| More and more car enthusiasts have been installing | | | | # 4 ) HID lights use less energy than halogen lights |
| HID lighting systems in their cars these days, because | | | | HIDs uses 35 watts, whereas most cars are typically |
| they increase nighttime visibility, last longer than | | | | made with a 55 watt system. Because of this, |
| factory installed halogen bulbs, and also look pretty | | | | sometimes installing HIDs can cause a bulb out |
| cool. If you've thought about getting an HID system | | | | warning in your vehicle or a flickering effect. A set of |
| yourself, but are confused by the terminology and | | | | Anti Flicker Capacitors can solve this problem. |
| the use of the Kelvin Temperature system (6000k, | | | | # 5 ) Kelvin Temperature determines color |
| 8000k, etc) this article will give you the facts. | | | | Also, the Kelvin temperature determines the color of |
| So, what are the main things you need to know | | | | the light. 4300K is yellow, 6000K is a bright white, |
| about HIDs? Read on to find out... | | | | 8000K is a bright blue, 10000K is a bright violet, and |
| # 1 ) HID stands for high-intensity discharge | | | | 12000k is a bright purple. Here is the low-down on |
| The high-intensity of the light in HIDs comes from | | | | some of the most popular colors: |
| metallic salts which are vaporized in the light's arc | | | | - 6000K is a very popular color choice. Unlike factory |
| chamber. The light that results is much brighter than | | | | HID headlights (which emit a 4300K, slightly yellowish |
| normal tungsten bulbs. | | | | light) a 6000K bulb emits a pure white light and an |
| # 2 ) HID lights last longer than halogen bulbs | | | | increased perception of clarity. |
| because there is no filament in them to burn out | | | | - 8000K produces a slightly blue tint. Ironically, even |
| No matter what the Kelvin rating, ALL HID lighting | | | | though the number is higher these lights are slightly |
| systems produce a higher road visibility than common | | | | less bright than the 6000K lights above! That being |
| halogen bulbs for safer night driving. They also | | | | said, they do produce a more intense blue color that |
| produce more light from less power and last longer. | | | | makes them more noticeable. |
| The average life of an HID lamp is 2000 hours, | | | | - 3000K produces a rich yellow light that many car |
| compared to the 450-1000 hours that a halogen lamp | | | | enthusiasts use for a dramatic effect in their fog |
| lasts. This is a definite advantage over halogen lights. | | | | lights. This yellow light gives your car a cool two tone |
| # 3 ) Kelvin Temperature determines brightness | | | | appearance that some people just love. |
| Contrary to what most people think, the higher the | | | | So Now You Know! |
| Kelvin temperature number is, (i.e. 3000K, 6000K, | | | | Now that you're armed with basic knowledge about |
| 1000K) the lower the brightness level of the light is. | | | | the world of HIDs, navigating the process of putting |
| On the other side of the token... the lower the | | | | them in your car should be a snap! So, what are you |
| number, the brighter it is. | | | | waiting for? It's time to get some HIDs! |