When driving at night, you will notice most cars have white or blue headlights, unlike some years back when yellow headlights were common. So, blue headlights vs. white headlights debate is popular because automotive enthusiasts are eager to know what is the difference between them and which is better.
Read on to learn more about these car light types from this white vs. blue headlight article and determine the ideal one. Better I start with defining the lights.
Blue Headlights
Blue headlights refer to the car light emitting bluish color, which is bright and can be blinding. Many motorists prefer this type of headlight for brightness, which is convenient for driving in the dark or poor weather conditions.
These blue-colored headlights are high-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon lights due to xenon gas in the bulbs. The HID headlights have a color temperature in the 4000k-6000k range. The light is bright white, with the blue being due to having more blue wavelengths than other colors.
HID headlights became popular in the 1990s, first observed in the 1991 BMW 7 series. Presently, most modern vehicles sport blue headlights. The light’s efficiency is their key selling factor.
What is the legality status of xenon blue headlights? The legality of these lamps is quite complicated. It is legal to have factory-installed lights on your vehicle. However, it is illegal to have aftermarket blue headlights.
Most aftermarket blue headlights are halogen lights with a blue film. Halogen lights have a reflector assembly, while xenon lights have a projector assembly. When you install HID bulbs into a halogen light assembly, the light may be irregular and cause blinding due to incompatibility with the reflector.
Pros Of Blue Headlights
The primary advantage of blue headlights is their brightness. You should get a car with such headlights if you frequently drive at night or in bad weather. The lights provide natural light, which enhances your visibility.
Blue headlights are durable and will save you from repair and replacement costs. Installation is a walk in the park, as the replacement kits come with all the necessities. The lights come at various price points depending on your preference.
Another lovable of this type of light is its efficiency. They consume 20-30% less power than halogen lamps. Additionally, the headlights improve a vehicle’s aesthetics.
Cons
Blue headlights can be too bright, particularly in the rearview mirror. The blinding effect may also be due to improper aiming. You should adjust the brightness accordingly and aim the headlights correctly.
Some drivers report poor visibility when driving in foggy conditions. The short blue wavelengths cause the light to bounce off the water droplets and split in various directions instead of focusing straight.
Why Are Some Headlights Blue?
For a long time, most headlights were yellow, the color of halogen lamps. Since the 1990s, many vehicles have been coming out of the factory with blue headlights. As already mentioned, these are HID lights and are brighter and more energy efficient than halogen lights.
They are common in Europe, where brightness is a desired attribute due to the challenging driving conditions characterized by winding roads and poor weather.
What Cars Have Blue Headlights?
Initially, only luxury car models featured blue headlights, which were considered an upgrade. Currently, several manufacturers install HID lights on their vehicles. Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are among the manufacturers that regularly install blue headlights on their models.
White Headlights
White headlights are brighter than yellow or halogen lights but not as much as xenon lamps. They are LED lights with a cool color temperature ranging from 5000k-6500k. White headlights are growing in popularity due to their brightness and energy efficiency.
White LED lights are long-lasting. The bulbs will serve you for ages before prompting a replacement.
Pros Of White Headlights
The great benefits of white headlights come from their bright white light. The brightness is ideal for driving at night, as you can see the road ahead clearly. The LED bulbs are small and can easily fit into small areas, making installation hassle-free. Additionally, the lights are long-lasting as they produce less heat and are energy-efficient.
White LED headlights also do an excellent job when driving in poor weather conditions.
Cons
White headlights may be blinding if not properly adjusted. They are also quite expensive compared to other types.
Why Are Some Headlights White?
White car headlights are LED lights. Many motorists fancy these headlights due to their brightness for clear driving when it is dark. White LED headlights are also legal in many countries.
Many vehicles have these headlights, which are factory-installed. Other cars are shifting from the yellowish halogen lights. The white color beam is sharper due to its short wavelength.
What Cars Have White Headlights?
Several car manufacturers are going for white headlights. They include Toyota, Volvo, Hyundai, Cadillac, and more. The clarity offered by the lamps is the main reason why many automotive brands are opting for them.
