How to Properly Orient Your LED Headlight Bulbs: A Complete Guide

One of the most common questions we hear every day is what orientation should my LED bulb face? LEDs are “directional” light sources, which means they emit light in a specific direction, unlike halogen bulbs, which emit light in 360°. If not properly oriented, the light will appear to have poor output or beam pattern, and it may cause glare for other drivers. That’s why LED bulbs must be positioned correctly according to the different optical designs of the headlamps.

Single Filament Bulbs

For single filament bulbs, the diodes (LED chips) should always be in a side-to-side orientation. This means you should have one set of LEDs facing at 3 o’clock and the other set facing at 9 o’clock. This will allow a nice and even 360° light distribution throughout the housing, creating an even beam of light and evenly filling up the housing.

Dual Headlight Setups

For dual headlight setups that provide low and high beams from one bulb, we use the same side-to-side orientation. Dual beam bulbs have two sets of LED chips on both sides of the bulb. The two chip sets need to be aligned according to the illustration below.

Important Note

In most cases, all bulbs are initially set to an optimal operating angle, and adjustment is not always required. Check the bulb orientation right away after you install the LED bulbs before any harness is connected. Please check the LED Bulb Adjustment Guide for details on how to adjust the angle of the bulbs.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your LED headlight bulbs provide the best possible performance, with an optimal beam pattern and minimal glare for other drivers.

 

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