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Auxiliary lights: replacement and selection

When and why one should replace auxiliary lights

The auxiliary lights have no specified lifetime limit and are to be replaced in case of breakdown. If the lens is melted, cracked or cloudy, the lamp base is melted, or lamp fastener is broken, the component is to be replaced. Most defects are caused by usage of lighting source with capacity higher than allowable, or mechanical damages.

The auxiliary lights are defective if they do not activate at turning on, or their light intensity is lowered. Also, breakdown of the components is indicated by visible defects, such as cracks, deformation of loss of mounting position.

The auxiliary light can be installed on your own. It is recommended to disconnect the battery negative terminal before its replacement.

How to select automotive auxiliary lights

First of all, the lights differ by designation. According to trim level, a car may be equipped with the following lights: interior lights, reading light, glove box lighting, vanity mirror lighting, inner door handle lighting, luggage compartment lights, legroom lights, rear and side marker lights, door lights.

In addition, in cars of premium class there can be ambient lighting, which mostly performs aesthetical function. It is represented by LED lighting of cabin interior lines.

Quite often incandescent or halogen lamps and LED lighting sources are used in the auxiliary lights. The advantages of the first type are affordable price and a satisfactory light output. The disadvantages of incandescent lamps lie in the fact that they heat up the lense or headlight unit, and also are not energy-saving. The advantage of halogen lamps is their high light output with low energy consumption, while strong heating is their disadvantage.

LED light sources feature compact size, continuous operational lifetime, resistance to vibration and low energy consumption with high light output. Higher price in comparison to incandescent lamps is their disadvantage.

In order to have auxiliary lighting elements faultlessly and continuously operating, give preference to components from proven manufacturers. Nowadays, the lights from such companies as Hella, Stark, Valeo, Van Wezel, Diederichs (and some others) are considered to be the best. When purchasing the lights, take into account the size, type and power capacity of the lamps used in them.