ABOUT USED HEADLAMPS, HEADLIGHTS AND HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLIES

WHAT ARE HEADLAMPS?

A headlamp or headlight is a lamp that is attached to the front of a vehicle and it is used to illuminate the road in front of it. This part is also commonly referred to as a headlamp assembly, which includes the headlamp and all the other smaller parts that make up the headlamp assembly.

WHAT DO HEADLAMPS LOOK LIKE?

Headlamps can come in a number of different shapes and sizes. Some headlamps are round while some are oval. Other headlamps, such as those found on SUVs and trucks, are square or rectangular.

WHERE ARE HEADLAMPS LOCATED?

Headlamps are located at the front of the vehicle. Occasionally, the design of the headlamp will run front the front of the vehicle up to the sides by a couple of inches.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A HEADLAMP?

Just about all headlamps have two components: the body and the transparent cover shield. The body is usually made from polycarbonate. The body is generally made from polypropylene and modified with fillers like talc.

Other components of the headlamp include the regular beams, high beams and the front turning signal bulbs.

TYPES OF HEADLAMPS?

There are generally four types of headlamps:

• Halogen - The halogen headlamps are generally found in older vehicles and some more inexpensive new vehicles.
• LED - LED or light emitting diodes are popular in newer cars. These headlamps are known for their powerful illumination and modern design.
• Xenon, HID, Arc - These lights do not use a metal filament. Instead, these lights create a high voltage arc between two electrodes. These bulbs are also filled with xenon gas.
• Incandescent - Incandescent headlamps are found on older and classic cars.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING HEADLAMPS?

When you are looking to buy used headlamps, you will want to make sure that all the components are in the unit. That includes all the lamps and bulbs. If you are buying a xenon, HID or Arc headlamp, you will want to ensure that the casing is intact so it can still work.

TOP HEADLAMP BRANDS

There are a number of top headlamp brands. Here are some of the major brands that you should consider when shopping for headlamps.

Headlamp assembly brands:

• VIPmotoz
• Anzo USA
• Depo
• Ztune
• Spyder Auto

If you are looking for a headlamp assembly for a specific brand, then you will want to consider an OEM headlamp assembly. OEM means original equipment manufacturer. That means that the headlamp is an exact duplicate of the original equipment that came with the vehicle.

For example, if you are looking for a headlamp assembly for an F-150 truck, an OEM Ford headlamp will be an exact duplicate of the headlamp that came with the truck. Usually OEM parts are designed to work better - with the vehicle - versus third party aftermarket parts.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT HEADLAMPS?

1). Know your halogen beam color - Halogen headlamps come with either white or blue beams. Therefore, if you are replacing one headlamp assembly, on your vehicle, make sure the one that you are buying matches your vehicle original halogen lamp color.

2). Headlamps come in two configurations:

• Sealed beams: Most common in vehicles that are 10 years and older. They are seldom used today with the exception of some trucks and SUVs.
• Capsules: Common in new cars. Capsule headlamps plug into the headlight socket assembly and are relatively easy to install.

3). You may have to clean used headlamp lenses - If you are buying used headlight assemblies, then the lenses may be cloudy or dirty. You will want to get a headlight restoration kit in order to get the best possible illumination. If you don’t want to buy a headlight restoration kit, then you can apply dish soap to the headlamp and then apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in a circular motion until the headlamp is clean.

OTHER PARTS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR HEADLAMPS

If you are looking to buy used headlamp assembly, you may want to buy the bulbs separately. Chances are that the bulbs in the headlamp assembly may be burnt out, broken or give our weak illumination. It is recommended that you buy newer or brand new bulbs to ensure lasting performance.