Volkswagen GTI Headlights
Avoid collisions during poor visibility and low-light conditions with a pair of bright Volkswagen GTI headlights. Choose between different bulb types and assemblies for a distinct look for your VW model and unique assortment of perks. Get to know some of the features and benefits of Volkswagen GTI headlights so that you can properly enhance or repair your car.
What are projector headlights?Projector headlights offer illumination with a concentrated directionality. Within a Volkswagen GTI projector headlight, a bulb sits in front of a reflector shaped like a very narrow "U," an ellipsoid shape. This shape concentrates and focuses the emitted illumination into a beam. Upper and lower shutters in front of the bulb improve the lights direction, casting it downward or horizontally.
How does brightness differ between bulbs?Bulb types do not impact brightness. "Lumens" indicate brightness levels, and lumen quantities vary between bulbs of different types, bulbs of the same type, and bulbs of different sizes. Most headlights emit lumens in the tens of thousands, which is technically more than you need for average or even less-than-average driving conditions.
Color temperature is often associated with brightness and measured in Kelvins, denoted as u001aKu001a, which is a measurement of the appearance, color, and undertones of a given light. Headlight color temperatures range from 4500K to 6000K, with 5000K being average. Color temperatures above 5500K are quite common. They tend to resemble crystalline daylight with bluish undertones.
How does housing affect the illumination?Housing materials and colors are primarily aesthetic. All types of Volkswagen headlights are engineered for longevity, meaning they are made to withstand exposure to extreme elements for years. You may encounter Volkswagen GTI headlights with chrome housing or smoked housing. Some housing, such as chrome or silver, provides enhanced reflectivity. However, smoked or dark-colored housing contains sufficient internal reflectors and has the added benefit of vanishing into your Volkswagens trim.
What are composite and sealed beam headlights?Volkswagen headlights are among the most dependable and durable aftermarket accessories youll apply to your Volkswagen GTI. Volkswagen decides on bulb sizes at the factory. To change or modify your GTI headlight bulbs, you must purchase new versions of the same bulbs. Your GTI owners manual contains information about all the bulb types in your vehicle, including headlights, as well as information about your headlight assembly.
Only composite assemblies allow you to change just the bulb. More than likely, your Volkswagen GTI headlight assembly is composite. If its a sealed beam, youll have to replace the entire assembly. There are kits to help you do this.