Better view, longer life

LED systems improve on headlight technology

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Light-Emitting diode (LED) systems have dramatically altered the motor vehicle lighting capabilities.

Dominic Moore, director of Kia Motors, explained how, generally, the LED system works. "An LED is a semi-conductor device which will glow if you pass a current through it. A semi-conductor is a material that in its natural state won't conduct electricity well, but if you add tiny quantities of other materials it will conduct quite well. So, these series of LEDs have a very small amount of current passing through them, hence activating them accordingly," Moore said.

He reasoned that automotive manufacturers are turning to LED lights because they last longer and are more driver-friendly. "Unlike traditional bulbs, which use a filament that eventually burns out, LED bulbs are designed to last for the life of the vehicle. LED headlights also use 70-80 per cent less power than the alternative xenon and halogen headlights. They also give off stronger, whiter light, which makes driving at night safer and easier and also lessens battery draw".

He added that "this could mean longer range for electric cars, as LED headlights using the high beams have been measured to draw 56 watts, compared to 240 watts for a regular bulb. LEDs have a general life expectancy of 50,000 hours. If you use your lights for 10 hours a day, this should be 13.7 years. Practically, it will last the lifetime of a vehicle".

He said LED lights were introduced to Kia in 2010. All Kia models offer LED lights, but at different levels. "Some of our models have what you call daytime running LED lights that come on as the vehicle is started and others are activated once the park lights are on. Some models may carry adaptive led lighting, like the new KIA Quoris," Moore said.

relatively cheap

He pointed out that LED lights are inexpensive to purchase - but labour costs for replacement can be high. "The price of an LED is relatively cheap, and varies from supplier to supplier. However, the full-blown expense will come into effect when the labour charge to open the headlamp and replace the LED is applied to the customers' bill," Moore said.

Etus Collman, Audi brand manager in Jamaica, said the 2014 Audi A7 Sportback is the brand's first model with full LED lighting available locally. The brand's first full LED lights were on the Audi R8.

For the A7, Collman said "everything is LED on this car". He also pointed to the lights' longevity. "It's a long-service light, so you don't change these for fun. It gives excellent recognition by others on the road, so every man see you," he joked.

The A7's automatic dynamic headlight range control prevents oncoming drivers from being dazzled. Full LED lights are also available on the Audi A6 and A8.