Single Beam vs. Dual Beam—A Complete Guide for Your Headlight Upgrade

Over time, drivers begin to notice their vehicle’s headlights projecting a duller, dimmer light than they once did. Not only do yellow, factory Halogen bulbs look outdated, they simply don’t provide sufficient safety when you’re on the road.

When you’re ready to upgrade your car or truck’s headlights for an instant refresh and overall better performance, consider whether you should equip your ride with single beam or dual beam bulbs.

Single Beam Vs. Dual Beam—What is the Difference?

In order to make the most well-informed decision for your car or truck’s lighting look upgrade, you need to know the single and dual beam basics.

• Single beam headlights work by using two bulbs—one for the low beam, and one for the high beam.

• Single beam bulbs only have one filament. This means that they only emit one beam of light at a time—low or high beam.

• Conversely, dual beam bulbs use only one bulb that powers both the low and high beams.

• Certain dual beam bulbs are comprised of two filaments, allowing that one bulb to project two beams—high and low—when both beams are in use.

• Although the names of each type of headlight bulb would suggest the opposite, it is important to know the distinction between the two, as well as which type of bulb will work with your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions on Single Beam vs. Dual Beam

Still have questions? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most commonly asked questions consumers have about single beam and dual beam headlights—along with the answers.

How difficult are single and dual beam headlights to install?

• HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlight bulb and LED (Light-Emitting Diode) bulbs from Underground Lighting feature “plug and play” installation, which means they are easy to switch out with your old, dull bulbs.

• Underground Lighting features an array of HID and LED single and dual beam headlights with “plug and play” installation, which can typically be done in 30 minutes or less—no complex wiring or slicing necessary.

Do I need to purchase a conversion kit?

• The answer to this common query will depend on the make and model of your particular car or truck.

• Luckily, the pros at Underground Lighting can guide you quickly and easily to the best choice for your ride. Whatever your vehicle needs, they’ve got it, and they’ll help you find it in no time flat.

• Don’t trust just any manufacturer when you’re shopping for headlights. The trusted team at UGL knows exactly what you need. Additionally, UGL only uses the best materials and most innovative designs to ensure you get the most for your money.

Which One Do I Need?

Now that you’re an expert on the difference between single beam and dual beam headlights, it’s time to choose the perfect product for your car or truck’s lighting upgrade.

You’ll instantly achieve a stylish aftermarket look with the right picks from Underground Lighting—the car and truck lighting professionals.

Here are just a few of the top product picks from Underground Lighting:

H4 LED Headlight Kit, 40W 6000LM Plug and Play (PAIR)—sleek, slim, and compatible with virtually all headlight housings, these bulbs are in it for the long haul.

• LED bulbs are designed to be long-lasting and energy-efficient. This saves you time and money by requiring replacement far less than their factory-grade Halogen predecessors.

• The road ahead will stay brightly illuminated in even the foggiest and/or darkest conditions, thanks to 6000K of bright white light.

• Only top-of-the-line parts are used to construct these headlights, including premium, all-in-one housing silicone materials.

LED Low Beam Headlight 60W 10000LM for 2016-2019 Ram 1500/2500/3500 (projector) (PAIR)—

• Your 2016-2019 Dodge RAM will be the boldest and brightest on the road with sophisticated, full CANBUS integration. That means no flickering lights or worrisome error codes to slow you down and cause stress.

• LED chips (with an impressive 12-chip design) are specially placed to minimize the glare onto oncoming traffic.

• 6000K of pure white light and “plug and play” installation make these bulbs a smart solution to your auto lighting needs.

D2S Xenon HID Headlight Bulb Set (PAIR)—

• HID bulbs, also known as Xenon gas bulbs, provide an unmistakable brightness onto the road ahead.

• 6000K white or 8000K white with blue shines 30% brighter than standard Halogen bulbs for maximum visibility.

• Plug and play installation make the conversion fast and simple.

2006-2008 AUDI A3 w/ adaptive HID Headlights HID D1S Headlight Bulbs (PAIR)—

• Elevate your 2006-2008 Audi’s lighting style with bulbs that are easily installed in 30 minutes or less.

• These Xenon gas bulbs are AC powered and over 2 times brighter than standard Halogen headlights.

• 6000K white or 8000K white with blue brightness provide optimal illumination for the duration of your drive, every time.

Stop what you’re doing and head over to headlights section to get started on your new, aftermarket lighting look.

When it comes to your vehicle, trust no less than the best—Underground Lighting is the go-to source for all your car or truck lighting and accessory needs.