Do you plan to upgrade your car’s headlights with HIDs? HIDs are a popular car headlight type providing day-like visibility. Let’s explore what HIDs are and how they work. We will also compare HID headlights with other available options to help you make a better decision. Get expert tips to select the right pair of headlights!
What Are HID Headlights?
HID is an acronym for High Intensity Discharge, HID headlights are an improved gas-discharge vehicle lighting system (like halogen bulbs) that produce high-intensity visible light. They produce brighter light to enhance visibility and clarity. A controlled electrical arc inside a noble gas-filled tube (mostly xenon) and metal salts give off high-intensity light.
HIDs are often called xenon lights because this gas primarily increases the light intensity. The brightness level of HID headlights is close to sunlight. These headlights have become popular among car enthusiasts due to their practicality and aesthetics. You can get HIDs in warm tones, white tones, and bluish tones. If you want to upgrade car lighting, they’re a good choice.
How HID Headlights Work
HID headlights work on the gas-discharge principle inside a glass tube. The headlight bulb contains two tungsten electrodes; the bulb is filled with noble gas and metal salts. An electric arc is initiated that appears like a spark between two electrodes. Usually, a ballast is connected with headlights to produce higher voltage to develop the arc.
The use of noble gasses like Xenon, Argon, or Krypton is due to their high luminous efficiency; these gases ionize quickly to produce light, ultimately reducing warm-up time. The metal salts act as catalysts to increase brightness and ensure color stability. The metals evaporate inside the tube and emit high-intensity bright light.
Unlike halogen bulbs, the arc inside HIDs travels through gas instead of the tungsten filament. It helps produce high-intensity light for each unit of energy consumed. The light output of HIDs is mostly on the visible part of the spectrum. It reduces heat production and provides more visible light for enhanced clarity. These HIDs also last longer than counterparts like halogen bulbs.
Types of Headlight HID Bulbs
HID headlights are classified based on their sizes and color temperature. The type of HID headlights is crucial to determining compatibility with your car model. Let’s explore:
Common Sizes
HID headlights are available in two sizes for cars. The sizes of HID bulbs are for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) headlights and aftermarket headlights (usually to replace halogen bulbs). The size variations differ in design and installation.
- D-Series HID Bulbs: These bulbs are designed for OEM HID housings and are easy to install with plug and play option. You can find multiple options with specific features ranging from D1S and D2R to D4R.
- H-Series HID Bulbs: The H-series is a conversion kit for traditional halogen bulbs. The bulbs are available for fog lights and headlights. You can have high beams, low beams, or dual beams. The H-series includes H11 bulbs,9005 (HB3),H3, and H4, among others.
Color Temperatures
Color temperature is the hue that HID headlights give off. It is measured in Kelvins (K), a unit for temperature. The range is between 4300K to 8000K+, with a variety of warm to cool shades. Here are the color hues available:
- 4300K: The color output of 4300K HID headlights is like a bright sunny day. It feels like daylight and enhances visibility with high clarity.
- 6000K: Most people prefer 6000K HIDs because the output is a bright white light that adds to the aesthetics and visibility.
- 8000K+: The temperature range above 6000K is usually illegal in the US. The reason is a bluish tone that doesn’t fall in the standard color range.
Compatibility Guide
When selecting the correct type of HIDs for your vehicle, you need to be mindful of a few things. If your car already comes with HIDs, and you are upgrading or customizing them, then you will have to choose from D-series. And if your car comes with halogens and you’re changing them, then select H-series bulbs. Also, decide the color temperature that suits your needs.
Benefits of HID Lights
HID headlights are a preferred choice for car lighting systems due to many reasons. They enhance visibility and add clarity to your vision and a bit of aesthetics. Let’s see what HID lights offer:
High Efficiency
HIDs are highly efficient and produce more light than traditional halogen bulbs, consuming less power. Usually, the light output is between 80 to 100 lumens per watt. The total power consumption is about 35W for a 3000 to 4000 lumens output. These lights don’t strain your car battery or impact the power.
