Why hid headlights

Alternately, when you need a dimmer headlight, you select the low beam option. During the early evening hours of fall when the sky dims slowly, low beams are more appropriate, especially on well-lit thoroughfares and busy urban streets. HID and halogen lights are not interchangeable, as the lights require separate bulbs. Cars and vans that come equipped with high and low beam functions generally contain two pairs of headlight bulbs. However, headlights are available that can be switched between high and low functions.

Certain HID lights, for example, are made with both high and low beam options, so drivers can switch from one to the other according to the needs and appropriateness of a particular time and setting. According to average estimates, HID headlights generally last 2, hours. That said, some of the most durable HIDs can last up to four times as long. Depending on your driving frequency, you could end up getting quite a bit of driving time with a single pair of HIDs.

If you drive an average of two hours per day — 30 minutes en route to your job and back, plus another 30 for shopping and errands or leisure — you would use up only hours of HID life every 12 months.

Not bad. At the high-use end the spectrum, you could still get a generous amount of driving time with the same pair of HID headlights. For example, if you live in a motor-intense state like California and drive an average of 65 miles per day — commuting between Burbank and Santa Monica for work, and also hitting the Sunset Strip for nighttime activities — you would rack up roughly 23, miles per year.

If only a third of those hours are spent driving after dark, you would only be using your HIDs for 7, hours within the average month period. On average, halogen headlights last only 1, hours at the low estimates and 3, hours at the highest estimates.

When measured in terms of years, halogen headlights only last for around two or three years. At these rates, people who work graveyard shifts or who live in states where nighttime activities necessitate drives of great distances, a pair of halogen headlights might need to be changed out every six to eight months. They offer the whitest of brightness on the market. As such, the prospect of commuting during late afternoon and early morning hours becomes less daunting in cars equipped with HIDs.

Depending on your situation as a driver, the benefits of using HIDs could range from wonderful to essential. Here at The Retrofit Source Inc. An electrical charge is sent to the filament which causes it to heat up to around degrees F, resulting in a glow inside the light. Eventually, tungsten filament reaches the end of its life cycle, around hours, and the bulb will require replacement. Halogen light bulbs on vehicles are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced by you, on most vehicles, as a DIY project , if done properly.

Just be sure not to get any fingerprints on the bulb as the oils from your fingers will cause the bulb to burn out prematurely. An electrical current passes through a tube equipped with electrodes on both ends. The current that passes between the two electrodes causes the xenon and halide salts to react. The xenon ionizes, keeping the current flowing, vaporizing the salts, decreasing the resistance between the two electrodes.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to HID lights is that this entire process can take a bit of time, which in an emergency when immediate light is needed, the HID falters.

The cost of replacements can be quite pricey compared to the halogen light. The benefits of HIDs, however, may outweigh the downsides as they last longer, burn brighter, and use less power than the halogen light. While not applicable to all vehicles, many vehicles today can be upgraded from halogen to HID lights with a conversion kit.

It is much easier on the electrical system and the battery, which will also save money for the driver. Of course, the fact Xenon headlights are extremely more attractive than typical headlights it one of the benefits. The light given off by these types of headlights are cleaner and provide a classy look to any luxury vehicle. It is considered to be cost-efficient and an aesthetic upgrade for your vehicle. Xenon headlights are functional and elegant. With every wonderful product, there are always drawbacks.

One of the disadvantages to the HID headlights is the brightness of the lights in the rearview mirrors. But how cool would it be to roll up to your first party of the summer with purple-tinted headlights?

LED headlights operate at a low temperature and use very little energy, which means they can run pretty much indefinitely. This means it will cost you less in the long run to fork over a little more cash during the initial switch. While HID lights are slightly less expensive at the onset, they will require more maintenance in the future — more akin to traditional halogen bulbs.

Many customers continue to choose HIDs when they decide to upgrade their headlights. In short, HIDs are a great short-term solution. Whether you choose HID or LED headlights, after your upgrade you will be confident enough to kiss your nervousness about driving at night goodbye. After all, you should feel comfortable driving at any time of day, no matter the conditions.

If you want brighter, more durable and energy-efficient headlights for clearer visibility while driving, it may be time to consider one of the many headlights and conversion kits available at AudioMotive. Still have questions or concerns?