Spotlights

The big question: Spotlights or Spreadlights?

Most spotlights have a thinner angle, which means you can extend how far you can see when it's dark - so spotlights are the best choice if you'll mostly be driving at night on defined tracks needing longer visibility. Conversely spreadlights give you a wider angle of vision over a shorter distance, so they are better for lighting up spaces, obstacles and terrain closer to the vehicle.

Next big question: Where to put spotlights?

To start with, if you're a serious off roader, lots of camping in the bush and driving into the night on tough tracks, you should fit both spotlights and spreadlights - because both have very different uses. When you fit them, ensure they are at the same height as the factory headlights, that way you know they are at the optimum distance from the ground to provide the best possible light. You also need to think about where things like bull bars and nudge bars are fitted, in fact you can use them to support your new lights (just bear in mind the weight of the spotlight compared to the support frame you're using, spotlights can be heavy). Above all else, just think about what you need spotlights for and put them in the right place for you.

Halogen spotlights

• Lowest cost choice
• Gives bright white light
• Pretty good lifespan
• Cheaper parts

HID Spotlights

• Brighter & whiter than halogens
• Xenon gas, more energy efficient
• Use less power halogens
• Cost more than halogen

LED Spotlights

• Most energy efficient
• Versatile, many various styles
• Bright white light (can be filtered)
• Often small but huge power / light
• Longest lasting option
• Becoming very popular