Halogen lights are still the most common lights you’ll find on most vehicles today, and they can get as hot as 1300℉. All light bulbs get hot, but how much heat they produce will depend on bulb type, wattage, and the length of time the bulb is turned on.
There are also HID bulbs, which produce more light with less heat, and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which work 250 times faster than halogen bulbs and reach temperatures of 140°F to 212°F.
Too much heat can cause your headlights and tail lights to dim, flicker, or just perform poorly in general, which is why halogen bulbs burn out faster than other types. Most halogen bulbs only last around 450 to 1,000 hours.
You’ve probably noticed your headlights and tail lights get hot after using them for a long time. This is because the bulbs of your vehicle lights don’t just produce light, they generate heat too. However, some light bulbs can get much hotter than others.
Too much heat can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle lights. Learn about how hot different types of light bulbs can get so you can take better care of your vehicle lights.
How Hot Does a Light Bulb Get?
All light bulbs get hot, but how hot they get varies on several factors including the bulb type, the bulb’s age, and how long it’s turned on.
Headlights and tail lights get hot after using them for a long time because they don’t just produce light, but generate heat too
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen lights are still the most common lights you’ll find on most vehicles today. They produce light when an electrical current passes through their tungsten filament. With the help of a small amount of halogen gas, the filament heats up and emits light.
Halogen bulbs can get as hot as 1300℉. Because of this, it’s important to never touch the bulbs with your bare hands especially after they’ve been in use. The natural oils from your skin can cause the bulb to break, especially when it’s hot. For your own safety, use disposable latex or nitrile gloves when replacing your vehicle’s bulbs.
HID Bulbs
Also known as xenon lights, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs are crisper and brighter than halogen lights. Unlike most electrical bulbs, HID lamps don’t use a filament. Instead, they have two electrodes inside a tube filled with xenon gas. When an electrical discharge passes between the electrodes, the HID bulb creates a light so bright it appears bluish white.
Compared to halogen bulbs, xenon bulbs produce more light with less heat. HID headlights can convert 70% of their energy into light, with only 30% turning into heat. This makes them more efficient and less likely to overheat.
LED Bulbs
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are the most energy efficient among the different types of bulbs. They also work over 250 times faster than halogen bulbs. This is why you’ll find plenty of vehicles with LED headlights, tail lights, and brake lights.
LED bulbs can reach a temperature of around 140°F to 212°F, but it can vary depending on the bulb. Vehicles with LED headlights usually have heat sinks or cooling fans to regulate the heat and minimize the chances of overheating.
LED bulbs are the most energy efficient among the different types of bulbs, and can reach a temperature of around 140°F to 212°F, but it can vary depending on the bulb.
Car Light Bulb FAQ
Are There Light Bulbs That Don’t Get Hot?
All light bulbs get hot, including LED bulbs. However, how much heat they produce will vary greatly depending on several factors including bulb type, wattage, and length of time it’s turned on. For instance, while LED lights don’t produce a lot of heat, you’ll most likely still find them a little warm after using them for a long time.
What Are the Negative Effects of Hot Vehicle Lights?
Too much heat can cause your headlights and tail lights to dim, flicker, or just perform poorly in general. Halogen bulbs and HID bulbs burn out faster than LED bulbs because they reach higher temperatures. Excessive heat can also damage the parts surrounding the bulbs. Thankfully, this isn’t usually a problem for LED headlights since they don’t get hot enough to melt the plastic housing.
How Often Should Light Bulbs Be Replaced?
How often you need to change your vehicle’s light bulbs will depend on the bulb’s lifespan, which can vary on its type, brand, and how often you use it. For instance, if you have halogen headlights, you’ll most likely have to replace them more often. Most halogen bulbs only last around 450 to 1,000 hours.
Meanwhile, HID bulbs can last longer at an average of 2,000 hours. LED bulbs have the longest lifespan of 11,000 hours. This can be more convenient if you don’t want to replace your vehicle lights often.
Cleaning your vehicle lights, their heat sinks, and cooling fans can also help extend their lifespan. You can check your owner’s manual for more information about maintaining your vehicle lights.
Where to Get Halogen Bulbs for Your Vehicle
Dealing with burned-out headlight bulbs can be frustrating. It can even put you in danger should you decide to drive without functioning bulbs. For your safety, always make sure that your lighting system has working halogen bulbs. And when it’s time to shop for top-notch replacements, look no further than CarParts.com.
We have a wide selection of OE-grade halogen bulbs designed to last a long time. These lights come as direct-fit replacements for your daily driver, so there’s no need to worry about getting the wrong size. Simply enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector to browse the compatible halogen bulbs for your ride.
With only a few clicks, you’ll be ready to check out in no time. Get your order delivered straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days thanks to our strategically located warehouses across the US.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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