What can I say: I like to be able to see what’s ahead, behind and to the sides of whatever it is I’m operating after the sun goes down.
It’s not that the OEs of all the different vehicles and toys we operate have crappy lights. It’s just that the aftermarket guys have much better ones.
If you are a light aficionado like I am, you know what I’m talking about.
With LED lighting technology advancing like it is and prices of all the different LED lighting options falling to make such products affordable, it makes such upgrades quite compelling.
On the other hand, if you think my affection for being able to light up the countryside just short of mid-day sun with the flip of a couple switches is a waste of time and money, then your night vision and reflexes are probably much better than mine.
But I have to say, I’ve been able to avoid a number of run ins with deer and obstacles on the road because the aftermarket lights on the various vehicles I’ve owned gave me a few seconds extra time to react.
Such lighting has also made a lot of my nighttime off-road excursions more enjoyable and safer than they would have been sans the upgrades.
At the same time, I am very conscientous and respectful of others on and off the road: I cut the bright lights – and make sure fog and headlights are adjusted properly as to not offend [read: blind] those who are approaching.
Upgrades to factory headlights and fog lights, and the addition of auxiliary lights in moderations, of course, are the smartest investments one can make to pickups be they used for personal or business. The same goes for ATVs, motorcycles and boats.
But that’s just my take. What’s yours?