Differences Between Blue Headlights and White Headlights
The Blue headlights vs. white headlights debate are similar to the HID vs. LED. Blue headlights use HID bulbs, which produce a cool white light whose color temperature ranges from 4000K-6000k. Blue is the do any color, explaining their bluish tint. On the other hand, white LED headlights are cooler, with a 5000k-6000k color temperature.
Blue headlights are brighter than white headlights, though the difference is not extensive. The brightness of the two lamps makes them ideal for driving in the dark.
While they are excellent for moving in poor weather conditions, the white light emitted by both lamps doesn’t perform well in foggy weather. The beams bounce off the water droplets instead of penetrating them. Yellow lights perform well in weather conditions, which is why fog lights feature halogen bulbs.
Still, on blue headlights vs. white headlight differences, we look at their legality. White headlights are acceptable in most states and territories. However, the status of blue headlights varies from state. Factory-installed blue headlights are legal, but it is illegal to have aftermarket installations, especially in states like California.
White headlights are long-lasting and pricier than blue headlights. However, they start dulling with time.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q: What’s The Purpose of Blue Headlights?
Blue headlights have been commonplace in the auto industry since the 1990s. Initially, it was a staple among luxury cars, but presently several models sport these headlights. A primary reason behind the popularity of xenon lights is their brightness. The beam is sharp and keeps drivers alert when moving in the dark. The headlights are also energy-efficient. The primary purpose of these car lights is night driving due to their radiance.
Q: Why Are Blue Headlights Better?
Many motorists opt for blue headlights due to their lighting intensity. The beam produced is similar to natural lighting; thus, it enhances visibility when dark. Furthermore, blue headlights are energy efficient and have a long service life.
Q: What Is the Best Color for Headlights?
The best color for headlights depends on various factors, such as legality, intensity, and area of use. On legality, white headlights are the best, as many countries and states accept them. Blue headlights are the finest in intensity, though they may be illegal in some parts, especially the aftermarket mod kits.
Yellow or halogen lights are perfect for poor weather conditions, like rain and fog. They can penetrate through the water droplets, unlike white lights, which bounce off. You can have white or blue lights for night driving and yellow fog lights for when rainy or misty conditions.
Q: Why Do People Use Blue LED Lights?
Blue LED lights are popular for their high intensity, longevity, and energy conservation. The lights are handy for frequent night drivers. They work excellently in poor weather but may not work as needed in foggy conditions. The other reason why people use blue LED lights is that they improve the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
Q: Why Are LED Headlights White?
The white color emitted by LED headlights ranks high on the light intensity spectrum. The high intensity makes them ideal for regular night drivers, as the lights are brilliant. The downside is that they may blind other road users.
Q: Do Blue Headlights Calm You Down?
Many people opt for xenon blue headlights to help them stay alert on the road. You are less likely to drift away when driving with such headlights. On the other hand, yellow halogen lights have a slightly calming effect, which may affect your alertness on the road.
Q: Are Blue Headlights Better for Fog?
While blue headlights are radiant and incredible for dark conditions, and poor weather, they don’t fare well against fog and rain. The short wavelength beams bounce off the water droplets instead of going through them.
Q: How Are White Headlights Legal?
Many people wonder how white headlights are legal, as they can be quite blinding to other road users. Several states and countries have laws that cover the use of white lights, indicating the limits. The headlights should be correctly adjusted to avoid glare.
Q: What Is the Brightest Legal Headlight?
Blue headlights are the brightest legal headlights available, though they are illegal in some states due to their high intensity. White headlights are legal in all the states, a reason why many car owners opt for them.
Final Words
So, what is your take from the blue headlight vs. white headlight discussion? They both offer brightness and functionality is the obvious answer. Yes, both headlights rank high in intensity, with blue lamps taking the top spot. You should have either headlight on your car if you frequently drive at night and be aware of your state’s laws to understand which headlight colors are legal. Whatever, you must correctly tweak the lamps for proper vision while driving.
