Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
BUYER'S GUIDE LIGHT WORKS How to select the best aftermarket lights for your pickups – for both work and play by Bruce W. Smith W hile the general pickup-driving populace doesn't make it a habit hitting the road before the roosters rise, the typical contractor is well into their second cup of coffee and headed to the company office or jobsite. Driving when it's dark is just part of being in the construction and landscaping trade. So is loading tools, gear and trailers before sunrise or after sunset whether it's workrelated or recreational. In short, those who use pickups for both work and play don't let daylight dictate their plans. That's why auxiliary lights are so important. Not only do these products add more functionality and utility value to whatever it is they are mounted on, they bring an additional level of safety to the picture. MAKING GOOD CHOICES But that doesn't mean you should blindly rush out to the nearest discount auto parts store and buy the first set of auxiliary lights you lay eyes on. Choosing which auxiliary lights to install on a pickup entails a few more considerations than slapping on the cheapest box of lights available. Instead, target specific types of lights that will make things safer and easier as you drive or work around your pickup. Choosing the "right" auxiliary light upgrades could be as simple as one set of fog lights – or an array of several different types of lights. It all depends on your particular needs. And if it's price holding you back from investing in auxiliary lights, consider this: Lights are the one aftermarket accessory that's easily moved from vehicle to vehicle regardless of make or model. So your initial investment should last for years. LIGHT TYPES Speaking of investment, auxiliary lights tend to be priced in line with the quality of the product and technology. For example, quartz-halogen lights are less expensive than lights of similar function utilizing LED (Light-Emitting-Diode)- or HID (High-Intensity-Discharge)based technology. The price of both LED and HID 12 PROPICKUP Buyer's Guide 2012 ProPickup_2011 Buyer's Guide Part 1.indd 12 3/22/12 10:41 AM