Why are my LED lights dim

Why are my LED lights dim

Are your LED headlights getting dim and you’re finding it difficult to see clearly as before when you drive at night? Don’t panic, you’ve only got bad headlights and we have the solution! For drivers, dim, cloudy, or yellowish headlights are both alarming and dangerous. Bad headlights if left  unfixed can result in a wide range of disasters and discomfort ranging from failed regular car inspection to major traffic accidents. Bad headlight relay, LED arrays, faulty wiring are some of the causes of dim LED headlights. But then, we’ve seen cases where the car’s wiring is fine, relays are in great condition, yet the LED lights appear dim. So why are the LED lights dim? The answer is oxidation. 

Although oxidation on LED headlights can be taken care of with the use of headlight restoration kits, LED lights can potentially get dim again as a result of high-load appliances on the circuit. To begin, you’ll need to verify whether your light is genuinely dimmer than you remember, or if you’re just seeing things. A light meter can help you determine how dim your bulb has grown by correctly measuring lumens or foot candles, but it isn’t necessary. The bulb has reached its End of Life, which is a natural cause for LEDs diminishing brightness. This worrisome occurrence occurs when the LED’s life rating has been reduced to L-70 or L-50 luminosity, emitting just 70% or 50% of its former light output. 

Let’s look at some of the causes of a dim led light and their solutions;

Headlight Problem 1: Burnt out bulb

Headlight Problem 1 - Burnt out bulb

Dim, fading, or burned-out bulbs are the most prevalent issue with led lights. Thankfully, the most straightforward option is available: bulb replacement. Your car’s led headlight bulbs, like led light bulbs in your home, need to be replaced every now and again. If you routinely leave your headlights on throughout the day or drive at night, headlight bulbs may need to be replaced more frequently. If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or delivery jobs in the evenings, for example, your led bulbs may burn out more frequently. Burned-out led headlights are a ticking time bomb in older cars that have never had their bulbs replaced.

How can you know when your led headlight bulbs need to be replaced? You can check for a burnt-out bulb with a few simple measures in addition to observing your led headlights are dimmer than usual. Simply park in a secure location and turn on your headlights. After that, step out of your car and double-check that both headlights are bright and working. Take your car for a bulb replacement service when one or both led lights begin to dim.

Headlight problem 2: Lens oxidation

Headlight problem 2 Lens oxidation

Some drivers are amazed to hear that dimming led headlights isn’t always due to burned-out bulbs. In reality, it’s possible that the lenses are to blame. Acrylic is commonly used for headlight lenses, which are the plastic components that cover the bulbs. This substance is known to chemically react with UV radiation from the sun. Your lenses might become oxidized over time, resulting in a foggy, clouded, or yellowed look. The oxidized shade does not let as much light to flow through as clear lenses. Even if you have brand-new led bulbs, this will make your headlights appear dim.

The solution is straightforward: headlight restoration. Your mechanic can handle lens oxidation and help protect your headlights from potential problems by using professional-grade tools and skills.

Headlight problem 3: Wiring troubles

Headlight problem 3 Wiring troubles

A multitude of electrical components illuminate your headlight bulb. In most cars, this includes a wiring harness and a fuse. These parts offer the necessary energy to power your headlights. Your led headlights may fade, malfunction, or stop working entirely due to wiring issues. Wiring troubles are rare, but not unheard of. They’re also more likely if you’ve lately tampered with your headlights or tried any DIY fixes.

This headlight fix will be determined by the nature of your electrical issues. A wiring correction, a new wiring harness, a fuse replacement, or another electrical repair may be required. An expert mechanic can analyze your headlight issues and collaborate with you to develop a repair solution.

Headlight problem 4: LEDs vs Incandescent bulbs

Headlight Problem 4 LEDs vs Incandescent Bulbs

Have you ever driven past someone whose headlights were so bright that they blinded you? Some LED headlights might appear substantially brighter than traditional incandescent headlights even when the high beams are turned off. As a result, if you’re driving with typical incandescent bulbs, your headlights may appear dim in comparison.

What’s the deal with LED headlights being so bright? LED lights can appear brighter than incandescent bulbs without providing any additional light, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. Why? The color of incandescent headlights is softer, warmer, and occasionally even yellowish. LED lights, on the other hand, produce a bright white light with bluish undertones. This color is more abrasive on the eyes and contrasts more sharply with the night’s blackness. As a result, even when emitting the same amount of light, LED headlights can appear much brighter than incandescent bulbs.

Of course, the brightness of a headlight is affected by a variety of elements, including the car’s make/model, the headlight lenses, the design of the headlight, and so on. Overall, the verdict on the effects of LED headlights is still out.

Advantages: Some drivers choose LEDs because of their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Others argue that even if they do not emit additional light, they may improve driver sight on the road.

Disadvantages: Critics of LED headlights argue that they inflict more harm than good by causing glare for other drivers, perhaps leading to accidents and eye strain.

Irrespective of your views on LED lights, you can talk to your mechanic about other bulbs that are available for your car if you want something brighter.

  • Headlight problem 5: Setting configuration
Headlight Problem 5 Setting Configuration

Drivers can typically choose from a variety of lighting settings in today’s cars. Take a moment to double-check your settings if your led headlights are too dim or have stopped working. Unless otherwise specified, most new headlights adjust automatically. As a result, many motorists choose to “set it and forget it.” You might not think to recheck the setting setup when an unintentional bump or a guest driver changes your lighting.

While it may appear obvious, there’s a chance you’re driving with your fog lights turned on instead of your regular headlights. In many circumstances, a simple change to your headlight settings should restore functionality.

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