Headlights play an important role in ensuring road safety for both drivers and other road users. The headlights of a vehicle are not symmetrical, and one of them is angled slightly away from the oncoming traffic to prevent drivers from being blinded. This is achieved through the use of beam deflectors.
However, with the advent of LED headlights, there has been some confusion about whether they need beam deflectors. The simple answer is that it depends on the age of the LED headlights. In early LED and Xenon/HID technology, beam deflectors were needed due to the angled beam shapes. However, more modern LED and Xenon headlights have a more flat and straight beam, making beam deflectors unnecessary.
If you’re unsure whether your LED headlights require beam deflectors, you can check the manual for your car or headlamp kit. If it is not stated, it is better to assume that beam deflectors are required. The only exception is when the car has a control built into it to switch between left-hand drive and right-hand drive positioning.
When it comes to adaptive headlights, there are different types. The most basic ones, called curve adaptive headlights, pivot as you turn, providing the best road view while cornering. The more advanced types, called adaptive driving beams, use sensors to detect surroundings and manage brightness to provide the best view. However, these can cause problems when driving in other countries, so it is recommended to turn off the ‘Auto’ mode and use low beams when driving in such countries.
Final Verdict
Whether LED headlights need beam deflectors depends on the age of the technology and the design of the headlights. It is always best to check the manual or consult a professional if you are unsure.