Driving at night can be terrifying. It is more difficult to see other motorists on the road at night because of the poor illumination.
For this reason, it is important to have long-range headlights so that you can see what’s ahead of you while driving in low-light conditions. Not all cars come with long-range driving lights as standard equipment. The ones with it will need replacing after years of use or because they got damaged in an accident.
If you’re in the market for a new set of headlights for your automobile but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading!
In this article, we’ll review in detail 10 of the best long-range driving lights for night visibility. After that, we have a buying guide that will educate you on some key factors to look out for before deciding on which driving lights to purchase.
[wptb id=1472]Our 10 Best Long-Range Driving Lights:
Here we go with the detailed reviews so that you can make an informed decision-
1. HELLA 358117171 ValueFit 500 LED Driving Lamp Kit
Hella has been a leader in the automotive lighting industry for over 100 years. With their ValueFit 500 LED round driving lamp kit, you can now retrofit your vehicle with an advanced LED system. The kit comes with two lights, with each including 15 high-intensity LEDs. They have 22.5W power resistors designed to withstand extreme temperatures. So, they require a multi-volt of 10 to 30V DC to work.
Each Hella ValueFit 500 LED round driving light features an aluminum die-cast housing (IP67 waterproof rated) that ensures durability and effective heat dissipation. They also have a plug-and-play installation process that doesn’t require any cutting or splicing, so you’ll be ready to drive safely in no time! Thanks to the full-surface reflector of the lights, they have a magnified light distribution. There is a “HELLA VALUEFIT” lettering on the front of each lamp which some users don’t like.
Furthermore, the Hella ValueFit 500 LED long range lights have a color temperature of 6000K (pure white). They also come with an amber cover. Two LED driving lights, two mounting brackets, hardware, two stone shields, one relay, one wire harness with a DT connection, one oval switch, and installation instructions are all included in this kit. However, be informed that the oval switch is hard to install in the dash.
Benefits
- These lights are easy to install.
- The lights have great illumination.
- You’ll get everything you need to use the lamp in the kit.
- Optimally maintain safe operating temperatures.
- Prevents eye fatigue in night rides.
Drawbacks
- The oval switch is hard to install on the dash.
2. 4WDKING LED Round Lights Kit
4WDKING is an automotive lighting production company that started in 2010. They have been able to get up to speed with companies existing for years due to their innovative, inexpensive, and high-quality products. One such product is their 2” LED round dual lights kit. In manufacturing these lights, 4WDKING used a customized deep reflector, enhanced LED chips, and a specially designed optical lens that provides good long-range night illumination.
The LEDs of these lights produce the same amount of illumination as incandescent but with less power usage (10W per light), meaning they last much longer! Each 4WDKING 2” LED round light is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, with an IP68 rating. Their housing is made from industrial-grade 6063 aluminum with a large heat-sink that reduces the heat produced by the light for cooler running. They work on 9 to 36 volts and are easy to install on any automobile.
One of the most useful features of the 4WDKING 2” LED round lights is their ability to rotate 180° after mounting with a movable stainless-steel mounting. This feature allows you to set the lights at any angle/direction. 4WDKING sells this kit with two sturdy rust-proof mini brackets & screws for fast installation to your vehicle. Also, they are inexpensive with great value.
Benefits
- The kit is inexpensive and offers excellent value for money.
- The LED lights have high illumination output.
- You won’t have a single problem installing them in your vehicle.
- Optimal heat output with modern lighting technology.
Drawbacks
- None.
3. Autofeel LED Flood & Spot Beam Bar Light (2 PCS)
The Autofeel LED flood & spot beam bar lights can be installed on any 12-24V off-road SUV, ATV, truck, van, motorbike, ship, etc. It is sold in pairs. Each of these lights has a maximum power of 2250 lumens and will cover up to 160 meters in every direction. When you buy these Autofeel light bars, you will have a combo of flood and spot.
Each light bar has 170° floodlights in the middle surrounded by dual-row 30° spotlights. Autofeel puts the floodlights in a vertical arrangement for an enhanced long-range view area. These lights are made with die-cast aluminum housing. However, the quality isn’t up to par. The housing isn’t water-tight, so water does get into it, which affects the lifespan of the light bar. A hack to this is to spread thermal temp glue around the outside of the cases to stop water from penetrating before you install the light bar.
That said, a pair of Autofeel LED long-range lights has a 60W power consumption. The lights are small enough not to affect fuel economy yet powerful enough to keep you safe while driving at night. When you buy these lights, you’ll get standard adjustable stainless steel mounting brackets for easy installation. Also, Autofeel offers a one-year warranty and a customer pre-sale and after-sale service on them.
