With all their various technologies and functions, modern headlights carry out more than just their core function of illuminating the road and marking your Toyota. They have made driving safer and more comfortable than ever. Additionally, they play the role of cosmetic pieces; they are shaped according to the brand and model design language and give the front fascia its characteristic look. If your Toyota's headlights are falling short in any of these departments, consider looking into getting a replacement. Keep reading to learn about the options available, how to maintain your new purchase, and more, so you can make the right purchase as an educated buyer of a set of Toyota headlights.

Sourcing Toyota Headlights (OEM vs. Aftermarket)

The headlights that your Toyota came out of the factory with are known as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) headlights made by its authorized manufacturers. Toyota headlights made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Toyota fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.

We recommend investing in original Toyota headlights to get as close to factory-fresh performance as possible. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket headlights offer more customization options, such as different colors and types of bulbs, like HIDs. However, installing them may void your Toyota's warranty and even cause damage to your car. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Toyota properly, nor might they be road-authorized in your country at all. With safety-related parts like the headlights, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.

Toyota Headlight Bulb Types

Halogen

Halogen headlights are the most common type and have been the industry standard for decades. They use an incandescent bulb filled with halogen gas, which raises the light intensity and projector output.

These are usually the cheapest type of headlights, so besides being used in older Nissans, entry-level models will also come with them. However, they are gradually being phased out for LED lights. Also, in some models, the halogen headlights are paired with LED-based daytime running lights.

LED

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs for short, are relatively recent, but they are steadily becoming the industry standard. They are long-lasting and can convert most of the electrical energy supplied into light energy, making them more efficient than other headlights. Furthermore, they are much brighter than the older halogen bulbs, allowing carmakers to use smaller and thinner headlight designs in their vehicles.

The downside to LEDs is that although they might save energy and preserve the lifespan of your vehicle's battery, they usually come with a higher price tag.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID)

Also known as Xenon headlights, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are long-lasting and energy efficient. They can also be very bright--up to three times as bright as standard halogen bulbs. As with LEDs, HID headlights are more expensive.

Some Toyotas have HID headlights, which may also be available as aftermarket parts. Because of their extreme brightness, they might be illegal on your country's roads.

Headlight Technologies

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

Toyota's Adaptive Front Lighting System turns the headlights in the same direction the wheels are pointed to while taking into account vehicle speed to light up the path ahead on bends and turns.

Adaptive Headlight Technology

Some Toyotas feature Adaptive Headlight Technology, which makes nighttime driving more manageable by automatically dimming the high beams to avoid blinding oncoming traffic and turning them back up once the other vehicle has passed.

How Different Types of Headlights Affect Visibility & Safety

Brightness & Color Temperature

A general rule of thumb is that brightness decreases as the color temperature goes into the extremely cool end of blue and purple, and visibility begins to drop off. This is why the preferred color of HID and LED lights is usually day white at around 6,000k, which provides good visibility and accuracy of color (of road signs).

Halogen bulbs have a color temperature of around 3,000k or a golden yellow light. These are relatively dim, which leaves no surprise as to why they are making way for HID and LED lights.

Maintenance Tips for Toyota Headlights

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance Practices

Over time, environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and road particles will take their toll on your headlights. It's important that you clean them with a microfiber cloth to remove any buildup and to avoid scratching the headlights. You can also prevent these by installing protective films or covers.

Common Headlight Issues

Flickering or weak illumination may result from wiring and connection problems and might be more apparent when traveling on uneven terrain. Check the wiring and connections to see if there is any wear and tear, corrosion, or cracks. This can also be performed as part of your regular maintenance to prevent more severe headlight issues from developing.

If the headlights are dull or appear weak, the headlight cover may be dirty, in which case a wipe should solve the issue. Otherwise, the bulbs themselves may have problems, such as reaching the end of their lifespan.

Finally, Toyotas that use HID headlights have been widely reported to experience headlight failure due to burnt-out bulbs and melted wiring. A fix for this is to swap out the HID headlights with LEDs.

When to Replace Your Headlights

Cracked or broken headlights or those with a burned-out spot that results in poor illumination might be unable to be solved by the above measures and may warrant replacement.

Are Toyota Headlights Expensive?

Headlights used in Toyota vehicles aren't any more expensive than those from other Japanese car manufacturers. The difference you will be paying comes down to the type of headlights and how advanced and complicated the technologies they use are.

Where to Buy Genuine Toyota Headlights Online

You can purchase brand-new genuine Toyota headlights from your country's Toyota and OEM parts retailers. If you're looking for a lower-cost alternative with minimal compromise, why not consider second-hand headlights? These can be found in excellent condition and at more affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.