HID Kits

High-intensity discharge headlights, commonly referred to as HID headlamps, have become very popular in recent years. While many may think HID headlamps are a fairly new technology, the lights have been available for some time, with the first high-intensity discharge lights being installed on the 1991 BMW 7-Series. At inception, HID technology was still quite costly, but as cost have come down HID headlamps are now showing up on a wide range of vehicles, including some entry level models. HID headlamps are considered by many automotive experts as the wave of the future in automobile lighting technology and HID headlights are even available in aftermarket HID kits.

High-intensity discharge headlights offer several benefits over conventional halogen bulbs, and installing an HID kit will provide the same benefits to an older vehicle as are seen in original manufacture automobiles. HID headlamps offer greater visibility by producing a brighter and more natural light than halogen headlamps. The light created by halogen lamps is slightly into the yellow spectrum, which studies have shown to distract drivers. By increasing visibility and reducing distraction, driver reaction time is also increased. HID headlamps can also last over three times longer than halogen bulbs, and that translates into less frequent need for headlight maintenance. Some high-intensity discharge headlights use xenon gas, instead of a traditional bulb filament, and when the gas is ignited it produces a light which is three times brighter that halogen light technology.

Even though high-intensity discharge lights produce more light, HID technology consumes approximately 30 percent less energy than traditional halogen headlights, and because the power used for headlamps is provided by the vehicle's electrical system high-intensity discharge lamps place less of a strain on the vehicle's battery and charging system. HID headlights are also more attractive, giving the vehicle a more up to date and cleaner look than traditional yellow halogen lamps.

HID kits are very simple to install and all the needed parts and instructions are included with the kits. A HID kit will typically take the average person, who can use a screwdriver and socket wrench, about half an hour to install, but for those who aren't so handy with tools any automotive mechanic will be able to easily perform the installation. The typical HID kit includes ballasts with integrated built-in igniters, two High-Intensity Discharge lamps, ballast holders, hardware, wire ties, fuses and installation instructions. HID kits are also available for off road v88ehicles and motorcycles as well.