Advantage and Disadvantage of HID Lights

[mxn]

guys..many of my friends is asking about HID lights.what are the adv and disadv of it.thanks

[nicolodeon]

Advantage:
1.) Clarity
2.) Supposedly allows the driver to "see more" at night as it mimics daylight
3.) Last way longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs.
4.) Coolness factor

Disadvantage:
1.) Causes a lot of glare for on-coming traffic, especially when the grounds are wet as the light reflects from the wet ground. Could cause an accident.
2.) As the color of the light emitted is white, light doesn't cut much through the...atmosphere on days that are foggy or during heavy rain compared to normal incandescent bulbs that has a yellowish-colored light.
3.) Expensive

AFAIK, HIDs are mostly used for low-beams. However, I see a lot of idiotic, HID-totting car owners out there that have their expensive HID lams on full burn i.e. high beam. This causes a lot of discomfort drivers coming from the opposite direction as it causes glare that hurts the driver's eyes, thus temporarily bliding the oncoming driver. On dark roads where street lighting is poor or non-existent, drivers blinded by oncoming traffic may get involved in an accident.

Nothing wrong with installing a HID. Your car, your money to burn. If you do install a HID, one small request: don't be like those idiots that I'm talking about - be a responsible driver/owner.

[XTO]

i'm talking about the conversion kits for non projector types. first of all it not allowed on streets in major countries kaya dito tinatapon. meron ako from US naka lagay:

Not to use in America and Strictly for off-road use only.

Advantages: one is its very beneficial to the driver because of it's better head beam coverage.

Disadvantages: pricier than ordinary halogen bulbs and high risk of getting into trouble (if not fitted /aimed right)

[nicolodeon]

i'm talking about the conversion kits for non projector types. first of all it not allowed on streets in major countries kaya dito tinatapon. meron ako from US naka lagay:

Not to use in America and Strictly for off-road use only.

Advantages: one is its very beneficial to the driver because of it's better head beam coverage.

Disadvantages: pricier than ordinary halogen bulbs and high risk of getting into trouble (if not fitted /aimed right)

He he...like all goods na ipinagbabawal or na-phase out na sa major countries.

[rion]

anything above 4300k will be eaten by the road. most HID will still be glare on halogen headlights even on low beam. specialy older cars and even new ones like the Jazz, Rio and picanto. also the 97 civics. they get flashed by other motorist, they response with a flash indicating they are still on low beam. Even a seperate high/low beam headlights cars might glare... even some projectors still needs re-aiming.



the foglamps are even worst, they are designed to scatter the lights.

I have seen reflector headlights with minimal glares on city lights, I guess they are responsible enough... but it could still be little bit blinding on dark provincial roads. our eyes adjust, it accepts more light on dark environments. but our eyes are not fast enough to adjust to the bright light from an incoming HID light. some motorist might not flash a bit-blinding HID cars even there is a bit discomfort on their part, out of respect or avoiding confrontations on the road...

but I would still suggest retrofit it with a projector or use a projector fit headlights. woudn't it be cool to look like these?

[new-driver]

I really hope this law (proper hid installations) can be implemented here in phils. ang hirap mag drive pag nasalubong mo or nasundan ka ng jerk na naka HID.

[1D4LV]

let me add some more:

Advantage:

a. clearer than halogen bulbs
b. eats less electricity


Disadvantage

a. Could be useless in stormy or rainy weather.
b. Repair/replacement of the ballast is expensive (maintenance wise)
c. daming magagalit sa iyo na kasalubong mo.

[mxn]

so it means to say mas magandang wag na lang gumamit ng HID..bka mapaaway pa ko e..

[DBanker]

I really hope this law (proper hid installations) can be implemented here in phils. ang hirap mag drive pag nasalubong mo or nasundan ka ng jerk na naka HID.

agree, but sad to say, pipols up there are "reactive"; not pro-active! .. however, sana may makabasa nitong thread natin na can initiate... lalo na i think HID lights here dito sa atin sa 'Pinas ay "shall and will remain"

[Djerms]

AFAIK the stock lights of some civic FD and Corolas are now on HIDs and they aren't fitted with projectors.

It really boils down to aiming.

[Dexxx]

Advantage:
1.) Clarity
2.) Supposedly allows the driver to "see more" at night as it mimics daylight
3.) Last way longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs.
4.) Coolness factor

Disadvantage:
1.) Causes a lot of glare for on-coming traffic, especially when the grounds are wet as the light reflects from the wet ground. Could cause an accident.
2.) As the color of the light emitted is white, light doesn't cut much through the...atmosphere on days that are foggy or during heavy rain compared to normal incandescent bulbs that has a yellowish-colored light.
3.) Expensive

AFAIK, HIDs are mostly used for low-beams. However, I see a lot of idiotic, HID-totting car owners out there that have their expensive HID lams on full burn i.e. high beam. This causes a lot of discomfort drivers coming from the opposite direction as it causes glare that hurts the driver's eyes, thus temporarily bliding the oncoming driver. On dark roads where street lighting is poor or non-existent, drivers blinded by oncoming traffic may get involved in an accident.

