When driving at night, HID lights give the driver more light to see with, particularly in the area immediately in front of their vehicle. In theory, this may make them safer for the driver, but in reality it can actually cause more danger because the strong blue light they emit often blinds other drivers.
Why are HID lights illegal?
If HID lights come pre-installed in a vehicle, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) makes sure that they are a low-enough intensity not to produce blue light. ... That is because these kits come with very intense blue HID light , which is illegal in California.
Can HID lights harm your car?
The rise of fake xenon HIDs
Fitting fake xenon HIDs in your car can be damaging for your headlights , as they aren’t manufactured to OEM quality standards as the Philips and OSRAM bulbs are. This may cause these bulbs to fail more quickly.
What is the danger involved with HID lights?
Almost all HID lights reach their end of life in a benign manner, however as these types of lights operate at high pressures and temperatures* there is potential for the arc tube to rupture (fail violently). Being enclosed in only a glass outer bulb, this bulb can be breached by particles from the arc tube rupture.
Can HID lights cause fire?
Although any type of HID lamp can fail violently, metal halide HID lamps have been identified as the likely cause of ignition in recent, major fires .
Are xenon headlights illegal?
Those bright bluish-looking headlights in your rearview mirror may be from a high-end luxury car that came equipped with such lights. But they may also be a sign of an aftermarket modification that’s technically illegal , the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
What is better HID or LED?
They are brighter and more efficient than LEDs , and are the optimal choice if you’re on a tight budget. However, many HID users eventually decide to switch to LEDs because they last longer and cost less over time. In short, HIDs are a great short-term solution.
Why are HID bulbs so expensive?
Why are they so expensive? Xenon HID bulbs are more expensive than halogens due to the different technology and gases used to produce the bulb but on the flip side they do last a lot longer than halogen bulbs.
How do I know if my HID ballast is bad?
- Dimming or Flickering Headlights. If your HID bulb cannot produce its full brightness or strobe periodically, this is most probably a ballast problem. ...
- Strange Sounds. ...
- Headlights Not Working. ...
- Changing Light Colors. ...
- Constantly Blowing Fuse. ...
- Damaged Casing. ...
- Burn Marks. ...
- Water or Oil Damage.
Can LED bulbs damage your car?
LED Headlights Pricing
They often operate on very high wattage which can damage your headlight and vehicle’s power supply, the light quality and distance are poor, they will burn out after a few months and come with little to no warranty.
How do I know what HID bulb I have?
One way to tell if a vehicle is equipped with HID headlamps is to look at the outer lens cover . If the headlamps are HID, the markings D1R, D1S, D2R or D2S will be displayed on the lens. These are the four basic types of HID bulbs that are used in HID lighting systems.
What is the advantage of HID headlights?
HID bulbs emit intense blue white light which offer better visibility as compared to the yellow light produced by typical halogen headlights. In simple terms, HID bulbs often much better visibility at night allowing drivers to react to emergency situations much more quickly as compared to halogen bulbs.
Are HID lights illegal in India?
Aftermarket auxiliary lamps mounted above the bonnet are also illegal in India . Any aftermarket lamp installed should be below the bonnet and should be covered when the vehicle is on public roads. Such aftermarket lamps are meant for only off-roading use and are illegal to use on the public roads.
Are 5000K HID lights legal?
Bulbs around 5000K are illegal unless using off-road , and will appear to have a distinctive white light with a slight blue tint. If you’re after a Xenon HID effect, your best choice is the Philips Diamond Vision range. Because these bulbs have a Kelvin rating of 5000K, they’re not legal for road use.
Which is better LED or Xenon headlights?
LED bulbs . ... They use far less power and produce much brighter light than halogen bulbs. Even when compared to Xenon HID bulbs, LEDs come out on top in many ways. LED bulbs last longer than Xenon HID bulbs and use less power.
Why are xenon bulbs so expensive?
Why are they so expensive? Xenon HID bulbs are more expensive than halogens due to the different technology and gases used to produce the bulb but on the flip side they do last a lot longer than halogen bulbs.
