The term ” RSX Jewel headlights” refers to a unique design of headlights featured on certain Acura models, including the Acura RSX. The Jewel Eye headlights are a signature design element of Acura.
Acura, the prestige division of Honda, manufactured the Acura RSX, which is an affordable sports coupe. It was released as the replacement for the Acura Integra. The RSX was renowned for its streamlined appearance, agile handling, and extensive selection of high-performance options. However, the RSX predominantly employs jewel headlamps.
Let’s have a look at the key specifications, features, advantages, and drawbacks of RSX Jewel Headlights.
How is The evolution of Car Headlights?
The headlights are probably the first thing you notice when you see a car for the first time. Furthermore, headlights play an important role in defining the character of a car in addition to being an important stylistic feature.
Today’s car headlights are a world away from yesterday’s acetylene or oil lamps. Increasingly, LED headlights are becoming a standard feature in new models of cars because they provide a wide field of vision and save drivers money over time.
In addition to being more automated and intelligent than ever before, today’s headlights are also more intelligent as well. With the introduction of High Beam Assist, the vehicle’s front view camera automatically turns the high beam lights on and off when another light source is detected, and with the Intelligent Front Lighting System, the high beam lights that disrupt other road users’ vision are turned off so Hyundai drivers have maximum visibility at all times.
The development of car headlights from the 19th century to the present has been examined.
Acetylene lamps
Early headlights fuelled by acetylene or oil and introduced in the late 1880s. The flame of acetylene lamps is resistant to wind and rain, which made them popular with manufacturers. The light focused forward by mirrors placed behind the flame, even though the beam itself was not particularly focused. Due to this, they less effective at night since the light was scattered rather than being focused on a specific object or road.
Electric headlights
A dynamo small enough to fit in the car and still produce enough power to light the bulb was difficult to design in the early 1900s, so electric headlights took around a decade before becoming the industry standard.
Peerless introduced electric headlights across its entire line in 1904, and four years later British-based supplier Pockley Automobile Electric Lighting developed a complete set of electric lights powered by an eight-volt battery, including headlights, rear lights, and sidelights. A modern vehicle electric system with integrated ignition and lighting launched in the US automobile market in 1912.
Sealed beam headlights
In the US, sealed beam lights became mandatory between 1940 and 1983 when they were introduced in 1939. To produce a brighter, more focused light source by utilizing a tungsten filament, they combined a parabolic reflector with a lens and a filament sealed together.
In spite of the amount of power they required, early sealed beam lights provided a relatively small amount of light, and the boiling filament would often leave dark residues on the glass, limiting light transmission. Rain, wet roads, or cleaning water could not enter the sealed beam and obscure the light, but this also meant the entire light had to be replaced if one bulb inside was damaged.
The first vehicle-mounted halogen lamp produced in 1962 by a consortium of French, German, and Italian bulb and headlamp makers. Because of the reaction between halogen gas and tungsten, these headlights provided brighter, more durable illumination. With this process, drivers were able to see much better on the road, especially at high beams.
High-intensity discharge headlights
As early as the 1990’s, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, also known as xenon headlights, introduced, which emit light by creating an electrical arc between two metal electrodes inside a glass bulb filled with inert gas xenon. A HID headlight produces far more light for the same amount of energy as a halogen bulb.
Due to their high cost, xenon headlights became increasingly popular in the early 2000s as they offered drivers a clearer image of the road, lasted three times longer than halogen bulbs, and consumed less energy. The 2010s brought them to a broader market with the introduction of cars such as Hyundai’s i40 – which had Bi-Xenon headlamps with Smart High Beams (SHB) to avoid dazzling other drivers.
LED headlights
LEDs are excellent light sources due to their brightness, low energy requirement and long lifespan. Traditional halogen bulbs have a thin filament that degrades over time and eventually fails, but LEDs have no filament, instead using semiconductors to release photons of light when charged.
Additionally, LEDs project better-quality light. It is easier for drivers to distinguish objects at night with blue lights because they are more illuminating and provide more contrast. As a result, it reduces driver fatigue, reduces blinding for other road users, and makes it easier to see in poor visibility conditions.
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What are the Acura Jewel Headlights?
The legendary Acura Jewel Eye headlights are a dazzling improvement over conventional halogen or even HID headlights. Five LEDs per side produce a whiter, brighter beam of light while consuming less energy than conventional headlamps.
Multiple LED light elements are typically arrayed in an arrangement that resembles a cluster of gemstones in Jewel Eye headlights. Compared to conventional halogen or HID headlights, these headlights provide enhanced visibility and a distinct look.
How Does RSX Jewel Headlight Work?
