Model 3 matrix headlights vs old [All You Need To Know]

This article will explain the comparison between Model 3 Matrix Headlights Vs Old. Tesla’s Model 3 matrix headlights and the company’s previous Matrix headlights are frequently compared favorably.

However, when comparing it to the previous design of LED reflector headlights, people have differing views and need help to come up with a clear solution.

Who will prevail between the conventional LED headlights and the Tesla Matrix headlights? The upper portion of matrix lights can be dimmed to offer consistent lighting that makes it easier for drivers to see on dark roads.

Older LED lights are brilliant but can blind drivers and create glare problems.

Continue reading this article until you have concluded to find out who won the race between the Model 3 Matrix Headlights Vs Old and outdated LED headlights!

Model 3 Matrix Headlights Vs Old

You must be aware of their distinctions to contrast side by side the Tesla Matrix and LED headlights to determine who the genuine player is.

Here is how they compare in a debating format:

Type & Design

Both the design and the type of the two headlights differ. They are the kind of projectors that, beginning from the Matrix, flow light at a particular level (downward).

They are a little bit darker and blacker in appearance than the typical variety.

On the other hand, older LED headlights are reflector-style lights that appear to bring all of the lights toward the front and reflect the light from other cars. These headlights generally have a silvery, lighter style.

Safety Benefits

They do their best to provide the ideal illumination along lengthy miles of poorly lit country roads, but one does slightly better.

Headlights for the Matrix may pivot from L to R or up to down. Additionally, they show the lower half in high-beam light while dimming the upper portion.

They can provide good lighting without reflecting on the windshields of other vehicles, regardless of how poor the traffic conditions are, which is very beneficial!

The windshields of other vehicles are reflected by the old LED reflector headlights, which have a high and low beam but do not dim the necessary percentage. That might result in auto accidents.

Lighting Performance

Both headlights work differently in brightness, low and high beams, and other factors. The problem of glare or abrupt brightness attacks that can cause other drivers to become legally blind is resolved by matrix headlights.

Additionally, they provide a standard lighting surface that is adequate for the general public to see the front road at night.

Even while the low and high beams don’t have as much lighting strength as the older models, they nevertheless improve vision for nighttime driving.

On the other hand, when used at night, LED reflector headlights continue to dazzle or blind other vehicles.

Although they are very bright, the sight of them can feel too much for the eyes to handle.

Legality

All nations, including the US, the UK, and other European states, are permitted to use LED reflector headlights, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

The NHTSA has only certified the Matrix headlights for use in the US, though.

Additionally, the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) is being finalized and scheduled to be implemented in 2023. However, they are now illegal in most nations!

Cost Range

In a price comparison, it is obvious that the Matrix headlights will prevail because of their outstanding quality.

They can cost anything from $2,000 to $3,000 or more. Should you invest in Matrix LED headlights?

Yes, thanks to the additional advantages and high caliber they offer. However, the older (LED reflector) headlights typically cost between $690 and $800. In contrast to the opposing party, they need to improve in quality.

Why Is Tesla Switching To Older Headlights?

As soon as a TMC forum user named bug not found noted that he had seen the older headlights on the Model 3 LR variant when visiting his nearby Tesla lot, the news about the older headlights quickly spread on social media.

Given that he had already ordered the LR Model 3, he did not mention the short-range variation.

However, he pointed out that the performance model still features matrix headlights.

By sharing photographs of their Model 3s on social media forums, several other consumers also confirmed the change from modern LED to older LED.

Since neither Tesla nor Elon Musk has commented on the matter, it is unknown what might be wrong with the lights.

Like every other automaker, Tesla needs helping up with the pace of the supply chain due to the global semiconductor shortage and other issues.

However, the switch from Matrix LED headlights to older headlights is not pleasing anyone, as customers are responding to the issue with humorous sarcasm on social media.

Even the joke that Tesla should only supply cars with a steering wheel and pedal has been made fun of. “Some revenue is better than none!” states a recent tweet from Elon Musk. Finally, Musk can make some money even when the market is down.