Nothing wrong with installing a HID. Your car, your money to burn. If you do install a HID, one small request: don't be like those idiots that I'm talking about - be a responsible driver/owner.

Very well said mein freund!

I have questions though.

1. Is it true that winking (pagbati using headlights) is a no-no for HID? Since this powerful and all.
2. I'm assuming that HID eats up battery power quicker, since they are awfully bright.

I have 99 Galant VR V6 , and the lights are very low! I think no one will be offended even if I used the HIGH BEAM! I had passenger once who even told me to open the my headlights, when in fact it already is! What an insult! That is why i'm planning to buy 'em HIDS! But my wife thinks otherwise. Any of you guys know a place for cheap HID's? With good quality of course!

[glntVR]

sorry double post..

[glntVR]

Very well said mein freund!

I have questions though.

1. Is it true that winking (pagbati using headlights) is a no-no for HID? Since this powerful and all.
2. I'm assuming that HID eats up battery power quicker, since they are awfully bright.

I have 99 Galant VR V6 , and the lights are very low! I think no one will be offended even if I used the HIGH BEAM! I had passenger once who even told me to open the my headlights, when in fact it already is! What an insult! That is why i'm planning to buy 'em HIDS! But my wife thinks otherwise. Any of you guys know a place for cheap HID's? With good quality of course!

1. Flashing(winking) is a no-no for HID. Not that its powerful, but it's because of the gases inside the bulb. Too technical to explain. hehe And it would also ruin your ballast.
2. As far as I know, this is the common misconception when it comes to HID. HIDs(most of them) are rated at 35watts so compare that to your stock 55watt halogen bulb, it should consume less power. But there are 55watt kits available.

Regarding your headlights, I used to drive the same car as yours and have full windshield tints. Never had a problem with the visibility. I find the light sufficient(not bright but sufficient). Your problem may be any of the ff.
1. Type of bulb, I would suggest getting Philips X-treme Power or Osram Night Breakers. They are brighter than stock bulbs but have the same wattage so no upgrades needed.
2. Your problem might be with the headlight assembly.
-Could be that the reflectors and glass are already dirty and needs to be cleaned
-Misaligned beam. Try to check whether your headlight is properly aimed.
3. As far as I know your car comes with fog lights. Check whether they are in good condition and if they are, try using stock bulbs or better than stock bulbs and that would really help.

[Dexxx]

1. Flashing(winking) is a no-no for HID. Not that its powerful, but it's because of the gases inside the bulb. Too technical to explain. hehe And it would also ruin your ballast.
2. As far as I know, this is the common misconception when it comes to HID. HIDs(most of them) are rated at 35watts so compare that to your stock 55watt halogen bulb, it should consume less power. But there are 55watt kits available.

Regarding your headlights, I used to drive the same car as yours and have full windshield tints. Never had a problem with the visibility. I find the light sufficient(not bright but sufficient). Your problem may be any of the ff.
1. Type of bulb, I would suggest getting Philips X-treme Power or Osram Night Breakers. They are brighter than stock bulbs but have the same wattage so no upgrades needed.
2. Your problem might be with the headlight assembly.
-Could be that the reflectors and glass are already dirty and needs to be cleaned
-Misaligned beam. Try to check whether your headlight is properly aimed.
3. As far as I know your car comes with fog lights. Check whether they are in good condition and if they are, try using stock bulbs or better than stock bulbs and that would really help.

Wow! Thanks for the info. I'm insisting kasi the Wife to buy us an HID, maybe naiinggit lang ako. But as u've said, the light is indeed sufficient (right choice of words sir!). As for my passenger who commented that my lights are low...baka malabo na mata nya! Hehehe. Siguro pag napundi na lang ang Headlamps ko or pag may budget na tsaka na lang ako buy bg HID's. Kasi mostly parang negative feedback ang HID's, so it is not necessary.

Thanks for the tip, I may buy those PHILIPS X-Treme Power or OSRAM Night Breakers na lang...I guess they'll be cheaper than those HID's. Our car does come with fog lamps! 50watts din ata (same as the headlights), they're in good condition pa naman. Nagkakaproblem lang ako sa PARK lights, twice na ako nagpalit. But it is minor so no big deal.
We have the same car! Dude I have some missing parts on my GALANT, you might know someone (or somewhere) , where I can buy 'em! Perhaps your selling yours? It's my fog lamp reflector and a CENTER WHEEL CAP. They just fell off I guess.



Since you are a GALANT owner I recommend you this sites also.

CLUBVR4.COM (Europe based -UK, NZ etc. -first forums na nasalihan ko!)
GALANTFORUMS.COM (US Based -ok dito lotsa pimping!!)
OZVR4.COM (Australian based)
THEGALANTCENTER.NET
MYMITSUPH.COM (RP based -I think may problem sya! I can't register)

Sa iba rin nag-comment (RION and 14DLV). Thanks! Now I gotta a better overview on those HID's.

