How Long Do Vehicle Headlights Last?
When your headlights or taillights get dim or burn out, you’ll want to get them replaced as soon as possible. So which new bulbs should you consider buying for your Hyundai? The fact is, not every bulb is built equal, and there are several different options which you might consider when you’re looking for a replacement. Read on with the service experts here at Downtown Hyundai, as we take a closer look at the different vehicle bulb options, and how long you can expect them to last.
Bulb Lifespan
There are two factors that contribute to the overall lifespan of a lightbulb; what they’re made from, and how brightly they illuminate. A bright bulb burns hotter, which degrades the materials faster, especially in standard halogen bulbs with tungsten filaments.
| Bulb | Average Lifespan (Hours) |
| Halogen | 500-1,000 (depending on brightness) |
| Xenon | 10,000 |
| HID | 2,000 |
| LED | 30,000 |
Xenon Bulbs
Where halogen bulbs burn the tungsten filament to create light, a xenon bulb illuminates xenon gas inside the glass. As the gas is providing the light, the tungsten filament isn’t doing as much work, causing the bulb to last as much as 10 times longer than a standard incandescent halogen lightbulb. High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs also make use of illuminated xenon gas, but use an electrode instead of a tungsten filament. They still last longer than a halogen bulb, but not as long as a true xenon bulb.
LEDs
The longest-lasting option for your vehicle’s lights is LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. Instead of burning a filament or gas, they use electrical currents passing through a microchip to create illumination. Not only does this create high-intensity light, it also absorbs and redirects heat, which is why LEDs aren’t hot to the touch the same way incandescent lightbulbs are. LEDs don’t tend to burn out; rather, they dim over time. You should consider replacing them once they’ve lost around 30% of their overall light output. LEDs tend to be bright, efficient, and last significantly longer than any incandescent lightbulb.
Replace Your Headlights & Bulbs at Downtown Hyundai
The parts team here at Downtown Hyundai would be happy to help you source new lightbulbs for your headlights, taillights, or any of your vehicle’s interior lighting. You can also book a service appointment online today, so our team can get them replaced, and get you back on the road as soon as possible. We’d also be happy to help you understand the difference between genuine Hyundai parts and aftermarket parts.