Driving off-road or in rural areas can be challenging, especially at night. Standard headlights often fall short in these conditions. This is where LED driving lights come in. They provide better visibility, making night driving safer.
LED driving lights are brighter and more efficient than older light types. They help you spot obstacles, animals, and other hazards from a distance. This reduces the risk of accidents and vehicle damage. For 4x4 enthusiasts, this means more confidence on the road and off the beaten path.
LED driving lights also use less power and last longer. This makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run. They are also more durable, standing up to the tough conditions often encountered in off-road driving.
This guide will help you choose the best LED driving lights available for your 4x4 in Australia in 2024. We will explore top brands and models like Hard Korr, Lightforce, and NARVA. You will learn the benefits of different light types and get tips on selecting the right one for your needs.
What are LED Driving Lights?
A LED driving light is a powerful light source designed for vehicles, especially 4x4s. Unlike standard headlights, these lights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are more efficient and durable than traditional halogen or HID lights. They produce a bright, focused beam that illuminates the road ahead. This is crucial for off-road driving and night-time travel, where visibility is key to safety.
Difference Between Lumen and Lux
Understanding lumen and lux helps in choosing the best LED driving light.
Lumen measures the total light output. It tells you how much light the LED produces. Higher lumen means a brighter light.
Lux, on the other hand, measures light intensity over a specific area. One lux equals one lumen per square meter. This is important for understanding how far and how well the light can illuminate the road. In simple terms, lumen is about brightness, while lux is about the effectiveness of that brightness over distance.
Top Brands and Models
Let's talk about the best driving lights now.
Hard Korr BZR-X Series 9″ LED Driving Lights (Pair W/Harness)
Hard Korr’s flagship BZR-X Series 9″ LED driving lights offer top performance for 4x4 enthusiasts. They provide a powerful high beam, reaching 1 lux at 1,310m. This ensures you can see far ahead. Their slim design fits perfectly on narrow mounting surfaces on bullbars. These lights are ideal for off-road adventures, delivering a wide and even light spread.
Built with top-quality Lumileds LED chips, these lights are very bright and efficient. They feature integrated daytime running lights (DRL) and are CISPR15 compliant. This means they won't interfere with your radio. The tough 4mm stainless steel brackets and UV-treated polycarbonate lenses make them durable and long-lasting. These driving lights are perfect for those who demand the best in performance and style.
Lightforce Beast - 3 Mode LED Driving Light 2 Pack
The Australian-designed BEAST LED driving light by Lightforce combines military ruggedness with bold design. Built to endure extreme conditions, it surpasses global standards for durability. This makes it one of the most rigorously tested driving lights in Australia. With it, you can handle any situation confidently.
The BEAST LED driving light offers a unique 3-mode operation. You can switch between spot, flood, and BEAST mode from your seat. It improves peripheral vision, making driving safer. The warm white light reduces glare and eye strain. Its slim, lightweight design allows for many mounting options. The hard-coated lens is highly impact-resistant and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Lightforce HTX 2 Pack with Harness
The all-new Australian-made DL230 HTX driving light from Lightforce is a compact powerhouse. It combines HID and LED technology. This provides the instant flood of LED lights with the long-distance reach of HID. It eliminates the need for additional spotlights and bars, making the HTX a one-stop solution.
The DL230 HTX features a 70w HID bulb within a 170mm reflector and 20 genuine Lumileds LEDs. This combination creates a flood beam pattern that reaches 1 lux at 1,768 meters. The lightweight housing is made from glass-filled nylon composite. The 6063 extruded aluminium ensures optimal heat dissipation. It is IP69k rated, protecting against moisture and contaminants. The lens is UV-stable, hard-coated, and impact-resistant polycarbonate. Stainless steel hardware adds to its durability.
The DL230 HTX offers three modes: LED for a wide beam, HID for long-distance, and a combination for ultimate visibility. It includes a high-current waterproof connector and a genuine Gore® waterproof membrane with a mechanical seal. It also has protections against over, under, and reverse voltage, as well as thermal overload. Proudly Australian-made, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
NARVA 12/24 7" EX2 Driving Lights (Pair)
The Narva 12/24 7" EX2 Driving Lights are easy to install without a harness. This makes them the simplest to wire, with no parts needing to go through the firewall. The strong composite glass-filled nylon brackets are lightweight. They resist vibration and avoid corrosion or rust.
