Driving is hard, the constant bumps, uneven surfaces, dark roads and difficult terrain can make any driving enthusiast squirm on his/her seat. Although most drivers recommend buying HID conversion kits to upgrade your vehicle's appearance. Most of them observe that the HID lights can cut easily through snags and dark corners that most drivers encounter on the road. Simply, HID lights add more protection for the treacherous roads we encounter while traveling by improving visibility. Clarity is key to driving at night. Protect yourself, your loved ones and your vehicle by upgrading to HIDs

 

HID Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are HIDs?
• Why install HIDs?
• What is meant by color temperature?
• What are some good quality brands to look for?
• What is included with an HID conversion kit?
• How does this stuff work together?
• Should I replace both my high and low beams with HIDs?
  
  

 

What are HIDs?

The best way to describe an HID headlight is to compare it to a more conventional halogen headlight. An halogen bulb consists of a wire filament surrounded by an inert gas. When electrical current is applied to the filament, it glows brightly to produce light. Contrast that with an HID bulb which has no filament, but instead consists of xenon gas, mercury, and metal halide salts. The xenon gas is ignited by an arc of high-voltage current and glows brightly. Also, the high voltage is supplied by a ballast, so in these respects it is like a fluorescent light. HID's are original equipment generally found on luxury and exotic cars but are progressively finding their way into the mainstream.

 

 

Why install HIDs?
If chosen properly, the improved light output of HID's will give you a better field of vision and thus improved safety. Plus, let's admit it, they look cool.

 

 

What is meant by color temperature?
The Kelvin (K) is the unit of color temperature. 4100K is the brightest, most natural white light similar to that of daytime sunlight, and therefore the HID color temperature used most in the OEM automotive industry. When you look at the light coming directly out of an HID headlight, it possesses a bit of a blue or purple hue which most people recognize as the expensive, elegant look characteristic of HIDs. For comparison, most halogen headlights have a color temperature around 3200K which gives them a "dingy" yellowish appearance compared to HIDs.

 

 

What are some good quality brands to look for?
Generally speaking, Philips or Osram (division of Sylvania) kits are recommended because they are the brands used by the major automotive OEM's. They count on quality components because dependability is critical to auto manufacturers. Other brands may use bulbs or ballasts of inferior manufacture that are prone to early failure. Perhaps even more sinister, some kits tout their use of Philips or Osram ballasts while they covertly use cheap bulbs of unknown origin that burn out quickly. So it is a good idea to check the brands you buy. They likely won't be branded by Philips or Osram directly, rather they are usually rebranded by another company. If the seller doesn't specify who makes their components, it is a gamble. A low price is very tempting (believe me, I'm the same way), so my best advice is to solicit opinions and do your research before buying.

 

 

What is included with a HID conversion kit?

A typical HID conversion kit includes:

• Two bulbs
• Two ballasts (with built-in igniter)
• Two relays
• Wiring harnesses
  

 

How does this stuff work together?

Let's look at the diagram from left to right. When you turn on your headlight switch, it puts 12V across the relay coil which in turn closes the contacts. The contacts switch in 12V from the battery to turn on the ballast, which in turn ignites and powers the HID bulb. Pretty simple concept.

 

 

Should I replace both my high and low beams with HIDs?
Most of us spend the majority of the time driving with our low beams on. Compared to the high beams, the lows usually leave the most to be desired.