Halogen vs LED lights - Snow/Ice build up

[westwind77]

I bought some higher end LED lights to replace my Halogen's, what a difference. However, I did have to adjust the lights downward to get the proper level as not to blind other drivers. Too many people just drop them in and go when typically they do not have the same cut-offs of the OEM's.

That being said, the Halogen's really do warm up the fixtures, especially the fog lights. Even after being on for a couple minutes the fog lights get very hot to the touch.

My question is, for the people who drive in the snow and bad weather a lot, do the warmth of the Halogens prevent ice/snow build up as it helps melt anything that lands on the lens?

I know most newer vehicles all come with LED's so obviously the makers do not see this as an issue but curious if those running in the cold north have noticed a difference in bad weather?

 

[fkheath]

I bought some higher end LED lights to replace my Halogen's, what a difference. However, I did have to adjust the lights downward to get the proper level as not to blind other drivers. Too many people just drop them in and go when typically they do not have the same cut-offs of the OEM's.

That being said, the Halogen's really do warm up the fixtures, especially the fog lights. Even after being on for a couple minutes the fog lights get very hot to the touch.

My question is, for the people who drive in the snow and bad weather a lot, do the warmth of the Halogens prevent ice/snow build up as it helps melt anything that lands on the lens?

I know most newer vehicles all come with LED's so obviously the makers do not see this as an issue but curious if those running in the cold north have noticed a difference in bad weather?

The OEM LED fog lights do get warm, that is why they have a great big heat sink on the back: PT413-42191 - Fog Light Kit LED - Black - 2018-2023 Toyota | Sparks Parts

Not as warm as halogens, of course, but probably warm enough to keep frost off the lens.

Who knows about non-OEM light bulbs.

 

[17KT4R]

I replaced my low beams shortly after buying the truck with the Diode Dynamics SL1’s. So 5 years ago. Through winters they don’t warm up the lens enough to melt ice buildup. Every so often if I get a warm day I’ll put another quick coat of polish on there which helps keep off the ice / snow.

The heat from the halogen DRL’s helped but I changed those as well to LED’s from Xenon Depot because they came out with the proper pulse drivers. So that made the no heat issue worse.

Anyway, rarely becomes a problem but yeah, could I suppose.

 

[ED_96Ltd]

It really comes down to the specific LED and what kind of heat sink or fan setup is in place. I have Lasfit LED low beams that warm the headlights slightly, but they have huge fans mounted on the back. My SS3 LED fog lights though, get plenty warm enough to melt off the snow.

It does make me wonder when manufacturers will start adding a "heated headlight" feature to turn on with the standard de-icer settings...they've managed to heat just about everything else lol.