Headlights are one of the most important components of each car. Without them, it is simply impossible to continue driving at night. But today, headlights are not only a lighting element, but also an occasion to noticeably highlight the appearance of the car. That is why this article will be devoted to full-time and alternative headlights for VAZs of the "ninth family".
About standard lamps
The rated power of the head light lamps that are installed on the VAZ cars of the "ninth" family is about 60 watts. The service life of such optics can be 10 years or more, depending on the intensity of operation and loads. However, if the headlight is not made by the manufacturer, but is a copy / fake, it will last no more than a few weeks.
Therefore, if you choose regular headlights, then you need to focus only on the original manufacturer. As for alternative optics, it is not produced on an industrial scale, and here we have to rely only on the honesty of the manufacturer. But on how to choose and install high-quality front and rear lights on the VAZ 2109, we will talk a little later. In the meantime, about the features and distinguishing features of tuned lamps.
Benefits of Using Alternative Optics
Why are more and more car owners choosing to buy alternative, non-standard in appearance headlights? There are several reasons for this. Firstly, alternative optics are beautiful. Any car that has headlights of an unusual design is original and unique. Especially such optics is relevant in the field of tuning. With standard headlights, you can hardly emphasize the style and individuality of a particular car. Secondly, tuned headlights on the VAZ 2109 are installed due to the unreliable standard design. The fact is that over the years, contacts have oxidized in standard optics, and the lamps begin to go out. In some cases, due to poor sealant, moisture enters the surface of the reflector, and the glass itself begins to “sweat” and become cloudy. Installing new glass on the headlights (VAZ 2109) is not at all an option. A more radical and effective solution would be to buy ready-made, alternative lamps. If water gets inside the headlamp, a short circuit may occur on the dimensions board, due to which several signals work simultaneously.
Why is it better to take LEDs?
Among the alternative optics, two categories of lamps can be distinguished: xenon and LED. Recently, it is LED analogs that are gaining more and more popularity. Their design is simpler, and such headlights are cheap to manufacture.
The LED itself is a semiconductor device that converts electric current into light radiation. The diode consists of a crystal placed on a substrate. In addition to it, the kit includes contacts and an optical system. As you can see, the design of diode optics is not very complicated compared to xenon optics (which only ignition units and expensive lenses cost only).
The superiority of diodes over xenon
But not only this is the advantage of a diode lamp. There are many other advantages. For example, diode headlights are easy to install and do not take up much space. Such headlights work on the VAZ 2109 for about 10-15 years. High durability is a hallmark of LED lamps. Headlights themselves are 3-5 times faster than similar xenon and halogen ones. Of course, the most important thing is to save energy. This optics almost does not consume electricity, while the included xenon can discharge the battery after a couple of hours with the generator turned off (which is why daytime running lights are made of LED strips).
Experts predict that in the future, diodes will completely supplant the classic halogens and the same xenon from the automotive industry. And the matter is not only in the mass of advantages, but also in the costs of their production.
Front and rear lights
If you think that only taillights (on VAZ 2109-21099) can consist of LEDs, you are deeply mistaken. Yes, now many cars are equipped with diode brake lights. But this does not mean that crystals cannot burn in front of the machine. If you correctly design the reflector and diffuser, you can get a headlight that will shine as brightly as the xenon headlight. However, she will not dazzle oncoming drivers. But so far only alternative rear lights with diodes for the “eights” and “nines” are found on the market. The front tuned optics is a kind of mix, where a xenon lens is taken as a basis, and diode “angel eyes” go around it. Below in the photo you can see how such optics work.
In principle, you can make a diode from a halogen headlight yourself. To do this, just buy a set of these small lamps (photo below).
They cost about 100 rubles, and are installed directly in place of the regular “halogen”. Below you can see how bright such optics shines.
Thus, installing LED tuning lights on the VAZ 2109 should be for several reasons:
- It is stylish. It is unlikely that any optics can produce such a beautiful and at the same time bright light.
