The Advantages Of HID Headlights
Before HID headlights were invented, automobiles were manufactured with incandescent lamps. These lamps were simple to use and served the automobile industry well for more than half a century. While HID headlamps, also called xenon headlamps, were invented in the early 1990s, they were not widely used due to the high cost of production. However, these headlights can now be found on almost every vehicle made by a major manufacturer.
Unlike incandescent lamps, HID (High-Intensity Discharge headlamps do not use heated filaments to produce light. Inside the headlamp are two high voltage electrodes and high pressure xenon gas which transforms instantly into a brilliant white beam when excited. This working principle can be compared to that of mercury vapor lamps.
When the lamp starts to glow, the intensity of light produced is the same as light produced by two incandescent lamps. However, as the headlamp becomes fully illuminated the light becomes more intense as it lightsbrighter than three halogen lamps. Furthermore, after the initial excitation, less energy is required to power the headlamps, this leaves the alternator with less load.
It is easier to see street reflectors, potholes, billboards and road safety signs at night when driving an automobile that is equipped with xenon headlamps. Furthermore, the glare produced by these headlamps cannot affect a driver driving in the opposite direction. Aside from automobile headlights, HID lamps are also used behind projector assemblies to provide the necessary illumination.
Automobiles with xenon headlamps are less likely to be involved in road accidents at night. For this reason, HID headlamps are considered as important safety features. While xenon headlamps were originally designed to produce high beams, some headlamps can now produce both low and high beams. Xenon headlamps can replaced just like incandescent lamps when they get burned out.
Road safety authorities recommendthe use of xenon lamps because they increase the visibility of the surroundings. This makes it easier for drivers to avoid potholes and see road signs. Some insurance provider consider xenon headlamps as an important safety feature in a vehicle and anyone looking for auto insurance can get a discount if their vehicle has this feature.
The cost of HID headlights has reduced significantly over the years due to improved technology. It is now possible to purchase and install these lamps on older vehicles cost effectively. You can get different types of xenon headlamps from your local auto supplies store or from online stores. There are also xenon headlamps for motorcycles. Before you buy any product, make sure that it will fit perfectly in your motor vehicle.
Xenon HIDs