Choosing The Right Lights For Your Vehicle

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your truck, atv, or any all-terrain vehicle, it’s always a good idea to know exactly what you need so you don’t get something that isn’t the best fit for your needs. For example, if you’re looking for something to simply help you see better at night, you wouldn’t need something as bright as an off-roading light. Where the lights are positioned is just as important, otherwise it would defeat the purpose of having the lights in the first place. The information that you need to know is certainly not rocket science, but it is necessary in order to make sure everything is working properly.

Daytime Running Lights

Although many cars don’t have them, daytime running lamps have grown quickly since 1995. They are used typically when it’s raining, snowing, or at dawn and dusk when the sun is low. Most vehicles’ daytime running lights are simply their standard driving lamps on low. However, newer models of high-end cars use strips or small groups of LED lights. Motorcycles are required in most states to always have their headlights on while in operation, because they are more difficult to see in blind spots and most motorcycles have a separate light that flashes to get the attention of drivers.

Fog Lights

Although their name makes them sound like they’re something that would be perfect for Seattle, San Francisco, or Maine where the fog really rolls in, they’re actually great for on or off-roading. They have always been popular among rally racers, because when the atmosphere that you’re seeing is highly reflective, your headlights can be blinding to you. This is why they aren’t used in city limits, and are so beneficial for off-roading. However, if you don’t use them for off-roading because you maybe live outside city limits, fog lights typically are low on the front of the vehicle’s bumper. However, all-terrain vehicles that use fog lights for off-roading will have the fog lights mounted on the top of the vehicle on light bars. The important thing is to make sure they’re aligned correctly, because you don’t want to end up in a bad situation while off-roading in the fog because you couldn’t completely see.

Off-Road Lights

All-terrain vehicles sometimes will come with special lights that are designed to extend the driver’s field of vision not only in the dark but also in bad weather. Most of the time these lights will be mounted either on bars or equipment racks on top of the vehicle, and some lights are able to be attached to the body and are easily replaceable. Having the lights on top of the vehicle gives a vantage point, allowing them to light a larger area more clearly. Spotlights can be installed to have a single beam of bright light for signaling, or if you need to stop and make any repairs. The market for spotlights is directed more towards emergency vehicles for search and rescue units or for law enforcement, but if you do a lot of off-roading at night and feel like you would need one for safety, then they are offered from multiple companies.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right type of light you need is easy, the main focus is purchasing the right quality. Sure, there’s a cheap option at the local superstore, but how durable is it, how long will it last, and how well does it work? Those are the three big questions to ask when buying any lights or mounts for your vehicle. When you get something that is good quality, that is likely a purchase that you won’t have to make again, whereas when you buy something on the cheap end, you get what you pay for and will most likely have to get replacements in the future. Always do thorough research to ensure you get exactly what you need, and that it’s worth the investment.