When you’re considering an upgrade for your vehicle, it’s easy to be tempted into going for the loud car stereo speakers, flashy rims and tires, or sleek window tinting. But there are a number of options that are designed for practicality over aesthetics, namely car alarms, remote starters, and HID headlights. Most people are aware of the practical benefits of car alarms and car starters, while the concept of upgraded headlights remains unfamiliar. However, an increasingly popular trend among in-the-know vehicle owners has been installing alternative types of headlights to suit different visibility, safety, and energy-efficiency preferences. When it comes to the type with the most benefits across the board, experts throughout the automotive industry agree that HID headlights are the best choice. But are they the best choice for you?
The vast majority of makes and models come straight from the factory with incandescent headlights, which have been the industry standard for decades. While these bulbs are not extremely bright, this may not be a problem if you’re not a habitual nighttime driver. Another of the newer industry standards are halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs are known to burn out after only 1,000 hours of use, but if you don’t drive very frequently or you usually avoid driving at night, this probably won’t be your biggest concern.
If, however, you have a rather long commute each day or periodically drive after dusk, you might want to consider upgrading your headlights. There are a handful of options, but HID light conversion kits are quickly becoming the most popular solution among industry experts. HID lights–also known as HID xenon lights–are a fairly new product. The acronym “HID” stands for “high intensity discharge,” and it refers to the strong beam of light that results from a vaporized combination of xenon gas and metallic salts. While you may not have heard of this innovation previously, you’ll certainly recognize the light’s trademark blue-white tinge.
So, what are the benefits of HID lights installation?
- Safer driving conditions due to a stronger beam of light and brighter visibility.
- Energy efficiency, which comes from the fact that they require less power and fuel to operate.
- Long-lasting performance for an average of 2,000 hours, which is two-times the lifespan of halogen bulbs. Read the rest of this entry »