To preserve the performance model of the Model 3 automobile as the most exclusive, Tesla may also be attempting to differentiate it.

The action might be part of a plan to align the Model 3 variants with Model Y since the LED matrix is only present in Model Y’s performance variant.

Are Tesla Model 3 Matrix Headlights Worth It?

The Model 3 Matrix headlights are indeed worth the price. The performance of the Matrix headlights on your Tesla is enough to justify their purchase.

It makes driving at night safe for drivers by adjusting the lighting on the Tesla using a camera sensor.

The brightness of the high beams and low beams is about the same.

The brightness intensity of the Matrix headlamp can be reduced, limiting the beam’s focus to the right and left sides.

A characteristic of the Matrix headlights prevents them from blinking or glaring at other drivers outside.

The headlights on the Matrix are projector-style lights, illuminating a larger area of the road from farther away. 

Compared to standard reflector headlights, this improves drivers’ visibility at night. The camera sensor prevents the driver from changing from low to high beams whenever a car passes and keeps them focused on the road.

It has also been demonstrated that matrix headlamps reduce the energy consumption of the Tesla, allowing you to drive for longer on a single charge.

Most drivers have given these Matrix lights excellent reviews, saying they prefer them to the traditional LED.

Even some Tesla drivers are still determining if they can upgrade their older cars to the Matric headlight.

What Tesla Cars Have Matrix Headlights?

The Matrix headlights are not exclusive to the Model 3 in the Tesla lineup. Some Model S and Model Y cars have been equipped with Matrix headlights.

According to Tesla, natural lights improve nighttime driving visibility and use 16% less energy.

In contrast to most conventional headlights, the regulation rate rose by up to 34% when using the Matrix headlights.

Referring to the Matrix headlights’ improved visibility, their luminosity has been boosted by 12%.

When a car is passing, certain Tesla models’ Matrix headlights will automatically change from high beams to low beams and back again. Allowing drivers to see animals, items on the road, and people strolling more clearly.

Is It Possible For Model 3 Matrix Headlights Retrofit?

Yes, Tesla does offer a retrofit service that will perform the necessary coding to install Matrix headlights on an older Model 3.

The Matrix headlight will cost up to $1,000 to be modified with this code.

The lengthy harness will need to be added through modifications made by the Tesla service team.

This will assist the Tesla Model 3 in gaining more lighting on both sides. Adding wiring can cost anywhere between $1,700 and $4,000, depending on its difficulties.

Finding someone who can make the retrofit using OEM software will change the essential parts and is an alternative to the Tesla service.

All of the wiring harnesses must be added and verified by this person.

The best course of action is to visit a Tesla service facility and have the retrofit completed there.

What To Expect In The Future?

Tesla needs to get its act together and step up its game as quickly as possible. Recent changes in things like late deliveries, feature pullbacks, supply chain chaos, etc., will likely seriously hurt Tesla’s credibility as a business.

With delayed delivery, customers are already tense; upgrading to older headlights will worsen things. For Tesla, the part supply problem has been around for a while.

The problem now looks to be ongoing. According to European buyers, recent versions reportedly have conventional LED headlights rather than matrix lighting.

Since Tesla has not publicly announced the changeover, it is too soon to speculate about how it works.

But given that Design Studio currently depicts all three types with Matrix headlights, it seems odd to see earlier LED headlights on actual Model 3 vehicles.

Let’s hear Tesla’s response to the whole ordeal. If you recently took receipt of a Model 3 as well, please write to us.

Conclusion

That’s all for the debate between Model 3 Matrix Headlights Vs Old! The Matrix will undoubtedly work better at night, but the legality is a major concern (which will be resolved legally in 2023).

However, older LED headlights with reflectors are recognized as the standard kind that provides excellent lumens (brightness) and aids in visibility on lengthy routes.

However, it creates a glare problem and blinds other motorists. Our comparison list will help you select the best option for replacing your headlights. Find You in the Upcoming Guide!

Frequently Asked Questions