Are you familiar with the term HID headlights? Perhaps you’ve heard of HIDs but don’t know what they are.

This short guide should clear up some of those questions that might be lingering.

What Are HID Headlights?

The HID in HID Headlight Kits stands for high-intensity discharge.

HID headlights are brighter than standard headlights and do not contain a filament like a halogen or incandescent headlight. They also are not solid-state lights (SSLs) like LED headlights are.

HID headlights consist of a bulb with two electrodes at either end. A glass enclosure (or fused quartz enclosure) within contains a gas (typically argon) along with metal salts.

Running a current between the electrodes excites the gas and vaporizes the metal salts; this releases energy through the discharge as very bright, visible light.

Are There Any Advantages of HID Headlights?

HID headlight kits have numerous advantages over other types of automotive lighting.

HID lights are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and very bright compared to alternatives. HID headlights also produce a very high-quality output, with a greater variety in color options than most halogens.

Also, since they lack a filament, they are physically more durable and resistant to burning out than halogens and incandescents are.

Do HID Headlights Require Any Special Maintenance?

HID lights don’t necessarily require any special maintenance, but they do require special compatible ballasts which regulate startup and running voltage and current to ensure the light works properly. Issues with HID lights can often be solved by making sure the HID ballast is functioning as intended.

Also, if HID lights break, they should be handled and disposed of carefully since many of them contain toxic components, like mercury vapor.

How Long Do HID Headlights Last?

It is common for HID headlights to last 2000 hours and in some instances can last more than 5000 hours. Some HID lights may even be rated to last nearly 8000 hours.

This makes them longer lasting than halogen and incandescent headlights, and longer lasting than all automotive headlights except LEDs.

Are HID Headlights Better Than Halogen Headlights?

It’s not so much that HID systems are superior to halogen headlights as it is that they offer superior energy efficiency and longevity. Some also consider the light output from an HID light to be superior.

With that said, some users prefer either halogens or LED headlamps.

Are HID Headlight Kits Plug and Play?

While HID headlights themselves may not be plug-and-play unless your vehicle already has HID lights, many of our HID headlight kits come with everything you need to install and operate the lights.

Most of these kits come with the headlights themselves, as well as compatible HID ballasts, bulb cleaning pads, relay harnesses, and digital installation manuals.

If you have any questions about installation or compatibility, feel free to get in touch with us at 425-391-HIDS.

What You Need to Consider Before Buying an HID Headlight Kit

Before you buy an HID headlight kit, specifically a conversion kit, there are a few things you should take into consideration.

• Legality: States have differing limitations on how bright your headlights can be. Make sure you buy lights that are legal where you live.
• HID ballast considerations: Most HID headlight kits will come with the ballasts they need, but if you are just buying lights, make sure you get appropriate ballasts. Remember also that some lights require DC and others AC ballasts.
• The current headlight system: If your vehicle already has HID lights, replace them with the appropriate type. For instance, don’t try to run bi-xenon headlights in a car that’s equipped for single-beam HIDs.

Regardless of where you are in the process of outfitting your vehicle with HID lights, whether replacing existing headlights or installing new HIDs, we are here to help. Contact us if you have any questions about your project!