Headlights are a vital part of every vehicle. They allow drivers to see at night and in low visibility conditions, which dramatically improves safety on the road. Car manufacturers have come up with new headlight technologies over the years, and the high-definition (HD) matrix headlight system is one example.
LED Headlights vs. HD Matrix Headlights
Today, you can find four main types of headlights on most vehicles: halogen, Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID), light-emitting diode (LED), and HD matrix lights. Each type of headlight comes with its own pros and cons, but none are quite as advanced as HD matrix headlights.
Built on LED technology, HD matrix headlights consist of a cluster of LED bulbs instead of a single high-beam bulb. They’re powered by small computer chips and are capable of projecting light beams that are two times brighter and four times larger than traditional LED headlights.
The thousands of miro-LEDs and mirrors allow the driver to directly shine the lights in the direction they want. Matrix headlights were first introduced to the world in the 2013 Audi A8, but it didn’t take long before other manufacturers rolled out their own versions.
How Do HD Matrix Headlights Work?
HD matrix LED headlights work hand-in-hand with a camera mounted on the windscreen. When this camera detects any headlights or taillights from surrounding vehicles, the computer can deactivate LED bulbs pointing to where these vehicles are. This adaptive system splits the traditional single headlight beam into smaller rays that it can turn on and off as needed.
What Are the Features of HD Matrix Headlights?
Adaptability isn’t the only impressive thing about HD matrix headlights. Here are several other features these special lights come with:
High Beam With Auxiliary High Beam
When the automatic high beam is activated, the HD matrix switches from a dipped beam to a high beam. The upper bi-functional modules’ auxiliary high beam is also activated, increasing the performance and length of the high beam. Thanks to this, you can see over 600 meters of the road ahead while driving at night.
Keep in mind that this feature only activates if the system doesn’t detect any vehicles in front of you.
Lane Lighting
As its name suggests, this feature detects your lane and significantly brightens it. This works whether your vehicle is positioned further to the right, left, or middle of the lane. When you’re switching lanes, the HD matrix headlight widens the light carpet to cover both lanes.
Construction and Narrow-Lane Light
When the system detects a construction zone or narrow lanes, it automatically reduces the light carpet’s scope to match your vehicle’s width. This makes it easier for you to see any obstructions as well as better assess your position in the narrow lane.
Adaptive High Beams
HD matrix headlights provide optimal light when driving on motorways, highways, and other high-speed roads while cutting the light towards the median strip to prevent blinding approaching vehicles.
Non-Dazzling High Beam
When the camera detects a vehicle ahead, the system automatically deactivates the high beam. It also switches off the corresponding pixels of the HD matrix modules to prevent blinding approaching drivers.
Cornering Lights
This feature allows the headlights to follow the direction of the steering wheel. When the system detects the steering wheel turning to the right, the lights also turn in that direction. This illuminates the road around corners and bends.
Animations
Some HD matrix headlights can display images on the road or wall when locking and unlocking the vehicle. This fun feature allows you to flash greetings, pictures, or symbols of your choosing.
What Are The Advantages of HD Matrix Headlights?
Headlights are about more than just the brightness of their bulbs. When it comes to HD matrix headlights, you get a handful of other advantages too, such as the following:
Provides Improved Vision
When it comes to night driving, HD matrix headlights are your new best friend. They provide improved vision by projecting precise light beams on the road and illuminating any potholes or hazardous road conditions. Unlike other types of headlights, matrix lights can prevent headlight glare for oncoming traffic, decreasing the risk of disorienting any approaching drivers.
Improves Fuel Efficiency
Built on LED technology, HD matrix headlights also come with the benefits of LED headlights. They put less strain on your vehicle’s power supply, leading to better fuel economy. They also only activate the pixels that are needed, which means they also consume a lot less energy than other headlight types. Not only will they help you save on fuel costs, they also provide you with an eco-friendly choice by consuming less fuel.
Low Maintenance
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance headlight, then an HD matrix headlight is the way to go. This headlight type consists of LED lights that are more durable than halogen and HID lights. They have a longer lifespan, so you don’t have to replace them as often as other types of headlights.
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