HID Kit or an LED Kit? Ever wondered what the difference is? Wonder no more, this article will explain the differences in HID and LED in the automotive headlight space.
Currently there are three main types of technologies in the automotive headlight space, they are:
HID (High Intensity Discharge) Lights
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Lights &
Halogen Lights
Most vehicles come standard with halogen bulbs, halogen bulbs in vehicles have been the norm since the early days of vehicles. They are however being replaced gradually in newer vehicles with HID bulbs and now some manufacturers are even using LED bulbs.
So what is the difference you ask? Well, we at HIDNation.com plan on enlightening (excuse the pun) you on the difference between the two technologies.
Lets get into it.
What are HIDs?
HID Nation HID Bulbs
HID (High Intensity Discharge) also known as Xenon light provides light through an electric arc which takes place between two tungsten electrodes and is often used in the lighting of larges areas such as stadiums and roads.
Common types of HID lights are mercury vapor, low- and high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps, less common variants include ceramic metal halide and xenon short-arc lamps.
HID lamps produce light by sending an electrical charge or “arc” between two tungsten electrical conductors (electrodes) and through an ionized gas (plasma) which is housed inside the bulb, the bulbs require ignition, and this ignition is provided by a voltage pulse or third electrode – once lit the electric arc evaporates the metal salts inside which increases the power of the bulb while also improving the efficiency. This ignition is provided by a ballast, the ballast has several functions:
1. Creation of a high voltage arc initiating pulse
2. Monitoring of the flow of current
3. Controlling of the flow of current
4. Conversion of AC power to DC power
The ballast is a small, sealed unit usually the size of a small cigarette box.
HID Nation F5 55W Ballast
HID Kits can be purchased as full replacement headlamp units or as plug and play kits
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The light provided by HID’s are whiter than halogen bulbs and are two times Brighter and more efficient.
HID’s are famous for the blue light they provide which give a unique look to any vehicle using them. The technology has been around for several centuries with vehicle manufacturers testing them out since the early nineties. The lifetime HID lights are closely linked to the number of times they are turned on rather than the running time of the light which is ideal for long distance night drivers – unusually this warrants 2500 hour of use which is more than three times the life of a standard halogen bulb.
Now that you have an understanding of HID technology, let us move on to:
What are LEDs?
HID Nation H11 LED Bulbs
LED (Light Emitting Diode) are bulbs that do not have a filament (unlike halogen bulbs) instead current is passed through a semi-conductor, when current passes through the semiconductor material the device emits visible light, in this method of light generation by adjusting the frequency of the emitted light the colour can also be changed.
Diodes are generally made from semiconductive materials such as silicon or selenium - solid state substances that conduct electricity in some circumstances and not in others.
LEDs require additional electronics which is often referred to as the driver – the driver allows for the LED to function correctly and avoid errors by increasing the voltage drop as LED’s operate at a lower voltage than the conventional 12 volts that a car provides.
LEDs generate less heat however the heat that is generated by LEDs are concentrated in one spot this heat needs to be dissipated through a heatsink and in some instances a fan is also included to ensure the flow of cool air over the heatsink. Heatsinks are usually located behind the LEF bulb and can extend up to an inch which may cause fitment issues.
LED’s currently come in two sections, the replacement LED kit option and entire headlight fixtures.
The replacement kit option is more affordable and requires the least modifications to your vehicle with many kits being plug and play compatible.
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The lifetime of LED light is linked to their operating temperature, the cooler the light the longer the life – manufacturers often promise lifetime use of the LED light should they be taken care of properly.
There you have it, the difference between HIDs and LEDs by HIDNation.com, your one-stop-shop for all of your automotive aftermarket lighting upgrade needs. We carry a vast selection of top-quality HID conversion kits and xenon conversion kits, including H1, H3, H4, H7, H8, H9, H10 HID headlight kits, and 9003, 9004, 9007 high/low HID light kits, HID bulbs, as well as LED conversion kits and LED bulbs, and other auto lighting products at budget-friendly prices.
Our LED kits and LED light bulbs, which use multiple light-emitting diodes to convert electricity into light also provide more energy-efficient, more stylish, and brighter lighting, making them yet another great alternative to standard halogen lamps. All of our LED & HID conversion kits can be easily installed on any vehicle and come with in-depth instructions for added convenience.
At HIDNation.com, we take great pride in providing the best LED and xenon HID headlight kits, made with the highest quality materials and finest craftsmanship, at the most competitive prices alongside reliable customer support for the best HID & LED headlight shopping experience.
Our contact information:
By email:
Sales@HIDNation.com
By phone:
(888)583-6763 (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST)