Bright Light
What sets HIDs apart is a bright light that enhances your visibility and vision, especially in low-light conditions. You can choose an extreme bright temperature like 6000K that is comparable to daylight. People driving off-road or touring the countryside opt for HIDs because they provide a white light with a high beam through.
Affordable Choice
To your surprise, HIDs are not just more efficient but also more affordable. You can get a pair of new HIDs at less cost than LED headlights. If you’re upgrading halogen bulbs with a HID kit, you get a whole lot of benefits for a little high price. The HIDs also last longer than halogen bulbs and provide more bright light.
Aesthetically Pleasing
HID lights are a classy upgrade that makes your car stand out. Imagine driving by with a bright white light, bringing the day with you; it surely turns heads. The HID headlights come in stylish designs with smaller reflective housings. You can find creative shapes with sleek and classic appearance. Go to the market to find the best pair of headlights.
Drawbacks of HID Headlights
Although HID headlights are a very good option, they come with some drawbacks. You can see if the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
Higher Upfront
HIDs offer great visibility, longevity, and durability, but they come with a cost. If you’ve been using halogen bulbs, you need to pay a little more for this upgrade. But still, HIDs are more affordable than LED headlights. If you’re buying HIDs, the costs cover themselves.
Longer Startup
HIDs need a time to reach full brightness, it’s called the startup time. The HIDs take about 2-3 seconds to reach full brightness. The startup time is due to their working principle, when the arc is generated it takes time to ionize xenon gas that gives bright white light.
Limited Compatibility
There are easy-to-install HID conversion kits available for halogen bulbs, but you may not find the correct sizes for old vehicles. You can install the HIDs with little modifications to the headlight housing. The compatibility issues only exist with old vehicle models.
Potential Glare
HID headlights produce extremely bright light with high beam throw. They can blind oncoming traffic if not installed correctly. The angle adjustments in HIDs need to be very precise to avoid potential glare. It’s recommended that you go for professional installation for HIDs.
Choosing the Right HID Bulb
Are you planning to go on a market hunt to purchase HID headlights? Here are some pro tips to get the right pair of headlights for your vehicle:
Understand Your Need
You must ensure compatibility when selecting HIDs for your vehicles. The electrical system in your car should have the required power ratings. The HID bulb should fit in the headlight housing for your vehicle. Check the size and shape for compatibility. Also, consider your personal preference like color shade (warm or cool), style, and intensity.
Costs and Maintenance
HIDs can be a bit expensive because they require additional installations like ballasts if your car isn’t compatible with HIDs in the first place. You can explore the market to get affordable and high-quality headlights. There’s no specific maintenance requirement, but you need to ensure the electrical system is working fine because these are susceptible to electrical faults.
Types and Features
There are various types of HIDs available in the market. If your car comes with OEM HIDs, then you can use D-series bulbs; otherwise, you need to get a conversion kit with H-series bulbs. There are also multiple features to select from, like dual beams, reflector shields, and painted strips. All these options increase practicality and add to the aesthetics.
Professional Consultation
There is so much buzz around the legality of HIDs. You can consult a professional to get road-legal HID bulbs that have brightness level, temperature range, and color according to FMVSS standards. Also, opt for professional installation to avoid misalignment and glare issues. It will also help you pass the inspection test conveniently.
How Do HID Headlights Compare to Other Headlight Types?
HIDs Vs. Halogen: Which type of headlights are the best? Let’s compare both options to help you choose the one that best suits your needs:
| HID Headlights | Halogen Headlights |
|---|---|
| HIDs tend to be brighter with more luminous intensity and light output | Halogen bulbs feel dull when compared with HID headlights |
| These lights are long-lasting and durable. They can go for about 2000 to 3000 hours | Halogen bulbs are not long-lasting and degrade quicker than HIDs. They can last for about 500 to 1000 hours |
| HIDs are energy efficient and consume less power for bright light output | These bulbs are not highly energy efficient and consume more power |
| HIDs take 2 to 3 seconds to start and fully brighten | Halogen bulbs turn on instantly without a lag |
| The upfront costs are higher for HIDs than for halogen bulbs | Halogen bulbs are less expensive but also less efficient |
Installing HID Headlights
Getting a new pair of headlights? Here’s a DIY installation guide, make sure to follow all steps to avoid any issues.
