HID headlight bulb basics and high intensity discharge conversion kits

We’ve all seen them lately – the super bright and clear white or blue tinted lights on a new BMW, Volvo or Honda S2000.  They are far brighter and more powerful than regular headlight bulbs enabling drivers to see much better and have a bigger field of vision when driving at night.  What is it that causes these HID headlights to burn so much brighter and how can I get them for my car or truck?

Well, first of all you need to understand a little bit about these headlights, HID Basics.  This way, the next time you see that new BMW or Porsche with its distinct HID headlights pass by you you’ll better understand the technology behind it.  HID or the High Intensity Discharge are the type of headlights used to replace the technology of the halogen headlights. The looks, electrical consumption and brightness are the numerous and notable advantages of an HID Conversion Kit, and this kind of kit is perfect if you are looking for a cosmetic and safety upgrade in your vehicle (it is important to note that HID headlights are proven to greatly increase night time driving safety just like New Lite headlight cleaner and restoration kits).

The biggest advantage of this conversion kit is the brightness. Not only will you be able to see better and farther at night, but other drivers will be able to see you as well because of the 300 percentage increase in brightness as compared to that of your typical halogen set. Even the latest and brightest developments in halogen bulbs won’t come close to the power and brightness of HID headlights.  It’s an extreme benefit and upgrade and it will increase your night time safety if you’re driving at night (that in itself is a great benefit).

Experience greater vision and night time driving safety with newly restored headlight lenses!
 
HID Conversion Kit actually lessens the electricity that is consumed even if it’s brighter than the halogen bulbs. There are special ballasts which are included with each conversion kit that is used to convert the kit to 55w standard electricity than a reduced 35w that power up your halogen bulbs. Your electrical system therefore is subject to less strain and power draw or consumption by an HID kit.  So, to put it simply, an HID system is more efficient and makes better use of the current voltage of your vehicle’s electrical system. 

Among the other thousands vehicles in the road, you will stand out with a HID conversion kit and not just because of brightness. HID kits can vary or differ in color and the color depends on exactly how bright you want it to be measured in Kelvin units (K). A scale of 3000k is the lowest and its color is a yellow beam, and as we scale through, pure white is 4300k, a light blue is 6000k, a deep blue is 8000k, and a bright purple is 12000k of scale. For the unique colors, there are disadvantages and advantages. The output will actually decrease if you increase the Kelvin (k) or the temperature. The purple with 12000k is not that bright compared to a 4300k. If you’re in it primarily for the looks and to be different, go with 12000k down to 8000k for a significant and unique color and if you’re in a balance between color and brightness, consider the 6000k down to 4300k.  For the best and brightest illumination at night and for solely safety reasons you would want to go as low as possible like the 6000k to 4300k range with light blue, clear white and slightly yellow colors in this range.

Amazing headlight restoration kit references!
 
In the end, it is entirely up to you as to what color and Kelvin temperature range you go with.  HID kits are legal currently in every state as long as they are properly aimed and focused (this may require new lenses specifically made for HID lights and especially in Los Angeles and San Francisco California where the cops are just looking for a reason to ticket you, also make sure the kits you install are SAE and DOT certified so you won’t have problems with the police or safety inspections) and will make your car look sharp and newer at night while also greatly increasing your night time driving safety (just like New Lite headlight restoration kits and newly restored headlight lenses) . 

Many manufacturers make HID headlight lens conversion kits.  Make sure you find a complete kit with all required wiring, harnesses, ballasts and full instructions as this will make it easier on you so you don’t have to worry about locating necessary parts and worrying about incompatibility issues (this is big – make sure you get a complete kit as many parts you buy outside of a kit will not work together correctly and who needs that added frustration).  Most of these installations are quite simple and starting at around $100 on up to $200 or so, you just cannot beat an upgrade to HID for its looks, performance and safety.

Great customer before and after headlight cleaning pictures!



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