4x4 Lights

Whether you're off-road or on the pavement, it's important to see where you're going in your 4x4, and headlights are useful for that purpose. Although your vehicle came with 4x4 lights already attached, these factory lights aren't always as effective in foggy or rainy conditions, as some aftermarket lights. Certain aftermarket lights are purely decorative, while others have an actual job to do.

Fog lights, obviously, will help you see and be seen more effectively in the fog, while halogen lamps simply offer more candlepower under any conditions. Some rock crawlers prefer spot lights on the top of their cabs for occasional use, and a many of us prefer extra fog lights on the rear bumper for additional visibility.

Some aftermarket 4x4 lights are primarily for looks, and are usually installed to impress non-4x4 owners. A good example of this tendency is a set of spot lights on top of the roll bar with smiley face covers on them. While decorative lamps have their uses, they won't help you avoid the Creature from the Black Lagoon when he's 100 yards in front of you.

When purchasing lights for any reason, there are some things you should consider in advance. If you routinely drive off-road, will supplemental head lamps be adequately protected from trail debris, or will you need to purchase guards for them as well? Will the lights you want put up with the vibrations and corrosive conditions you intend to put them through?

Purchasing 4x4 lights is actually like purchasing lights for your home. You should consider the purpose and location of the lights as well as how much you intend to invest in them before you go shopping. That makes for a shorter shopping trip and a more sensible purchase.