It is easy to answer the question of why we need to install lights on our cars, but the question that many struggle with maybe what brand, and color of lights one should buy. When it comes to off-roading, we all know how essential lights are to a car, as they serve several functions in our adventures including;
- improving visibility, both for the driver and other offroaders, resulting in safety, especially in low-light conditions or at night.
- facilitating communication on the road, lights such as turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights convey your intentions and actions to other road users hence preventing collisions and confusion among drivers.
- personalizing and improving the car’s aesthetics
- having them in compliance with traffic laws, as failure to do so may result in legal penalties
With an array of lights to choose from and quality brands like Baja Design, Heretic Studio, Rigid Industries, KC Hilites, Morimoto, and more, which specialize in manufacturing these lights, many offroaders find themselves not knowing which lights to go for that will meet their specific needs. So in this article, we are going to share the differences between amber, and clear lighting, hence answering this off-road lighting age-old question.
First of all, when it comes to lights we describe their color output using the Kelvin scale which ranges from 1000 – 12000. This means that the lower the Kelvin, the warmer the color temperature of the light which means that the color output will be yellow, orange, and red, while the higher the Kelvin number, the cooler it will be, and the color output will be blue, indigo, or violet. Let’s take Baja Designs as an example, their amber lights specifically designed for off-road driving are about 3000K, while their clear lights are about 5000K.
Amber Lights
When you compare amber lights to clear lights, clear lights are a bit brighter, however with amber lights objects appear sharper and more distinguishable. Whether you are using amber lights for high or low-beam applications, they are usually optimized for dusty and foggy off-roading conditions. Click on the links below to buy amber lights from the best lighting brands now
- CLICK HERE to buy Baja Designs’ Amber Lights
- CLICK HERE to buy Heretic Studio’s Amber Light
- For Rigid Industries Amber Lights, CLICK HERE
- For KC Hilites Amber Lights, CLICK HERE
- For Morimoto Amber Lights, CLICK HERE
Clear Lights
Clear lights project further than amber lights giving you a better illumination of the path and surroundings for a detailed assessment of rugged terrains. Clear lights are a better option for you if you drive in high-speed open deserts, or on clear night conditions. Here are several brands with the best clear lights on the market, just go ahead and click the links to grab them now
- CLICK HERE to buy Baja Designs’ Clear Lights
- CLICK HERE to buy Heretic Studio’s Clear Light
- For Rigid Industries Clear Lights, CLICK HERE
- For KC Hilites Clear Lights, CLICK HERE
- For Morimoto Clear Lights, CLICK HERE
Ultimately whether you choose amber or clear lights, depends only on your needs. Both lights can keep you safe, and hence improve your performance in your off-roading adventures. If you want an intense light option, then clear lights may be for you, but if you are driving in inclement environments such as dust, snow, or fog, amber lights may be the best option for you. If you are having a hard time choosing, don’t feel limited you can always get a mix of both.