Upgrade Your Polaris General with Custom LED Headlights for Better Visibility

Introduction to Polaris General LED Headlights

The Polaris General is an extremely capable side-by-side off-road vehicle that's perfect for recreation, work, and play. One of the most popular aftermarket upgrades owners make is switching out the stock halogen headlights for custom LED headlights.

LED headlights offer many advantages over traditional halogens. They produce brighter, crisper light for improved visibility on and off the trail. LEDs also use less power, generate less heat, and have a longer lifespan than standard bulbs.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about upgrading your Polaris General with LED headlights. We'll look at the benefits, top options, how to install them, and more.

Benefits of Polaris General LED Headlights

Here are some of the key benefits of switching to LED headlights on your Polaris General:

• Brighter output - LEDs produce significantly more lumens per watt than halogens. This gives you better visibility at night and in low light conditions.
• Focused beam pattern - LEDs project light forward in a tight, focused pattern. This gives you better visibility distance down trails at night.
• Stylish color options - LED kits are available in cool white, warm white, or even RGB color-changing variants.
• Long lifespan - Quality LEDs can last 50,000 hours or more. Much longer than the 250 hours typical of halogen bulbs.
• Durable construction - LEDs are solid-state with no fragile filaments. This makes them extremely durable and vibration resistant.
• Better efficiency - LEDs require less wattage than halogens to produce the same output. Less load on your electrical system.

With brighter, longer-lasting, and more efficient illumination, LED headlights are a wise upgrade for any Polaris General owner who drives at night.

Top LED Headlight Options for the Polaris General

Many manufacturers offer direct replacement LED headlight kits for the Polaris General. Here are some of the most popular options:

Baja Designs Squadron Sport LED Headlights

Baja Designs is known for their rugged, high-performance off-road lighting. The Squadron Sport LED headlights are purpose-built for UTVs like the General. They put out 3,150 raw lumens each in a compact 2x2 size. The refined optics produce both wide peripheral lighting and long distance projection. Backed by Baja's lifetime warranty.

KHED 8 Inch LED Light Bar Kit

For those wanting maximum output, this LED light bar kit from KHED is a great choice. It includes two 8-inch 60W light bars producing 9,000 lumens each. The combo flood and spot beam pattern provides both spread and distance. Includes light mounts and wiring harness for easy install.

Nilight LED Pods

For a budget-friendly option, check out this LED pod kit from Nilight. It comes with two 4-inch 18W LED pods that screw into factory headlight housings. The 6000K cool white color temperature provides bright natural light. Fully waterproof and plug and play installation.

Polaris OEM LED Headlights

Polaris offers their own factory-made LED headlights for the General as an OEM upgrade option. These feature efficient Cree LEDs in reflector housings for a stock look. They are direct plug and play replacements for stock halogen units. Covered by Polaris' manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.

How to Install LED Headlights on a Polaris General

Putting LED headlights on a Polaris General is a relatively straightforward project you can tackle in your garage with basic tools. Here are the steps:

1. Remove stock headlight housings - Remove the plastic covers and use a socket wrench to detach the headlights from their mounts.
2. Disconnect wiring - Unplug the factory headlight wiring harnesses and set aside the halogen bulbs.
3. Mount LED housings - Attach your new LED headlights or light bars using the included mounting brackets.
4. Connect wiring - Plug in the new LED wiring harnesses according to the manufacturer instructions.
5. Test and aim lights - Turn lights on and adjust beam angle as needed. Use light beam alignment tools if available.
6. Reinstall covers - Put headlight covers back in place over the new LED lights.

Be sure to carefully follow the directions from the LED manufacturer. It's also wise to test the lights before driving to make sure they are aimed properly and wired correctly.

Tips for Polaris General LED Headlights

Here are a few useful tips when installing and using LED headlights on your Polaris General:

• Check voltage - LEDs require 12V DC power only. Make sure your Polaris charging system is putting out 12-14V.
• Use relays - Adding relays will prevent overloading factory headlight circuits.
• Disable DRLs - You may need to disable daytime running lights for LEDs to work properly.
• Heat sink - LEDs work best when kept cool. Allow open airflow around the back of the lights.
• Upgrade wiring - Consider heavier gauge wire and connectors to handle LED amp draw.
• Carry spares - Bring extra LED bulbs as they can be broken during off-road use.
• Watch alignments - Vibration can knock lights out of adjustment over time.

Taking these steps will help ensure your new LED lights work reliably and to their full potential. With proper installation and care, LEDs will transform the way you drive your Polaris General at night!

Conclusion

Upgrading to custom LED headlights is one of the best ways to enhance the looks and performance of your Polaris General side-by-side. LEDs produce super bright light for vastly improved visibility on and off-road at night.

Choose from LED replacement kits, light bars, or LED pods from quality brands like Baja Designs, Nilight, KHED, and others. Installation is straightforward when following the manufacturer directions. Just be sure to properly mount the lights, wire them correctly with relays if needed, and adjust the beam angles.

With their rugged durability, long life, and energy efficiency, LEDs are an excellent investment for any Polaris General owner. The safety and convenience of superior lighting is well worth the upgrade cost. Your next night run down your favorite trail will take on a whole new look with LEDs leading the way!

FAQs

Do LED headlights use more battery power?

No, LEDs actually draw less power than standard halogen headlights. They require less wattage to produce the same amount of light output. This puts less load on your battery and electrical system.

Are LED headlights plug and play?

Many LED replacement kits are designed to directly plug into your Polaris General's stock headlight wiring harness for simple plug and play installation. However, some may require additional components like wiring harnesses or relays.

Can LED lights get too hot?

LEDs are susceptible to heat damage if not properly cooled. Quality LED lights will have integrated heat sinks and fans to dissipate heat. Proper airflow around the back of the lights is important.

How long do LED headlights last?

The lifespan of a good LED bulb is typically 50,000 hours or more, much longer than the 250 hours of halogen bulbs. However, LEDs can be damaged by vibration, shocks, and moisture.

Do I need anti-flicker harnesses?

Anti-flicker capacitors or similar wiring components may be required to prevent issues with flickering or strobe effects from LED lights. Follow manufacturer wiring instructions closely.