June 15, 2023 / by Danny Mavis

Aftermarket LED driving lights have taken over the market and they’re all the rage among off-roaders. They’re a great way to see on dark trails at night and they can help you avoid obstacles too, but the question is: which ones are best? I’ll go through what you should look for in 4WD LED driving lights so you can make a well-informed decision on what’s best for your vehicle. Let’s get started!

What are 4WD LED Driving Lights?

driving lights on a 4WD
source: tweed4x4.com

If you’re new to the world of off-roading, then you may not be too familiar with driving lights (also known as fog lights) or even know what they do. In a nutshell, these aftermarket lights are designed to illuminate the road ahead when it gets dark and help you see better at night while driving. You can find them in either straight or angle versions, depending on where you want them mounted. They’re usually made from durable plastic or aluminium and are quite small in size (about the size of a tennis ball). You can also find driving lights that come with a suction cup mount so that you can move them around as needed.

Nowadays there are so many options when it comes to aftermarket 4WD LED driving lights that it may be hard to decide which one is best for your vehicle. The strength (brightness of the light) is measured in LED rather than watts, so it’s important to check out the manufacturer’s specifications. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light will be. There are also some driving lights that have a wide-angle lens which helps spread the light over a wider area.

What Are The Benefits of LED Driving Lights?

illuminated driving lights
source: rvdaily.com.au

There are quite a few benefits to having these on your vehicle when off-roading. First of all, they’re a great safety feature because they can help you see better at night and avoid obstacles on the trail (and even in your driveway). They also come in handy if there are other vehicles around that may be difficult to see in low-light conditions.

Another benefit is that they make your vehicle look more “trendy” than before and some people like them for their unique appearance. You can get lights in different colours including red, blue, green and more so you can choose whatever style you like best. They’re also very easy to install and most come with installation instructions in the box. 

What are the Different Types of LED Driving Lights?

close up of driving light
source: gglights.com

There are two main types of driving lights: those that plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt socket and those that don’t. The ones that use a power source are typically brighter than those that don’t, but they do cost more money as well.

If you want something more affordable and less bulky, then you may want to consider getting a pair of driving lights that do not require any power. The other thing to think about is the size and shape of your vehicle because some driving lights are designed for certain vehicles only.

For example, if you have a Jeep Wrangler, then there are special ones that come with a curved lens so they can fit around the hood of your vehicle better. Some LED driving lights are also waterproof (IP67 rating) and this comes in handy when it’s raining or if you’re off-roading in wet conditions. 

What are the Different Features to Look for When Buying LED Driving Lights?

4WD with LED driving lights
source: milduraoffroad.com.au

When buying aftermarket driving lights, there are some features that you should look out for including brightness, size and shape of your vehicle, as well as the price. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Brightness (lumens). As I mentioned earlier, this is the most important thing to look at when buying driving lights. The higher the lumens rating of your light, the brighter it will be so you can see better on dark trails at night. 
  2. Size and shape. Some driving lights have a wide-angle lens that spreads the light over a wider area. Others are curved which helps them fit onto the hood of your vehicle better if they’re designed for certain vehicles only.
  3. Price. As with most accessories, driving lights tend to be quite expensive and you can expect to pay quite a bit for them. You should make sure that you get the best value for your money though because some of the cheaper ones are not as bright or durable.
  4. Battery life. Some driving lights come with an attached battery pack, while others don’t have batteries at all. Instead, they’re connected to your vehicle’s battery.
  5. Warranty. Most driving lights come with a 1-year warranty, but some manufacturers may offer you more than this so it’s worth checking out their terms and conditions before buying.
  6. Mounting options. If you want to be able to move your lights around as needed, then you’ll need something that comes with different mounting options such as suction cups or clips. Some even have magnets on them so they can stick onto the hood of your vehicle when not in use.