Driving can really be fun. However, every driver knows that some of the hardest times to drive are at night, in the rain and in a fog. The reason is simply the low level of visibility. To provide some form of visibility, cars are equipped with headlights that beam light ahead of the car, showing the driver the path ahead of them.
How much the driver will be able to see will depend on a number of factors one of which is the quality and intensity of the headlights that the car is equipped with. There are three main types of headlamps that we will find on cars today. These include halogen, LED and xenon. We will be focusing on just one of these three so if you need some information on the others, check this article here.
The one we will be focusing on is the xenon headlights. Let’s get right into it.
The Basics
Another name for xenon lights is HID which is an acronym for High-Intensity Discharge light. This light is created when a charge passes through two electrodes, creating a high voltage arc. It’s almost the same thing we see when there is a flash of lightning.
The name xenon comes from the fact that the tube in which the electrodes are located is filled with the xenon gas. The bright light associated with the HID light is a result of the gas getting ignited and burning brightly.
This light can get really bright, though it will also take some time to warm up to its maximum brightness.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Xenon Headlights
As with most things in life, this kit has pros and cons. We will quickly look at a few of the prominent ones so you can have all the information you need to make the right decision.
Advantages
Let’s begin with the advantages.
Brightness
These lights are very bright. Naturally, this means it will provide more illumination in the dark. They are capable of about 3,000 lumens in brightness.
Durability
With a lifetime of about 2000 hours, it offers more durability than halogen lamps. In fact, it can last up to three times longer.
Low Energy Consumption
Its energy requirement is about 30% less than what is required by halogen lamps. This means that your battery will not be put under much strain and will, therefore, last longer, saving you some money.
Aesthetics
Aside from all the talk about efficiency, the light also looks really good which is a plus for most car owners.
Disadvantages
Now let’s take a look at some of the not-so-good stuff about these lights.
Brightness
Isn’t it interesting that something that was listed as an advantage can also be listed as a disadvantage? Here’s the thing, the lights can be so bright that they affect any driver coming in the opposite direction. They can also affect the ones in front because of the glare of the light in their rearview mirrors. You can read about this complaint in this article by USA Today .
Cost
These lights are more expensive than the more traditional option. Thankfully though, it is no longer as expensive as it was. This may not be unrelated to the introduction of LED lights which are more modern and also offer some of the benefits that these do.
Color Temperature
As a result of its pretty high color temperature, it gives off a white light which on a regular day is great for visibility. However, this white light is not the best during foggy or rainy days.
Despite these cons, the benefits that HID lamps offer far outweigh whatever cons they may have.
Choosing the Right Headlights for Your Car
If you are ready to replace the headlamps on your car then there are a few things you need to look out for when making your choice. First, you should ensure that you have enough options to choose from. You can visit ledlightstreet.com for a wide array of the latest and most efficient options.
Secondly, make sure you know the power rating stipulated by your car’s manufacturer. Using something different may require some custom wiring which may void your warranty.
You should also remember what we said about color temperature and how it affects visibility in certain conditions. Your best bet will, therefore, be to get something that is a blend of the two extremes, so you can have a very bright light that can also serve during rains and fog.
Lastly, be sure to choose something that will last. You most certainly do not want to be changing those lamps every so often.
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