Benefits
- This light bar is a combo of floodlights and spotlights, which gives you a wider and farther view area.
- The light produces excellent illumination in all weather conditions.
- Installation of these lights is swift and straightforward.
- The manufacturer, Autofeel has a one-year warranty and a customer pre-sale and after-sale service on them.
Drawbacks
- Poor housing allows moisture into the light bar.
4. EXZEIT LED Driving Round Lights (2 PCS)
With the EXZEIT LED driving round lights, you will see the road better and be more aware of your surroundings. This is because each light is made with high-quality Cree LEDs that illuminate 10240 lumens and a 90° spot beam pattern, covering a broader and longer view area. Although, they are expensive.
The EXZEIT LED round light has an extruded aluminum casing powder-coated to stand up to harsh driving conditions. There’s no issue with water entering into it because it is waterproof. At the casing’s back are breather panels to help prevent overheating. Note that you’ll need 9 to 32 Volts to use the EXZEIT light. It draws 2 amps under 24V and 3.7 amps under 12V.
The EXZEIT LED light color temperature is 6000K (white light). You can use it as both fog lights and driving lights. Included in its packaging are adjustable mounting brackets for smooth installation.
Benefits
- One of these lights produces illumination of 10240 lumens for enhanced visibility in long-range.
- The packaging includes adjustable mounting brackets for smooth installation.
- Good lights has no issues with rain.
- Top notch build quality ensures best value
Drawbacks
- It’s expensive.
5. AUDEXEN LED Work Lights
AUDEXEN LED work light is a good option for any traveling car owner, camper, or anyone else who needs an off-road light. It is sold in pairs and installs easily on any vehicle. Each of the AUDEXEN LED work lights features 21 5W original Osram LED chips that produce super bright lights than regular halogen lights. Be informed that these lights use 10-30V DC.
With four different modes of operation (parking lights, led ring, low & high beam), these work lights will be perfect for any nighttime journey or off-road driving. The low beam produces 4000 raw lumens, while the high beam produces 6000 lumens. Note that each of these modes has separate switches.
AUDEXEN’s patented durable die-cast aluminum body and hollowed heat sink fins for quick heat removal of these work lights ensures they last for years. Also, they’re waterproof IP67, can withstand all sorts of harsh driving environments. In addition to these practical benefits, this work light has a sleek design that impresses anyone who sees it in action.
The AUDEXEN LED work lights packaging includes 180° adjustable brackets & stainless steel screws for mounting. However, there’s no mounting instruction which makes the process stressful. That said, AUDEXEN has a one-year warranty on this work light.
Benefits
- The work light has four modes of operation with separate switches.
- AUDEXEN has a one-year warranty on this work light.
- The high beam mode gives off 6000 lumens, which is super bright.
- The work light has a sleek look and is very sturdy.
- Light reaches long distance.
Drawbacks
- No instructions on how to install it.
6. Nilight – 60001F-B LED Work Lights
The Nilight 60001F-B LED work light may be precisely what you need if you’re searching for a long-lasting, strong, and affordable LED work light that fits into small areas in your car. It comes in pairs. This 18W flood work light features advanced LED chips and an innovative lamp cup reflector for a dazzling and wide illumination range. It produces 1260 lumens and has a color temperature of 6000K-6500K (pure white). Note that it uses 9 to 30V DC.
These powerful driving lights are inexpensive and provide excellent value for money. To prevent overheating and keep safe operating temperatures, it has quick-cooling metal heat sinks. A dust-resistant casing with an anti-fog rubber locking strip makes it dustproof. Also, there is an IP67 waterproof rating rubber pad around the housing to prevent water from entering. However, water still enters it after a few months of use.
The Nilight 60001F-B LED work light has a 45° adjustable head, meaning it can be set to the spot where you need it most at any given time. It measures 3.8″ L x 3.1″ H x 2.6″ D and comes with adjustable mounting brackets, an instruction manual, and mounting hardware. The hardware is flimsy, so you may consider getting high-quality ones for durability. It also finds other uses as a garden light, backyard light, back-up light, construction light, etc.
Benefits
- This work light is super bright and bangs for the buck.
- It is easy to mount.
- The light head is adjustable up to 45° angle for use in different directions.
Drawbacks
- Water gets into the light after a few months of use.
- It comes with low-quality hardware.
