When it comes to driving safely at night, the choice of headlights makes a noticeable difference. Tesla has shifted to their brand-new Matrix headlights for Model 3 vehicles. However, the Tesla Matrix headlights vs old LED debate remains as some users claim the old LED headlights are back.
Tesla’s cheaper old headlights feature power-efficient LEDs to illuminate the road with powerful silvery light. The expensive Matrix lights are darker and less reflective, so they don’t create any blind spots. While Matrix lights illuminate the corners and come with dimmers, the old LEDs only have low and high beams.
Let’s dive in and discover the key differences between Tesla’s Matrix and old LED headlights.
Tesla Matrix Headlights Vs. Old LED Headlights: Which One Is Better?
As Tesla has used the most impressive technologies to create the Matrix headlights, there are numerous differences between the old LED and Matrix headlights. However, the advanced technologies come with a huge price tag. Here’s how the two types of headlights compare:
| Comparable Aspects | Old Headlights | Matrix Headlights | Winner |
| Adaptive Lighting Capability | Less adaptable | Highly adaptable based on the weather conditions | Matrix headlights |
| Driving Safety | It is not as safe; creates glare and blinding effects | Safer; creates dark zones for oncoming vehicles | Matrix headlights |
| Light Quality and Visibility | High-quality lighting offers less visibility | Top-tier lighting with increased visibility | Matrix headlights |
| Legality | Legal in most regions | Only legal in the US | Old headlights |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive | Old headlights |
Adaptive Lighting Capability
What sets the Matrix headlights apart is their adaptive lighting capability. The Matrix headlights are controlled by the Tesla software. So, they can actively adjust the light pattern based on the vehicle speed, steering angle, and road curvature.
The software can also detect environmental conditions like rain, fog, or snow. Therefore, Matrix headlights offer optimal illumination in every driving scenario.
While some old headlights have adaptive features such as automatic high-beam control or dynamic cornering lights, they lack efficiency. Overall, Tesla’s Matrix headlights are a better choice for driving at night and in adverse weather conditions.
Driving Safety
Thanks to the advanced motion sensors and cameras used in the Matrix headlights, they offer a safer ride. The sensors detect vehicles coming from the other side and dim the LEDs of that particular area.
This way, the created dark zones avoid blinding oncoming drivers while keeping other areas fully illuminated. Most traditional headlights lack this dimming feature. Even vehicles with somewhat similar capabilities can’t offer such real-time adjustments.
So, if you drive frequently during the night, Matrix headlights are the safer choice to avoid glare and unwanted collisions.
Light Quality and Visibility
Both Matrix and old LED headlights provide high-quality lighting to illuminate the aimed area. The key difference here is that traditional lights are brighter and silvery, whereas Matrix lights are softer. However, when it comes to visibility, Matrix headlights are way better with their micro-LEDs.
They use a projector lens to create a sharp and precise beam pattern. As each LED is individually controlled, you can easily pivot them from left to right or up and down. Hence, Matrix headlights are great for lighting the corners and areas where you want better illumination.
On the other hand, the older LED headlights use a reflector lens with a more diffused beam pattern. They only illuminate a specific area on the front, which is inconvenient when taking turns.
Legality
If you’re riding your Tesla outside the US, you have to go with Tesla’s old headlights. Matrix headlights aren’t yet legal in many countries, including the UK and European countries. However, Matrix headlights are approved by the NHTSA and legal in the US.
In any case, you need to check out your local laws to learn about their legality. To avoid such hassles, it’s safe to choose traditional headlights as they are legal almost everywhere.
Price
Tesla’s old LED reflective headlights are definitely the more cost-effective option. They typically cost only around $500 to $800.
On the other hand, you need to spend $1,000 to $2,000 to retrofit Matrix headlights on your Tesla. If you go with old headlights, you can save $500 to over $1000.
Pros and Cons of Tesla’s Old LED Reflective Headlights
Now it’s time to see the benefits and drawbacks of traditional Tesla headlights. Here’s what you need to consider:
Pros
- Delivers bright silvery light that properly illuminates the front of the car
- More energy-efficient and longer-lasting than halogen lights
- Has a unique and stylish design with the reflector placed on the top portion
- Cost-effective; comes as standard headlights with most Tesla models
- Features like automatic high-beam control and cornering light improve visibility at night
Cons
- Creates glaring effects and blinding spots
- Not as adjustable as Matrix headlights
Pros and Cons of Tesla’s Matrix Headlights
With their cutting-edge technology and stylish look, Matrix headlights are highly appealing. However, they come with some disadvantages, too. Here’s what you need to know:
Pros
- Provide a wider and more uniform beam pattern
- Offer more safety by darkening certain areas with other vehicles
- Adaptive micro-LEDs pivot the light in the direction of the turn to increase visibility
- Controlled by Tesla software to adjust the lighting in adverse environmental conditions
- Designed for longevity and reduced maintenance
Cons
- Costs $500 to $1200 more than traditional headlights
- Not made legal outside the US
FAQs
Got more queries? Let’s address some commonly asked questions about Tesla’s Matrix and old headlights.
Tesla’s 2021 models, including the Model S Plaid, Model Y Performance, and Model 3, come with Matrix headlights. Besides, the 2023 Model X Tesla might also feature them.
To adjust your Tesla headlights, go to ‘Controls’ and tap on ‘Service.’ Choose ‘Adjust Headlights’ to change the headlight angle.
On average, there are 100 Matrix LEDs on each Tesla headlight. The exact number can vary based on your Tesla model. These micro-LEDs are placed inside the projector lens to reflect high and low beams.
Final Verdict
It’s time to wrap up our Tesla Matrix headlights vs old LED headlights comparison guide and pick the better one. With all their advanced features, Matrix headlights are undoubtedly the better choice. They are safer, more adaptive, longer lasting, and easier to bend.
However, Matrix headlights are way more expensive than any other type of headlights. If you want decent lighting, basic adaptive capabilities, and cost-effective headlights, stick to the traditional ones instead.
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