In the low beam mode, the outermost three LEDs of the headlights are precisely arranged at varying angles to uniformly illumine the road and environs without blinding oncoming traffic. When the high beam mode is engaged.
The two innermost LEDs are active and contribute to the illumination of objects in the distance. Even during the day, Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights have a distinct appearance.
The low-power LEDs also function as daytime running lights (DRL), and the lenses and reflections emit a jewel-like radiance.
RSX Jewel Headlights: Technical Specification
Here are some of the key specifications of RSX Jewel Headlights.
- 2014+ Acura RSX LED low beam units.
- Maintains the original turn indicator and park light bulbs.
- The high beams are eliminated;
- For clearance, the inner bezel is reduced.
- The bezel on the RSX was painted matte black to coordinate.
- Pigtailed and socketed LED drivers are utilized.
- PNP wiring incorporates 9006->H1 adapters.
- Keeps original setting and horizontal level cutoff.100% functional retrofit, not a static fit or “for show only”.
What are the Key Features of RSX Jewel Headlights?
Let’s now compare the RSX Jewel Headlights to other headlights. Acura has devised a particular form of LED headlights called Jewel Eye. Hence the name, they consist of a collection of LED light elements designed to resemble a cluster of gemstones.
Here are a few characteristics and advantages of Acura Jewel Eye headlights compared to other types:
Reduce Fatigue & Enhance Driving Experience
The Jewel Eye LED Headlights are intended to reduce driver fatigue and improve the driving experience by emulating the sun’s natural light. These lamps give the latest Acura RSX cars a sharp, refined, and distinguished appearance and improve visibility. You’re going to adore how they make your Acura RSX appear. And you’re going to appreciate how much more pleasant they make nighttime driving.
High Durability & 500% Brighter
The Jewel EYE LED Headlights will last 5 times longer and be 500% brighter than High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. Compared to conventional halogen headlights, these Acura RSX LED headlights are 10 times more durable and consume 57% less energy.
You will appreciate the fact that these lights are a significant enhancement over the HID headlights available on earlier Acura models. The Acura RSX offers a reasonable luxury experience with graceful, fashionable, and highly functional premium headlights.
Improved Visibility
Jewel Eye LEDs provide superior illumination and road visibility. These headlamps’ LED technology provides a dazzling, concentrated beam, improving your capacity to navigate the road and any potential hazards.
Energy Efficiency
LED headlights, such as Acura’s Jewel Eye headlights, tend to be more energy-efficient than halogen or high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. LEDs consume less energy, which can increase fuel economy.
Longer Lifespan
LED headlights possess an extended lifespan than halogen or HID headlights on average. The Acura RSX Jewel Eye headlights have been engineered to be long-lasting and sturdy, decreasing the requirement for repairs on a regular basis.
Distinctive Appearance
The design of Jewel Eye headlights is distinctive and easy to identify. The arrangement of LED elements provides the headlamps with a distinctive appearance and improves the vehicle’s general aesthetics.
What are the Different Versions of Acura Jewel Headlights?
The jewel headlights may have different versions such as, RLX, MDX, RSX etc.
The RLX utilizes the four outermost LEDs and eight lenses (four pairs, two lenses per LED) for each of the lowbeams.
During the day, the low beams serve as daytime running lights. While the inner high beams are activated, distant objects can be distinguished 200 milliseconds quicker than with conventional headlights (which equates to approximately 17 feet at 60 miles per hour).
Unlike the RLX, MDX models use only one lens per LED, but the system is essentially identical. The low beams are comprised of the outermost three LEDs on each side.
Each lens is constructed to precisely direct light over a broad area. The high beams consist of an additional two LEDs per side. During the day, all ten lenses function as daytime running lights, ensuring that your vehicle is visible to other drivers and giving it a distinctive appearance day or night.
What are the Components RSX Jewel Headlights?
Among the components of car headlamps are:
- The battery of a car provides electricity for the lighting system
- From the battery to the lamp, a series of wires carry electricity.
- A fuse is used to secure the electrical system.
- The main switch that disconnects and reconnects the electric current.
- Turns off and on the lights with a combination switch.
- Combination switch security relay.
- For short distance lighting, low beam lights range from 50W – 90W in power.
- For long-distance lights, high beam lights with a power range of 60 W to 100 W are available.
How to Use Your RSX Jewel Headlights at Night?
In the dark, car headlights are primarily used for driving, but this is subjective. It is possible that what one person considers dark might seem quite light to another. As such, when one person turns on their main headlights, another may not feel the need to turn on their sidelights.
In any case, if in doubt, turn on the main headlights to make sure you are seen as well as able to see the road. Low beams (also known as ‘dipped’) headlights should be turned on about an hour before sunset and kept on for an hour after sunrise. Making sure you are visible to other drivers, as well as seeing the road clearly, will help you stay safe.