[glntVR]

Wow! Thanks for the info. I'm insisting kasi the Wife to buy us an HID, maybe naiinggit lang ako. But as u've said, the light is indeed sufficient (right choice of words sir!). As for my passenger who commented that my lights are low...baka malabo na mata nya! Hehehe. Siguro pag napundi na lang ang Headlamps ko or pag may budget na tsaka na lang ako buy bg HID's. Kasi mostly parang negative feedback ang HID's, so it is not necessary.

Thanks for the tip, I may buy those PHILIPS X-Treme Power or OSRAM Night Breakers na lang...I guess they'll be cheaper than those HID's. Our car does come with fog lamps! 50watts din ata (same as the headlights), they're in good condition pa naman. Nagkakaproblem lang ako sa PARK lights, twice na ako nagpalit. But it is minor so no big deal.
We have the same car! Dude I have some missing parts on my GALANT, you might know someone (or somewhere) , where I can buy 'em! Perhaps your selling yours? It's my fog lamp reflector and a CENTER WHEEL CAP. They just fell off I guess.



Since you are a GALANT owner I recommend you this sites also.

CLUBVR4.COM (Europe based -UK, NZ etc. -first forums na nasalihan ko!)
GALANTFORUMS.COM (US Based -ok dito lotsa pimping!!)
OZVR4.COM (Australian based)
THEGALANTCENTER.NET
MYMITSUPH.COM (RP based -I think may problem sya! I can't register)

Sa iba rin nag-comment (RION and 14DLV). Thanks! Now I gotta a better overview on those HID's.

Was a former Galant owner. Hehehe used to drive a 7G. 8G pala sayo, ganda yan. hehehe

Anyway, I guess you could trice those Philips or Osram Bulbs muna for your low beams and foglights. Try mo muna sa Low Beam. They're not very expensive naman so I guess it's worth a try.

Try to check your wirings baka something is wrong kaya nasisira yun parklights mo?

As for the center cap, I'm not sure where you can get those medyo mahirap ata hanapin mga missing parts mo. hehehe

[rion]

I have 99 Galant VR V6 , and the lights are very low! I think no one will be offended even if I used the HIGH BEAM! I had passenger once who even told me to open the my headlights, when in fact it already is! What an insult! That is why i'm planning to buy 'em HIDS! But my wife thinks otherwise. Any of you guys know a place for cheap HID's? With good quality of course!

kung visibility lang hanap mo. better upgrade wires/ground, clean, align the headlights.

with HID, it is potential to glare other motorist, even less visibilty for you.

just look at the road, not the light:

[1D4LV]

Very well said mein freund!

I have questions though.

1. Is it true that winking (pagbati using headlights) is a no-no for HID? Since this powerful and all.
2. I'm assuming that HID eats up battery power quicker, since they are awfully bright.

I have 99 Galant VR V6 , and the lights are very low! I think no one will be offended even if I used the HIGH BEAM! I had passenger once who even told me to open the my headlights, when in fact it already is! What an insult! That is why i'm planning to buy 'em HIDS! But my wife thinks otherwise. Any of you guys know a place for cheap HID's? With good quality of course!

- flashing headlights on HID is a no-no. remember, they are controlled by a ballast. masusunog yung ballast mo.
- HID consumes less battery power, because they are powered by the ballast. parang flourescent light yan sa bahay na de ballast. mas maliit mag consume ng battery compared to incandescent bulbs.

[drich_enriquez]

Advantage:
1.) Clarity
2.) Supposedly allows the driver to "see more" at night as it mimics daylight
3.) Last way longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs.
4.) Coolness factor

Disadvantage:
1.) Causes a lot of glare for on-coming traffic, especially when the grounds are wet as the light reflects from the wet ground. Could cause an accident.
2.) As the color of the light emitted is white, light doesn't cut much through the...atmosphere on days that are foggy or during heavy rain compared to normal incandescent bulbs that has a yellowish-colored light.
3.) Expensive

AFAIK, HIDs are mostly used for low-beams. However, I see a lot of idiotic, HID-totting car owners out there that have their expensive HID lams on full burn i.e. high beam. This causes a lot of discomfort drivers coming from the opposite direction as it causes glare that hurts the driver's eyes, thus temporarily bliding the oncoming driver. On dark roads where street lighting is poor or non-existent, drivers blinded by oncoming traffic may get involved in an accident.

Nothing wrong with installing a HID. Your car, your money to burn. If you do install a HID, one small request: don't be like those idiots that I'm talking about - be a responsible driver/owner.

May iba pang disadvantages sa HID. Sa fog at heavy rains, bulag ka. Sa aspalto na kalye, di masyado kita.

Kung gusto nila na mukhang HID look yun ilaw nila, bumili sila ng Super White Halogen Bulb.

[cablespy]

advantage: you get attention

disadvantage: it not be the kind of attention you're looking for

[infinitystore]

Advantage: great visibility at night especially for off-roaders

Disadvantage: cost lil' bit but worth it