- It is cheap. The cost of diode block headlights is several times lower than xenon and halogen.
- It is reliable. Even after prolonged temperature changes, constant shaking and vibration, they continue to shine as brightly and beautifully.
- It's safe. Diode lamps (if installed as a brake light) are clearly visible at night. If this is the front headlamp unit, it will not blind the driver, like xenon, and will normally illuminate the roadway. The power of diode lamps can reach up to 6,000-12,000 K.
- It is legal. By installing a diode lamp in front, it can be used as a DRL. However, it will not burn out and darken like a regular “halogen”.
How to choose the headlights on the VAZ 2109?
The selection criteria are the same for any optics. And it doesn’t matter if you buy xenon, diode, fog lights on a VAZ 2109 or even brake lights. So what to look for when buying?
First of all, it is necessary to evaluate the appearance of the goods. Whatever the shape of the headlight, in any case, its details should not creak and dangle. Pay particular attention to the quality of the sealant. It should be applied to the entire contour of the glass. If the sealant is only partially present, then this product is defective. Also, leaky gaps can cause a short circuit or frequent fogging of the headlight glass from the inside.
In addition, evaluate the glass surface of the product. It doesn’t matter whether it is a brake light or head optics, its glass should be intact and without scratches. If there are slight deformations, you are entitled to ask the seller for a discount. But in no case do not buy goods with cracked glass. Such a headlamp is already unusable.
Headlights on a VAZ 2109 with tinted
When choosing optics, some motorists buy the so-called tinted lights (that is, the glass is covered with a thin black film). On the one hand, it is beautiful, but on the other it is very dangerous. Judge for yourself, because after installing such a set of brake lights, many drivers simply will not notice the lamp burning, especially in the daytime. Yes, and traffic police may have problems. Therefore, put your safety first, and then a beautiful design. Remember that any tuning should not impair car safety.
About choosing a headlamp manufacturer
The manufacturer also plays a big role when buying optics. If this is a standard headlight, focus on the choice of products brand "Kirzhach" or "OSVAR." A product from another manufacturer is no longer original. If you want to install headlights on a VAZ 2109 from another manufacturer, be prepared for the fact that water will constantly penetrate the surface of the reflector and diffuser.
As for alternative headlights, here the choice of the manufacturer is not limited. Therefore, we focus on cost. The price of a headlight for a VAZ 2109 ranges from 3 to 9 thousand rubles for a set of front and from 1 to 3 thousand for a pair of rear. This is a kind of “golden mean” in the price category. For such a cost, you can really find and install high-quality tuned headlights on the VAZ 2109.
Good fog models
As for foglights, the most hit items are considered high-light bulbs from manufacturers Osram (model Night Breaker) and Philips (Xtreme Vision). According to manufacturers, these models of fog lamps have an increased luminous flux. Philips EcoVision lamps are considered less vibrant but more durable. Also on the market you can find Chinese fog brand Nord YADA. Their cost is the lowest in comparison with analogues, however, their build quality is corresponding.
To summarize
So, we found out all the features of the standard and tuned headlights installed on VAZ cars of the "ninth" family. Looking at the photo, it is easy to guess what an important role optics plays in car design. Alternative headlights make the car look more complete, emphasize the style of its owner and at the same time do an excellent job with its main function - lighting the road. Headlight design can be the most diverse. This is especially true for the rear lights. They are made in the form of crystals, LEDs and diode strips that glow along the contour of the headlight. But in any case, alternative optics will make the design of your “nine” unique and unique.
Finally, we note that after a successful installation, any headlight (even fog) must go through the adjustment procedure. On VAZ 2109 cars, it is produced as follows.
In this case, the machine should be on a flat surface, and the pressure in all tires should be at least 1.9 and no more than 2.2 atmospheres.
Remember that incorrect adjustment can lead to dazzle of other road users. Take care of yourself and choose the headlights correctly.