Extra light for retrofitting

Auxiliary headlamps are used whenever standard lighting is not sufficient for the relevant range of applications or for safety reasons. This is the case with special vehicles, such as those used by the fire, rescue or towing services, road patrols or numerous tradespeople. But auxiliary lamps and work lights are also popular with owners of vintage and classic cars, off-road vehicles and motor sports.

More light means greater safety
With the fire service and rescue vehicles, extra light can save lives. For towing companies, road patrols, agricultural vehicles or mobile workshop vehicles, a well-lit work area guarantees greater safety. A large number of work lights with different output ranges and sizes are used here. Just two examples of the many available are the HELLA Ultra-Beam-LED work light (Generation II) or the Q90-LED for close-range illumination. Both headlamps are available in different versions and with different light output levels. They have a robust housing, are waterproof and can be mounted pendant or upright.

Better visibility on rough terrain
Auxiliary headlamps are particularly popular in the off-road scene and are very useful for off-road driving at night. Such headlamps must not only be tough, but also absolutely reliable with sand, dust, humidity and at low or high temperatures. With the Luminator, Rallye and Jumbo series, HELLA has developed auxiliary headlamps that do their job even under the toughest conditions. The Luminator models are available in metal and in both LED and Xenon versions, as well as featuring classic H1 or H3 light sources. Different sizes and designs are available. An ingenious heat dissipation system via the headlamp housing prevents overheating in LED headlamps, for example. The add-on headlamps in the Rallye series, which are also round in shape, have a robust plastic housing and are much lighter. The rectangular headlamps of the Jumbo series catch the eye immediately. They too are made of robust plastic and can also be used on the roof.

A classic look
One aspect of auxiliary headlamps shouldn't be underestimated - their appearance. Auxiliary headlamps are often part of the package, especially with classic vehicles, be it the VW Beetle, Opel Manta or Landrover Defender. A popular example is the chromium-plated, universal 'Classic 160' round headlamp from HELLA. Mounted in pairs at the front, they give each vehicle the appropriate look, while of course ensuring better visibility. These headlamps can be switched with the main beam and have long been considered a style icon. An H3 lamp serves as the light source. Rockfall covers, as used in the rally scene during the 60s, are also available. You can't get more classic than that! But watch out: In certain countries using protective headlamp caps is not allowed! Appearance alone was followed by practical use and safety in darkness, fog or rain. The sheer number of auxiliary headlamps, fitted for example to historic rally cars, was occasioned by the technology. In those days, bulbs didn't deliver the required luminous efficiency of today's modern LED units.
By the way, if you're after fog lamps, auxiliary indicators or rear lights for your most treasured possession, Hella is also the right place to look. In addition, there are headlamps and rear lights that correspond to standard equipment. The portfolio for vintage and classic cars covers numerous brands, as well as multiple lighting or signal options and accessories.
 

Different technology, countless options
Thanks to LED technology, (auxiliary) headlamps with greater luminous efficiency but far smaller dimensions have now been available for several years. High-power multichip LEDs ensure a high light output combined with low energy consumption. Lighting technology from bygone days however still enjoys great popularity among fans of vintage and classic cars. This also applies to retrofit solutions.
Incidentally, if you're looking for suitable auxiliary headlamps, whether recessed or surface-mounted, and would like to get an overview of the many solutions available, you'll find what you need in HELLA's online 'Lighting' catalogue.

Text and images: Georg Blenk, Krafthand Media