by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
The longer you own a Jeep, the more you realize just how customizable the whole thing is, with modifications pretty much available from its front face way back to the rear tailgate. And these things can run from simple, fun mods that enhance the vehicle’s appearance, to burly body-protecting products, to plenty of safety-enhancing items.
It is this latter category that can be the most important, of course, and one of its top themes is Jeep lighting.
Sure, a Jeep does come from the factory with lights already installed. It is not something you have to add when you purchase the vehicle. However, there are plenty of upgrade options that are far superior to the original headlights. Even the original fog lights as well. And with upgrades come questions. What is actually better? Why? What kind of lights should I look at buying? Are light upgrades even legal?
Yes, plenty of questions.
So here are some answers to the most popular one we’ve encountered over the years:
What Types of Lighting Does a Jeep Wrangler Use?
From the factory, Jeep Wranglers typically will have halogen headlights and fog lights. However, in recent years Jeep has begun offering an LED (Light Emitting Diode) upgrade package that puts LED headlight and fog light into the vehicle right from the showroom. These lights are significantly brighter than halogen, while using less power which makes them ideal for those who also run winches and other amp-drawing products. However, this upgrade can be pricey from the dealership so aftermarket LED lights are usually the best option.
Additionally, with a simple bulb swap out, HID and Xenon are also possible for those who want to swap out the weak factory lighting.
Can I Upgrade My Jeep Wrangler’s Factory Lights?
Absolutely. And the best part, upgrade options have become less and less expensive over the years and most are simple to change over. Many Wrangler owners choose to replace stock lights with aftermarket options for better visibility and aesthetics almost right after purchasing the vehicle.
LED lighting may be the most popular upgrade right now as most of these units are plug-and-play replacements that work with factory wiring, but some prefer to just swap out headlight bulbs for either xenon or HID versions that give off a brighter appearance than factory halogen lights.
Besides headlights, you can also swap out the factory fog lights and LED versions make sense for these as well. The higher lumen count means quite a bit more visibility in difficult weather conditions, thus making for a safer riding experience.
How Do I Maintain My Jeep Wrangler’s Lights
Regular maintenance is not complicated when it comes to taking care of your Jeep’s lights. Use soap and water on a clean cloth and whenever you wash your vehicle to keep the lights free of dirt and grime. If the lights are especially dirty or have some oxidation, then mixing some baking soda and vinegar creates a more powerful solution to remove that debris.
Do I Need to Adjust My Jeep Headlights
Factory-installed headlights should not need any alignment on your end. However, if you plan to use your vehicle off-roading, or encounter frequent bumpy driving conditions then you may have to perform an alignment if you suddenly have a difficult time seeing more than 20 or 30 feet in front of the vehicle. Or, if incoming drivers start to flash you from high to low beam, warning you that your lights are blinding them.
Similarly, if you are just changing out bulbs then you shouldn’t have to perform an adjustment as well.
However, if you do purchase new LED lights that include a whole housing replacement, then you should definitely adjust the lights before using.
And the whole process is fairly simple.
Most light housings will have adjustment screws somewhere around the rim of the housing. Once you’ve located the screws, then pull up our headlight adjustment guide here so you can perfectly adjust those new lights.
Are There Legal Considerations for Jeep Wrangler Lighting?
Perhaps, although most legal considerations when it comes to Jeep lighting revolve around light bars and some auxiliary lights. Many of those can only legally be used when off-road.
As far as headlights and fog lights, just about everything should be 50-state DOT-approved and this disclaimer should be somewhere in the product description.
What Are the Best Lighting Options for Off-Roading?
For off-roading, many prefer LED light bars and/or bumper or a-pillar mounted auxiliary lighting for their powerful illumination and durability. These type of lights can be spot or flood versions, meaning you can tailor the kind of light throw you want to the conditions you may face.
It is important to note that most of these products are not ‘street legal’ and can only be operated when off-road due to the high lumen count and light brightness.
What Are Common Lighting Problems in Jeep Wranglers?
Common issues include burnt-out halogen bulbs, electrical problems, light flicker and misalignment. Regular inspections can help identify and address these problems, while anti-flicker modules can help alleviate lighting issues in some JK Wrangler vehicles.
Are Jeep Wrangler Lights Energy Efficient?
Factory halogen lighting is not all that efficient. Not only does it throw a soft, dimmer beam than aftermarket versions, but it also has a higher power draw. LED lights, though, whether upgraded right at purchase of the vehicle or installed later, have a far smaller power draw and toss out a higher concentration of light — making night driving much safer in all conditions.
The same can be said for LED fog lights as well. But these also offer a higher efficiency as they can be purchased in a spot or flood pattern so that lighting output can be tailored to your driving preference.
What Impact Does Lighting Have on a Jeep Wrangler’s Battery Life?
Higher-wattage halogen lights can impact battery life and performance, especially when combined with other high-drawing power modifications like aftermarket infotainment systems, winches, fridge freezers and air compressors. LED lights, being energy-efficient, have a minimal impact compared to halogen bulbs.
What is the Difference Between Lumens and Watts?
The simple explanation is that lumen count tells you how much light is being emitted from a light source, while watts measures how much power the light consumes.
In other words, the higher the lumen count, the brighter the light and nearly all LED lights on the market today seek to boast about their overall lumen count. Watts, on the other hand, may seem like it measures the brightness of a bulb, but it is a measurement of energy use. That may seem weird, but compare a 40-watt halogen bulb next to a 40-watt LED version and you’ll easily see the difference.
For more on this, head to our Lumens vs. Watts comparison artice.
What are the Different Beam Patterns for Auxiliary Lighting?
Unlike halogen lights, auxiliary lighting offers a few different patterns that can be especially helpful for differing driving conditions: spot beam, flood beam and combo.
Spot beam lighting is superior for helping augment long-distance vision, making it perfect for spotting distant obstacles on dark highways or night trail rides.
Flood beam lighting throws a wider beam, but not as deep. This lighting type helps illuminate your immediate surroundings which is certainly helpful when maneuvering through tricky trail conditions.
Combo auxiliary lighting has become popular over the years as this style offers the best of both flood and spot versions — providing focused distance and expansive close-up illumination.
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