Chevrolet Silverado 2014-Present: Headlight and Fog Light Modification

Are you looking to modify or upgrade your Chevrolet Silverado's headlights and/or fog lights? This article will cover the different types and characteristics of some of the more popular options available.

By Brett Foote - May 27, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014-present).

There are an incredible number of options available for vehicle owners today in regards to headlights and fog lights, and the Chevy Silverado is no exception. No matter what your needs are, there is a set of lights for any purpose or desire. When it comes to lighting technology, there are three basic options available: HID, halogens, and LED lighting.

HID lights are very bright but operate at a very high heat level and are more susceptible to damage through vibrations. LED lights, on the other hand, are much more durable and have longer lifetime ratings. They have also recently caught up to HID lights in terms of brightness. However, they do require more work to install, as regulators are necessary if you don't already have them on your vehicle.

Halogen lights are common in many vehicles from the factory because they are cheap and reliable. They are also plug and play, just like HID's. This makes the duo a simple installation, unlike LED's, which can require the addition of a module if it isn't already integrated into the bulb.

Lighting Modifications

Blacked-Out Headlights

DIY CostLess than $10 for spray paint and sandpaper

Professional Cost$100+

Skill LevelModerate; Takes a little patience and care to complete.

Blacking out headlights is a popular and cheap way to make your truck stand out from the crowd. Plus, all you need is some black spray paint and sandpaper. It does require some labor, of course, as you must remove the headlights and disassemble it before sanding and painting. It may also not be legal where you live, so be sure and check out local and state laws before you start spraying.

Upgrading the Headlights

DIY Cost$20-$500+

Professional Cost$50-$100 for installation plus parts

Skill LevelEasy; Only basic skills are needed to replace bulbs or even entire assemblies, but this largely depends on what type of upgrade you choose.

Replacing headlight bulbs or even the entire headlight assembly can give your truck a custom look along with increased visibility and safety. Bulbs are very easy to replace, while assemblies take a little more work. There are lots of options available, from mild to wild.

Related Articles

  • Headlight Bulb Reviews for Silverado 1500 - ChevroletForum.com
  • How to Replace Headlight Bulbs - ChevroletForum.com

Upgrading the Fog Lights

DIY Cost$10 and up

Professional Cost$100 or less for installation plus parts

Skill LevelEasy; Fog light bulbs require no tools and are extremely easy to replace. The entire assembly is only marginally more difficult to replace.

Fog lights may not receive the attention that headlights often do, but there are still a lot of options out there to both increase visibility in foggy conditions and improve the looks of your truck. They also work well as a compliment to a headlight upgrade, though they also stand alone quite well.

(Related Article: How to Replace Fog Light Bulbs - ChevroletForum.com)

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