We explain what halogen headlights are and how they work to keep you safe at night

Halogen headlights are named after a group of elements (the halogens) which are used inside them. In a bulb, the primary function of a halogen gas is extend the life of the tungsten filament – but more on that later.  

They aren’t just popular in the automotive world, however, as they have been used in homes and street lamps for over half a decade. That said, non-directional household halogen light bulbs are now banned in the EU due to their poor energy efficiency when compared to LED bulbs.

How do halogen lights work?

Halogens are one of the oldest types of bulbs you would expect to find on a new car sold in the UK. They work in a similar fashion to bulbs you would have seen in houses during the black and white times, meaning they consist of a glass bowl, filament and gas, and when current is passed through the filament it gives off light (and a large amount of heat).

They are called halogens as halogen gas is used to help prevent the tungsten filament being dumped on the glass and blackening the surface of the glass – meaning the bulb stays brighter for longer.