7. Zmoon LED Light Bar
Zmoon LED light bar is an extremely bright LED light bar, which can be installed on the roof of a car, truck, ATV, UTV, etc. It features high-power LED chips with 15° spotlights and 170° floodlights optic system for a more extensive illuminating reach. This LED light bar is sold in a pack of two, with each producing 12000LM of powerful white (6500K) light. It is compatible with all 9v-30V DC automobiles and gadgets.
The Zmoon LED light bar features an industrial-grade 6063 aluminum waterproof shell with 10 cooling fins to ensure it runs at a cool temperature. The shell is extremely tough against corrosion, but somehow, water still gets into it. Furthermore, the durability of the light bar is thrown into jeopardy by the weak mounting brackets and hardware it comes with. If you buy this light bar, do yourself a favor and get sturdy mounting brackets and ¼” screws.
That said, the Zmoon LED light bar measure 6.34” L x 3.5” H x 2.4” D. They come packaged with a 10-foot high-temperature wiring harness, a relay, and a high-current injection molded fuse with excellent conductivity.
Benefits
- This bar LED light features 15° spotlights and a 170° floodlights optic system that produces 12000 lumens.
- They are affordable.
- Each pair features a 10ft high-temperature wiring harness with a relay that fits all 12V/24V vehicles.
Drawbacks
- It comes with cheap mounting brackets and hardware.
- Water gets into the light bar.
8. Linde 4 Inch Led Pods
Off-roaders, car owners, and night travelers will all find these Linde LED pods to be an excellent addition to their vehicles. These pods are designed with a combined 150° floodlight at middle & dual-row 30°spotlight Phillips LED chips for wider and long-distance illumination. They produce a total of 12000 lumens, giving off a color temperature of 6000K (white light). A pair of the Linde LED pods have a 120W power requirement, and they will fit any 12V/24V vehicle.
The Linde LED pod features a 6063 die-cast aluminum housing with excellent heat resistance thanks to the heat sink at the backside that dissipates heat effectively. The housing is also waterproof, dustproof, and weatherproof. Each pod has a size of 3.8” L x 3.5” H x 2.6” D.
Two toughened glasses and a stainless steel mounting bracket with hardware comes with the Linde LED pods for easy installation. Linde LED backs them up with a one-year warranty so that you’ll have confidence in your purchase.
Benefits
- They are super bright small LED pods, producing a total of 12000 lumens.
- They come with a one-year warranty.
- Very easy to install.
- Can be used as garden lighting with a bit of tweak.
Drawbacks
- None.
9. Safego Round LED Light Bar (2 PCS)
The Safego round LED light bars offers every car owner a versatile and durable way to keep them safe when they’re out on the road at night. Their sophisticated 100pcs 3W chips provide drivers with a wide and extended range of visibility for safe nighttime or rough terrain navigation! One of this light bar produce 15000 lumens and a color temperature of 6000k white light. You can mount the pair to any 12V/24V vehicle. Note that these are floodlights and not spotlights like they are being sold.
The Safego round LED light bar has a high-quality aluminum housing with black powder-coating to withstand corrosion. This housing has a multilayer heat sink for effective heat dissipation. Also, they feature a protective cover to withstand extreme usage conditions. The light transmission of these light bars is among the best in the automotive lighting market, thanks to their strong shatterproof IP67 polycarbonate plexiglass cover.
The Safego round LED light bar has a dimension of Ø 6.88” W x 6.88” H x 2.16” D. It comes with durable mounting brackets and hardware for installation. However, there is no instructional manual to help with installation. You can tilt the brackets at any angle to suit your needs. Safego offers a two-year warranty on these lights.
Benefits
- These light bars are very bright.
- They are durable and withstand extreme usage conditions.
- Both light bars produce 30000 lumens.
- The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty on these light bars.
Drawbacks
- Wrong description of spotlights, whereas they are floodlights.
- No mounting instructions.
10. Nilight R0151 LED Driving Light
To round up this review is the Nilight 85W LED driving light. This Ø 7 15/16 ” H x 7″ W x 2 ⅝” D driving light is 2X the size of the other Nilight 60001F-B driving light earlier reviewed. It is a pair of two high-quality and durable driving lights that will help you see everything on the road ahead of you while driving at night.
Each of these driving lights has 17 high-quality 5W Osram LED chips that require 85W (9-30V DC) to generate 8330 lumens with a 6000K color temperature. 13 of the 5W Osram LED chips emit a 10°spot light as a high beam for a longer range. While 4 of the 5W Osram LEDs are 90° floodlights as a low beam for closer broad distance.
