Driving light installation guide

But at the same time, it is risky, especially when the sun goes down, as there would not be much visibility like in the daytime. You must be wondering that your vehicle has lights and there would be street lights too on the way, but this is not enough! You need to attach additional driving lights to your vehicle. And not everywhere street lights are present. Additional driving lights help you out and make the journey safer by reducing fatigue. Due to increased visibility, these lights help you quickly steer away from the road hazards like local wildlife that might land you up in unforeseen accidents.

But primarily, these fall into two categories, light bars, and spotlights. On the other hand, a light bar is a long, narrow rectangular-shaped light mounted on the vehicle. It comes with LED lights that provide wider, clearer, and brighter vision and consumes less energy than traditional driving lights. Study what the international rally and off-road racing teams use. You can be assured that those lights have been tested in the toughest conditions.

Driving lights are typically rated in watts, or power usage, and the higher the wattage, the brighter the light. Each emits a different type of light. Halogens are less expensive than, say, HID lights, but the latter give off the brightest beam per watt of power. Note: Check your local lighting laws to make sure these lamps are street legal where you live before you begin the installation. Choose a suitable place on your vehicle for the lights. Some states have restrictions on where lights can be mounted, so contact your local road authority before you tackle this project.

Most driving lights will come in a kit of two lights, fitting hardware, and a wiring loom. As an alternative to a wiring-loom kit, you can individually assemble a relay, a dashboard switch, a fuse using the recommended size for your light , a T-piece connector and enough wiring to reach from the dashboard switch to your car's battery and then out to the driving lights.

A wiring diagram can guide you. The switch will activate the driving lights when you turn on your vehicle's high beams. Most vehicles have a pop-out-style compartment for mounting auxiliary switches, but you might need to drill a hole in the dash. Drill a hole or use any preexisting holes to mount the relay.

Ensure a good connection by filing off any paint, rust, or grit from the earthing point. Use the T-piece connector to join to this wire. Each light should also have a ground wire connected to an earthing point or the chassis. This is best done at night so you can gauge the appropriate position of the lights for maximum visibility. Take some spanners and go for a drive. Find a long, quiet stretch of road and adjust the height of the beams to exactly where you want them.

Tighten the adjusting bolts and you're done. This simple job will save you money, make your car safer, and give you a little bit of DIY satisfaction.