- Go through the owner’s manual before installing the HIDs. It will help you meet all the requirements. Take all safety precautions for convenient installation.
- The first step is to disconnect the battery and remove the headlight cover to access the bulb fixture inside the headlight housing.
- Remove the old bulb and clean the cover to clear the debris-filled inside the headlight frame.
- Install the new HID bulbs and connect it with the ballast. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid clouding the bulb. HIDs are sensitive and require protective handling.
- Turn on the headlights to test. Try completing the installation at night to check the angle and alignment of the light beam.
Safety Precautions
When upgrading the headlights, you should take all safety precautions to avoid damage to the vehicle. Headlights are crucial components that influence driving safety. Ensure that the new headlights are correctly installed with the proper alignment to avoid glare issues or blinding of traffic. Also, check the electrical requirements and verify compatibility with your car.
Always invest in high-quality HID conversion kits from reputable brands. You need to be mindful about headlight laws, especially FVMSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) standards and DOT-compliance. The HIDs are highly sensitive to foreign particles, you must follow manufacturer guidelines for proper handling and installation.
Authenticity and Quality
Choose reputable brands for authentication and high-quality HIDs. Avoid purchasing from third-party dealers or using used headlights; they can pose safety and quality risks. You can search for authorized dealers or order directly from the manufacturer’s website. Using low-quality or non-genuine headlights can also get you in legal trouble.
When selecting a manufacturer for headlights, you can check a few things. The manufacturer must be following FMVSS standards with proper certifications. Their products should have DOT-compliance stickers. Also, look for other certifications from international bodies like ISO to be sure about quality.
Maintenance Tips for HID Headlights
HIDs are maintenance-free, but if you want to increase their longevity, there are a few things you can do. Always keep the headlight cover clean to maintain brightness levels and avoid dimming. You can use regular cleaners to wipe the headlight cover without a worry.
Never overuse HID headlights because they can be a safety risk. Check for signs of aging and wear. If your headlights are old, the output will be visibly low, and they may be flickering. Change the headlights in a timely manner to avoid any issues. To ensure longevity, use the recommended ballast and wiring. Any substandard product will affect longevity.
Warranty and Support
Choose a manufacturer that offers a good warranty on its product. A warranty assures quality and shows confidence in the manufacturer’s product. The warranty should also cover all types of damages. Make sure to go through the terms and conditions.
Customer support is another aspect that most people don’t consider. The manufacturer should be accessible in case of issues. Choose a manufacturer with a vast dealer network and professional installers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are HID headlights legal everywhere?
HIDs are not legal everywhere. You need to check the headlights in your location and ensure legal compliance.
Q. What is the lifespan of HID headlight bulbs?
The lifespan of a regular HID bulb is about 2000 to 3000 hours, which is longer than that of its counterparts, halogen bulbs.
Q. How do you reduce glare from HID headlights?
Proper installation and beam alignment of HIDs can help avoid glare. You need to check whether the lights are properly installed.
Conclusion
Are you all set to get new HIDs for your car? You now understand what HID headlights are and how they compare to other options. Follow our comprehensive guide to select the right HIDs for your car. Ensure compatibility with your vehicle and only choose a reputable brand. HIDs stand out with high efficiency, visibility, and durability.
Looking for a reputable HID manufacturer? Carlightvision offers top-quality headlights for all types of vehicles. It combines aesthetics with practicality!
Carlightvision: Upgrade to the Best Headlights for Your Car
Want to get the best HID headlights? Carlightvision is a world-class manufacturer of top-quality HIDs with superior light output and durability. The manufacturer has advanced R&D and over a decade of manufacturing expertise. It offers a wide range of feature-full HIDs for all types of vehicles. Get in touch to explore further!
