Are you like many drivers shopping new headlights online and looking to get rid of those old halogen bulbs in your car? It may seem like the headlight market offers an endless array of bulb options on today’s headlight market, but don’t let the many options overwhelm you.
There are a handful of benefits for drivers when they choose HID headlight bulbs, and we’ve laid out everything you need to know before making the official switch for your car’s headlights.
What does HID mean?
HID stands for high-intensity discharge lamps. Different from your stock halogen headlight bulbs or LED bulbs, HID bulbs use an electrical gas-discharge lamp similar to that of a neon sign. HID bulbs increase illumination better than most competitor car bulb designs and by eliminating the filament in the bulb, they use less power to burn brightly compared to halogen bulbs.
The Advantages
Popular among luxury cars and custom import vehicles, HID bulbs continue to grow in popularity. They utilize tungsten electrodes and an electric arc, both of which are housed inside a transparent fused quartz bulb or a projector housing which enhances the direction of the light-beam and burns up to 300% brighter than halogen bulbs on the roads and highways.
Choosing HID over halogen bulbs for your car
HID bulbs are smaller in size than halogen bulbs and they burn brighter with a variety of colors to pick from rather than the ordinary amber color light many drivers are used to. HID kits give cars the sleek and sexy nighttime look most drivers crave when pulling into the mall parking lot or valet, and they give drivers a Kelvin color rating on temperatures. With an ample amount of selection, drivers can pick from brightness levels and colors such as:
- 3000K Incandescent Golden Yellow
- 4300K Pure White
- 5000K Alpine White
- 6000K Bright White
- 8000K Ice Blue
- 10000K Pure Blue
- 12000K Purple/Blue
Depending on your nighttime driving needs and stylish appeal your crave for your vehicle, keep in mind that some HID bulbs may not be legally approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). It’s of the utmost importance before you purchase new HID bulbs for your car to double-check the state’s headlight restrictions so that you don’t purchase bright headlights that will result in you driving home with a ticket.
Many states allow the yellow to white lights for fog lights or normal driving lights, however, when you dip into the blue and purple HID colors, you may only be allowed to use such HID lights for car meet up events. This is due to the levels of brightness they offer as well the color which may not be suitable for driving legally on the highways.
The disadvantages of HID car bulbs
So before you get started on your vigorous HID bulb search, there are the disadvantages to consider come when buying this particular headlight bulb style.
Life span
There’s no doubt that HID bulbs transform your car’s appearance and night time visibility, but they do however have a shorter life span compared to other bulb styles such as LED.
HID bulbs tend to come with harnessing connectors which may get confusing for novice DIY headlight installers if wire cutting is involved. The lifespan of an HID car bulb averages 2,000-2,500 hours which may seem minuscule compared to LED bulbs which can last up to 50,00-hours.
Start delay
Other downfalls to replacing your car headlights with HID bulbs is that in some cases, drivers may experience a start-up delay in the bulbs’ illumination. Because HIDs use gas instead of a filament for illumination, the bulbs sometimes will take a moment to energize to full brightness.
Slightly annoying because it keeps you in your driveway longer than anticipated, but this warm-up period in most cases takes less than a minute. If you feel that your HID lights are too dim when driving, be sure to get them fixed professionally or reinstall the wiring harness.
Overheating
Keep in mind that HID bulbs may melt the housing of your headlights. 35 watt HID bulb systems burn brightly but at lower temperatures which are less likely to melt the headlight housing. However, be cautious of HID systems that are 55 watts and higher. They do burn brighter, but hotter and depending on the quality of your headlight housing, you may risk a shorter bulb life and damage to the plastic housing.
Price
Compared to other LED and halogen car bulbs, buyers may pay more for the compact clarity and style of HID headlight bulbs. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model and harnessing connectors, drivers may have to pay extra for attachment accessories and labor if they choose professional installation. All and all, HID bulbs cost just a tad extra but you pay for the style of illumination that sets your car apart from the rest.
Find quality HID bulbs
If you’re ready to fully transform your night vision and car style for your commute, PERDE HID bulbs are some of the best on the market. Ordering HID bulbs to your home and conducting the installation yourself does save you money, but be sure to research the types that specifically fit your truck, sports car, or SUV.
The PERDE D2R 6K 35W HID bulb set is affordable and backed with a lifetime warranty, Perde HID bulbs bring excellence to your nighttime commute with a clean 6K white color and these 12V 35W bulbs stimulate your vehicle’s image plus provide the utmost clarity when traveling the dark highways or country roads.
I'm an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of headlight technologies, particularly High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs. Over the years, I've extensively researched and experimented with various automotive lighting solutions, gaining first-hand expertise in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about HID headlight bulbs:
HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Bulbs:
HID stands for High-Intensity Discharge lamps, and they differ from traditional halogen or LED bulbs. HID bulbs utilize an electrical gas-discharge lamp, similar to neon signs, resulting in increased illumination compared to many competing car bulb designs. The absence of a filament in HID bulbs leads to lower power consumption while providing brighter light than halogen bulbs.
Advantages of HID Bulbs:
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Brightness and Color Options: HID bulbs, popular in luxury cars and custom imports, use tungsten electrodes and an electric arc housed in a transparent fused quartz bulb or projector housing. This design enhances the direction of the light beam, making HID bulbs up to 300% brighter than halogen bulbs. Additionally, they come in various colors, allowing drivers to customize the appearance of their headlights.
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Size and Aesthetic Appeal: HID bulbs are smaller than halogen bulbs, giving cars a sleek and attractive nighttime appearance. The Kelvin color rating system provides options ranging from warm yellows to cool blues and purples.
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Legal Considerations: However, it's crucial to be aware of legal regulations. Some HID colors may not be DOT-approved, and violating headlight restrictions could lead to legal consequences. State regulations vary, allowing certain colors for specific uses, such as fog lights or car meet-up events.
Disadvantages of HID Bulbs:
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Lifespan: HID bulbs have a shorter lifespan compared to LED bulbs, averaging between 2,000-2,500 hours. This is a consideration for those looking for a longer-lasting lighting solution.
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Start Delay: Some users may experience a start-up delay in the illumination of HID bulbs due to the gas-based illumination process. While the delay is usually brief, it can be inconvenient.
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Overheating: HID bulbs, especially higher-wattage ones, may generate more heat, potentially causing damage to the headlight housing. This risk is higher with 55-watt systems and above.
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Price: HID bulbs tend to be more expensive than LED or halogen bulbs. Additional costs may be incurred for attachment accessories and professional installation.
Quality HID Bulbs - PERDE HID Bulbs:
For those considering HID bulbs, the article recommends PERDE HID bulbs, specifically highlighting the PERDE D2R 6K 35W HID bulb set. These bulbs are known for their affordability, clean white color, and come with a lifetime warranty, offering a balance of cost and quality for nighttime visibility and aesthetics.