The EX2 driving lights offer great performance with a hybrid beam. This beam provides excellent width and distance without dark or hot spots. They deliver 1 lux at 700 meters, ensuring clear visibility in the dark. You can customize the look with 8 interchangeable color trims. These trims include Slate (Grey), Stealth (Black), Sunburst (Yellow), Volcano (Red), Electric (Blue), Hyper (Green), Juiced (Orange), and Bubblegum (Pink). The lights come with a 7-year warranty for lasting durability.
Hard Korr BZR-X Series 7″ LED Driving Lights (Pair W/Harness)
Hard Korr’s flagship BZR-X Series 7″ LED driving lights deliver a wide, even combination beam with a market-leading 1 lux at 1,030m. Their ultra-slim design fits vehicles with narrow mounting surfaces, such as modern factory bullbars.
These lights use the best LED chips from Lumileds. They are incredibly bright and efficient. The high brightness allows engineers to achieve a true combination beam without sacrificing forward distance. The lights are also CISPR15 compliant, meaning they do not interfere with radio frequencies. They come with a tough, understated look, integrated daytime running lights (DRL), and strong 4mm 316 stainless steel brackets. This makes them perfect for keen adventurers, professional drivers, and those who drive on country roads.
Choosing the Right LED Driving Light for Your 4x4
When choosing LED driving lights for your 4x4, consider the type of light. Light bars provide a wide, even spread of light, making them great for off-road driving. Round lights, on the other hand, offer a focused beam that is ideal for long-distance visibility. Think about where you’ll be driving most often and choose the light that suits those conditions.
Proper installation of LED driving lights is crucial. Incorrect installation can lead to poor performance and even damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. It’s best to have a professional do the fitting. They ensure that the lights are securely mounted and properly wired.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Lumens (Effective) | Lux @ Distance | Power Usage | IP Rating | Warranty | Weight (each) | LED Chips | Beam Type | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Korr BZR-X Series 9″ LED | 17,098 | 1 lux @ 1,310m | 95W | IP68 | 3 Years | 2.7kg | Lumileds | Combination | Integrated DRL, 4mm stainless steel bracket |
| Lightforce Beast - 3 Mode LED | 10,275 - 13,269 | 1 lux @ 1,497m | 149W | IP69K | 5 Years | 2.2kg | 36 LEDs | 3 Mode (spot, flood, BEAST) | Warm white light, multiple mounting options |
| Lightforce HTX 2 Pack | 8,400 | 1 lux @ 1,768m | 150W (70W HID + 80W LED) | IP69K | 3 Years | 2.3kg | 20 Lumileds + HID | 3 Mode (LED, HID, combo) | Waterproof connector, Gore® membrane, thermal protection |
| NARVA 12/24 7" EX2 | 12,000 | 1 lux @ 700m | 120W | IP68/IP69K | 7 Years | 2.2kg | 24 Cree LEDs | Hybrid | No harness needed, interchangeable color trims |
| Hard Korr BZR-X Series 7″ LED | 11,294 | 1 lux @ 1,030m | 95W | IP68 | 3 Years | 1.9kg | Lumileds | Combination | CISPR15 compliant, integrated DRL, 4mm stainless steel bracket |
Conclusion
The best LED driving lights for 4x4s offer a combination of advanced technology, durability, and performance. The top choices include Hard Korr BZR-X Series 9″ and 7″ LED driving lights, Lightforce Beast 3 Mode LED driving light, Lightforce HTX 2 Pack, and NARVA 12/24 7" EX2 driving lights. Each of these models excels in providing exceptional brightness, impressive beam distances, and robust construction, ensuring reliability in all driving conditions.
Summary of the Best LED Driving Lights for 4x4s in 2024:
- Hard Korr BZR-X Series 9″ and 7″ LED: These lights offer a wide, even combination beam and market-leading lux ratings. They are durable, efficient, and perfect for narrow mounting surfaces.
- Lightforce Beast 3 Mode LED: Known for its rugged design and 3-mode operation, this light provides versatility and superior performance in extreme conditions.
- Lightforce HTX 2 Pack: Combining HID and LED technology, these lights deliver both instant flood and long-distance reach, making them a comprehensive solution for various driving needs.
- NARVA 12/24 7" EX2: Easy to install with no harness needed, these lights offer a hybrid beam and customizable looks with interchangeable color trims.