During the dark hours of the night, you should switch on your high-beam headlights if you are travelling on an unlit road. If another car approaches, ensure that you turn them back down to low beam – otherwise, you may dazzle the driver and make them more difficult to see.
Using your lights when there’s fog
There will be a rear fog light on all cars, and a wiggly line will appear next to it when the button is pressed. There will also be fog lights on the front of some cars. Most of the time, the light on the fog light button will point in the same direction as the light on the headlight switch.
What is the minimum amount of fog that makes it officially foggy? If you have fog lights, when is the right time to turn them on? You should use your rear fog light if you are unable to see beyond 100m from your car, according to the Highway Code. The best way to determine whether your fog lights are needed is to use the car in front of you: if you have trouble seeing their rear lights, then turn yours on. Fog lights, however, can obstruct brake lights and dazzle other motorists, so should only be used when necessary.
Using your lights in wet weather
Rain and storms are a common occurrence in the UK! It is possible to lose visibility when driving due to falling rain as well as spray caused by standing water. For rainy weather, simply turn on your low beams (dipped headlights) instead of your high beams. In some cases, you may have to use the rear fog light when driving on motorways where the spray is so bad. You should turn on your main lights if you cannot see the car in front of you and the car behind you cannot see you.
What are the Major Drawbacks of RSX Jewel Headlights?
Cost
Acura Jewel Eye headlights might be a bit more costly than normal halogen headlights and even some LED headlight alternatives. The higher price is a result of the product’s sophisticated technology and unique design.
Limited Compatibility
Jewel Eye headlights exclusively designed for Acura vehicles. Consequently, they might not be easily accessible as additional options for other brands and models. Compatibility with specific Acura models and model years may limited.
Potential Repair Costs
If an element of the Jewel Eye headlamps fails or needs repair, it may necessitate specialized knowledge and materials, resulting in higher repair costs compared to conventional headlights.
Subjective Design Preference
Despite the fact that many people appreciate the unique appearance of Jewel Eye headlights, it is essential to keep in mind that design tastes can vary. Some people may prefer a different aesthetic or feel the Jewel Eye design to be less enticing.
Tips For Cleaning RSX Jewel Headlights Lens With Plastic Cover: Practical Tips
Following are some tips for avoiding damage to plastic cover lenses:
- You should never clean plastic cover lenses with a dry cloth (there is a risk of scratches).
- Check the instructions in the vehicle handbook before adding anything to the lens cleaning system water, such as a cleaning agent or antifreeze.
- Using the wrong cleaning chemicals or too aggressive cleaning agents can destroy plastic cover lenses.
- You should never use impermissible high-wattage bulbs!
- Make sure your bulbs have UV filters!
Conclusion: RSX Jewel Headlights
In summary, Acura Jewel Eye headlights offer a number of noteworthy benefits. The systems utilize LEDs to produce a whiter, brighter beam than HID or halogen headlamps. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan than other illumination systems and consume less energy, which could increase fuel economy.
However, there are also a few possible drawbacks to consider, including the higher price compared to standard headlamps, restricted connectivity with non-Acura vehicles, probable cost of repair, and relative design preference. In the end, the decision to install Acura Jewel Eye headlights is dependent on your own tastes, budget, and the specific Acura model you possess or plan to acquire.
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FAQs
How do Acura RSX Jewel headlights function?
Acura RSX Jewel headlamps aftermarket headlights designed to impart a unique and distinctive aspect to the Acura RSX. In comparison to the original headlamps, they feature a jewel-like design with numerous LED rings and offer improved illumination performance.
What advantages do Acura RSX Jewel headlights offer?
Acura RSX Jewel headlights offer enhanced visibility and illumination performance, an elegant and eye-catching appearance, and the ability to personalize the appearance of your Acura RSX.
How do the headlights of the Acura RSX Jewel enhance visibility?
Compared to original halogen headlights, Acura RSX Jewel headlights typically feature sophisticated lighting technologies, such as LED or HID bulbs, which provide brighter and more focused illumination. This can improve visibility and make nighttime and low-light travel safer.
Are the headlamps of the Acura RSX Jewel plug-and-play?
It depends on the product and manufacturer in question. Some Acura RSX Jewel headlights designed as plug-and-play replacements, meaning they can be installed directly in place of the original headlights without additional modifications.
Can Acura RSX Jewel headlights installed without assistance from a professional?
Yes, Acura RSX Jewel headlights can typically be installed without the assistance of a professional, particularly if they are plug-and-play replacements. If you are unfamiliar with automotive electrical systems or headlamp installations, it may be prudent to seek professional assistance to ensure proper installation and avoid potential complications.