What is the difference between HID and non HID headlights?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, I often encounter questions about the various types of headlights available for vehicles. One of the most common inquiries is about the differences between High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and traditional non-HID headlights. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle's lighting system, enhancing both safety and aesthetics.
What Are HID Headlights?
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are a type of automotive lighting that uses an electric arc to produce light. Unlike traditional halogen bulbs, which use a filament, HID lights generate a bright, white light that is more efficient and longer-lasting. Here are some key features of HID headlights:
- Brightness: HID headlights are significantly brighter than non-HID options, providing better visibility at night and in poor weather conditions.
- Color Temperature: They emit a cooler, bluish-white light, which can enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
- Longevity: HID bulbs typically last longer than halogen bulbs, often up to 2,000 hours or more.
What Are Non-HID Headlights?
Non-HID headlights primarily refer to traditional halogen bulbs, which have been the standard for many years. These bulbs operate by passing electricity through a tungsten filament, which then heats up and produces light. Here are some characteristics of non-HID headlights:
- Brightness: Halogen headlights are generally less bright than HID lights, which can affect visibility.
- Color Temperature: They emit a warm yellowish light, which some drivers prefer for its softer appearance.
- Cost: Halogen bulbs are usually less expensive to purchase and replace compared to HID systems.
- Installation: Non-HID headlights are often easier to install, as they do not require a ballast or additional wiring.
Key Differences Between HID and Non-HID Headlights
When comparing HID and non-HID headlights, several factors come into play:
- Brightness: HID headlights provide superior brightness, enhancing nighttime visibility.
- Energy Efficiency: HID lights consume less power than halogen bulbs, making them more energy-efficient.
- Heat Generation: HID systems produce less heat compared to halogen bulbs, which can lead to a longer lifespan.
- Initial Cost: While HID systems are more expensive upfront, their longevity may offset the cost over time.
Conclusion
Choosing between HID and non-HID headlights ultimately depends on your driving needs and preferences. If you prioritize brightness and longevity, HID headlights may be the better option. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly choice with easier installation, non-HID headlights could be the way to go. At Kevin's Autos, we are here to help you with any questions or services related to your vehicle's lighting system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HID headlights better?
Nowadays, most updated safety regulations actually require this level of brightness on the roads. HID lights are significantly brighter than the standard halogen lights. They are also much more efficient in terms of energy usage on your vehicle.
Are 6000K HID headlights legal?
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin. Halogen bulbs typically fall around 3000K, but HID bulbs have a much higher colour temperature. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your HID headlight bulbs aren't above 6000K. At that point, in most places, bulbs are no longer street legal.
Which is brighter, LED or HID?
Both LEDs and HIDs are great technologies and big upgrades over halogens with regard to brightness and durability but their individual performance will depend on your headlight type. LED headlight bulbs are better and brighter in reflector headlamps, while HIDs are better and brighter in projector lenses.
Why are HID lights illegal?
The reason why the LED's are illegal is the same reason why HID's are illegal. Its the way the light is emitted from the bulbs themselves. If used in the wrong housings the light will not be focused properly and scatter, blinding other drivers. To be legal they all need to be in their proper housings.
Can I put LED instead of HID?
Yes but only through changing your entire headlight assembly to LED. HID to LED conversion kits are not recommended and do not perform well.
Why are HID so expensive?
So what does an HID headlight cost in order to replace it? The bulb alone can often exceed $100. The higher price comes from the fact that they are much more powerful than a halogen headlight. HID lights are also designed to last much longer than halogen headlights, but they can still burn out eventually.
What is the lifespan of HID headlights?
to 15,000 hours
On the other hand, HID lights are quite long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 15,000 hours.
What is the problem with HID headlights?
One of the disadvantages to the HID headlights is the brightness of the lights in the rearview mirrors. This causes a problem for drivers in front of your vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of HID lights?
Shorter Lifespan and Maintenance Costs: While HID lamps typically last between 10,000 to 24,000 hours, their lifespan is shorter compared to LEDs, which can last up to 50,000 hours or more. The frequent need for maintenance and replacement increases operational costs, especially in large-scale installations .
Which lasts longer, HID or LED?
LEDs have an extremely long lifespan relative to every other lighting technology (including HID). New LEDs can last 100,000 hours or more. The typical lifespan for an HID bulb, by comparison, is 10-25% as long at best (10,000 - 25,000 hours).
