How much hid lights cost

HID headlights are the brightest on the market, and the light they emit covers a larger area than halogen and LED bulbs. HIDs are also more effective at lighting up the sides of the road. However, if not properly installed, HID headlights can reflect an intense amount of glare back onto oncoming drivers. Neither option will fit properly into the headlight housing unit for a traditional bulb. As far as the size of the actual bulb is concerned, LEDs tend to be more compact while HIDs tend to be a little bit bulkier.

One of the biggest draws for consumers when it comes to LED headlights is the fact that they can run for more than 20, hours. This means they will almost never need to be replaced. LEDs also have no small or moving parts that are breakable, making them a little more durable than HIDs. However, HID bulbs can still work for up to 5, hours — which is far longer than a traditional halogen bulb.

LED headlights usually only come in four colours: white, yellow, blue and purple. Many retailers only offer LED headlight or fog light conversion kits in white. On the other hand, most retailers on the market offer HIDs in up to seven colours. These range from golden yellow which mimics the look of halogen lights and works well in fog to pure white, blue, and even purple.

LEDs, in particular, tend to be used more on expensive luxury and sports cars, due to their high cost, partly for decorative purposes and partly because they produce a longer, cleaner beam. The problem is that LED and HID lights are so intense that they can dazzle drivers in oncoming cars, even on dipped beam. The UK has an ageing population, and as we age, our eyes cope less well with the glare of bright lights.

Stick with halogen bulbs if you want the cheapest replacement bulb costs, or go for a model such as the Mini hatchback that lets you replace HID bulbs separately. For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car?

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View all new car reviews. If you're still willing to try an HID upgrade kit, judge the results honestly: Are you getting better road illumination or just more light? There is a difference. Factory headlights are complex systems made up of lenses, reflectors and bulbs that are designed in balance with each other. Overwhelming those systems with too much, too hot or the wrong color light could be a white-hot mess. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic.

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