The longer nights and older cars we’re experiencing this winter makes reliable bulbs a must-have. But do you have to pay OE prices? ELTA Automotive, the official licensee and custodian of the Lucas lighting brand in the UK, argues that you don’t.
With the UK vehicle parc ageing rapidly and lighting technology becoming more advanced, workshops need reliable, tested, road-legal bulbs they can fit with confidence. Elta explains why quality aftermarket lighting is more important than ever; and how the Lucas programme delivers the perfect balance of performance, value and trust.
With the average UK car now almost 10 years old, lighting issues are becoming a routine part of daily workshop life. Older bulbs, ageing wiring, UV-faded lenses and moisture-affected housings all contribute to an increase in failures.
At the same time, cost-of-living pressures mean many motorists are more costconscious, relying increasingly on their trusted independent garage for safe, effective, good-value repairs. For workshops, this means more lighting jobs, but also a greater need for components that perform reliably, install correctly, and maintain customer confidence.
To avoid comebacks and MOT issues, workshops need bulbs that meet the same technical expectations as the vehicles they’re fitted to. Beam patterns, filament alignment, colour temperature and electrical compatibility are all critical aspects when considering MOT compliance, on-road safety, glare control and long-term reliability.
This level of precision demands bulbs that have been properly engineered and validated, rather than simply supplied to a price point.
Independent garages rely on this balance every day and, according to Elta, the aftermarket is uniquely positioned to provide high-quality, road-legal bulbs that still represent genuine value for customers. The term “aftermarket”, the company points out, doesn’t have to mean compromise. What it does require, however, is a brand with proven testing, manufacturing consistency and regulatory compliance.
OE-matching quality
Some technicians believe OE bulbs are the only safe option, especially as lighting technology continues to evolve. Elta’s position is clear: You do not need OE bulbs to deliver OE-matching performance.
As custodians of the 150-year-old Lucas lighting programme, Elta works closely with longstanding, trusted manufacturing partners and every bulb is validated in ELTA’s own dedicated photometry laboratory. Elta tests and confirms the following before any release:
- Beam pattern
- Lumen output
- Colour temperature
- E-mark compliance
This gives workshops the reassurance they need, without asking customers to pay OE prices. For technicians, Lucas lighting offers:
- Consistent, predictable performance
- Reliable fit and beam accuracy
- Verified, road-legal compliance
- Better value for motorists
- Healthier margins for the workshop
For vehicles over 8-10 years old, a replacement bulb may not be the whole solution. ELTA recommends checking:
- heat-damaged bulb holders
- lens fading or oxidation
- voltage irregularities
- corroded earth points
- moisture inside the lamp unit
These quick inspections help prevent repeat failures, reduce diagnostic time, and increase customer satisfaction.
