard QI lamp. Most observers claim an HID produces a crisper beam, but because they take a moment to reach full intensity, high-beams on HIDs could be problematic, particularly in emergency situations. It can cost a lot, but you are able to modify HID arrays with QI bulbs.
Bulbs that shine like crazy
Taillights already use LED (light-emitting diode) lights, but they are not standard for headlamps yet. According to Popular Mechanics, only the Audi A8 has them standard today. LEDs light up very quickly which allows people to see further distances with the bright and power efficient LED light.
If you don’t own an Audi A8 and want to experience LED headlights now, there are DIY options accessible, such as the one described at the Instructables site. Keep in mind that because LEDs use so little power, conventional turn signal switches aren’t compatible. In order to get the right current going, you’ll have to switch them out.
Citations
Instructables
instructables.com/id/DIY-LED-car-headlights!/
Popular Mechanics
popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/how-your-headlights-work
An inside look at LED headlights
youtube.com/watch?v=wSkQ4h-sFiY
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