The Nilight 85W LED driving light features a durable extruded aluminum body, shatterproof polycarbonate lens, and IP68 waterproof sealed gaskets for complete water resistance. Thanks to their adjustable stainless steel mounting brackets with the design of a double screw, they install firmly to any vehicle’s front bumper, roof, and windshield. Installation is plug & play as it comes packaged with 14AWG DT connectors and two lead wiring harness kits.
Benefits
- These driving lights are super bright floodlights and spotlights combo.
- Installation is straightforward.
- They are professional-grade and highly waterproof.
- Efficient circuit design ensures good lifespan and high performance.
Drawbacks
- None
Best Long Range Driving Lights Buying Guide
Driving lights can be a life-saver when you’re driving down dark roads at night. They’re also invaluable for off-road use and as auxiliary lighting to illuminate the side of your vehicle that oncoming traffic might not see.
The key factors we’ll cover in this buying guide will help you choose the best long-range driving lights for your needs, so keep reading!
Type of Long Range Lights
The first thing you need to consider is what form of light will suit your needs best.
You’ll quickly discover that there are three main types of driving lights: LED (light-emitting diode), high-intensity discharge, and xenon/halogen bulbs.
High-intensity discharge (HID) lights:
While many drivers appreciate the strong beams that HID headlights provide, they can be harmful if used wrong or fitted incorrectly. In fact, using them might even result in a ticket depending on where you live!
LED (light-emitting diode) lights:
This form of driving light offers long life while offering an extended range without overwhelming other motorists. LEDs lights are the best form of light for off-road and night driving.
Halogen/Xenon bulbs:
These driving lights use mercury vapor contained within glass tubes filled with xenons/halogen gas for illumination purposes only. They are also extremely energy efficient but don’t last long and are more expensive.
Light Size
The next thing you need to consider is the size of the lights, as this will impact how much light they produce and what sort of beam pattern they have. Driving lights produce a tight or focused beam with no real side-lighting ability. They are perfect for off-road vehicles like ATVs, Jeep Wranglers/Renegades, etc., but not designed for use on public roads.
Generally, there are two types of lights based on size, which are the floodlights and the spotlights. Floodlights tend to have wider beams that flood an area in front of your vehicle rather than lighting up objects directly ahead. On the other hand, spotlights offer intense illumination over great distances by focusing all available light into one concentrated point – think searchlight!
There are some driving lights that have the combination of both floodlights and spotlights. You’ll find some of these lights on our list.
Lumen Rating
The next thing to consider is how much illumination your desired driving light produces, as this will determine how far it illuminates down the road or area in front of you. The greater a light lumen rating is, the more light it will cast into the darkness. However, there are some limitations! High beam headlights have to dim when another car approaches so that they don’t blind other drivers. This means their effective range may not be nearly as great over time since they aren’t always operating at 100%.
Beam pattern
The next thing to consider is the beam pattern, as different light types have specific patterns that they project onto the road or area in front of you. There are two patterns, high and low beam patterns.
High beams:
High beams are designed with a wide-angled distribution that covers up to 270 degrees. This means it won’t focus on one single point but instead illuminate all objects within its range at once, making it great for driving down unlit roads. The downside? Approaching cars might not be able to see your car since their headlamps will also be shining back toward them!
Low beams:
Low beams offer a much more focused beam that illuminates a smaller area up to around 45 degrees, making it easier for other motorists to see you on the road. The downside with this type of beam is that objects far away may not be illuminated and, therefore, are difficult to spot – like deer.
Fortunately, some driving lights have both beam patterns with switches for convenient use. You can find such lights amongst the ones we have reviewed above.
Easy Installation
The next thing to consider is how easy they will be to install into your vehicle’s headlight housing or assembly. After all, driving lights aren’t designed as replacements, but rather supplemental lighting devices meant only for off-road use. So, they should be easy to install. Also, the driving light you purchase should come with industrial-grade mounting brackets and hardware for firm and smooth installation.
Driving Lights Price
The next thing to consider is the price of the driving lights, as this will determine how much you can spend on them. As a general rule, the more expensive a driving light is, the better the quality.
However, you should always research manufacturers and their products before purchasing. The last thing you want to do is spend money on a light that has poor light output or durability!
Final Thoughts
Driving lights are the most important accessory for your vehicle, especially when there is a lack of road lights. They will help you see better when driving at night and can be used to signal other drivers on the road in case of emergencies. Some countries even make them mandatory by law.
Finally, whether you don’t already have them or want to update your present set of driving lights, we hope we’ve been able to assist you in making an informed purchasing decision on the best one for your needs. Happy shopping.