To the uninitiated, shopping for car parts can be a confusing process and car lights, in particular, can be an issue. When it comes to car lamps and lighting, terminology that is unfamiliar to most is often used. But with a little deciphering, we hope to make it all a bit clearer. Check out our list of the most commonly used lighting terminology
Alignment: Headlight alignment refers to the way that your lights are aimed at the road
Auto Levelling/Load adjustment: Internal motors that control the aim/alignment of your headlights
Bezel: The inner part of a headlight or tail light. Manufacturers often change the colour of the bezel between black, grey or silver to differentiate between models in a range. For example GTI versions and base spec versions.
Bi-Xenon: Headlights where the low and high beam bulbs are HID’s.Date Limitation: Refers to products that only fit vehicles within the specified date range.
DRL: Day-time Running light. Extremely common on modern cars, these are the always-on lights, often incorporated into the vehicle's headlights.
ECE & SAE: European and U.S regulation markings found on lights
Halogen: Halogen bulbs are the most commonly found ‘standard’ type of bulb used for the last 50+ years
HID: Sometimes referred to as Xenon lights, HID’s contain a mixture of gases and that are heated to generate a light 2-3 times brighter than halogen
LED: Energy efficient and long-lasting bulb technology, frequently used on modern cars.
LED Matrix: Intelligent lighting which allows drivers to leave the high beams permanently on as they have the capability to detect other vehicles and pedestrians and divert light away so that they don’t blind other road users.
Nearside: The side of your car nearest to the curb when you are driving
Offside: The side of your car furthest from the curb when you are driving
Projector Headlights: Projects the light forward rather than reflecting it.
Reflector Headlights: Reflect light from the bulb, off an internal reflector Need a light for your car or commercial? Check out our huge range of direct replacement lamps including headlamps, tail lamps, fog and spot lamps, indicator lamps and auxiliary lamps.
