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Light Designs Differ for HID Systems
by Janus Onbekend Content Writer Some years ago, there was considerable controversy regarding retrofit HID kits for cars. This was because of the intolerable glare thrown off by poorly designed HID retrofit systems. An understanding of the physics behind lighting optics shows that halogens and Xenon bulbs produce light in different ways, thus affecting how a particular reflector housing and lens is designed. Simply put, H4 headlamps perform optimally with halogen bulbs and HID bulbs perform best with reflectors and lenses designed for them. For an HID user, the 300 percent increase in light output can only be a good thing, specially in suburban or rural areas where the only light on the road is the one that the vehicle’s lights are throwing out.However, having HID lights even on low beam is equivalent or even greater than having halogen lights on high, which is why glare is a very real concern for oncoming vehicles. As mentioned, halogen and HID systems are fundamentally different because while halogens produce light through a filament, HID systems produce light through a gas arc. In practical terms, what this means is that a reflector which has been designed to catch and reflect light given off by a halogen bulb will reflect light in the wrong places when used with a Xenon, or HID, bulb. If you as a car owner feels the need for an HID system, at the very least aim the lights lower than normal so that your much brighter lights do not hit an oncoming vehicle’s driver in the eyes.
In fact, it has been deemed that the only correct way to retrofit an HID system is to use a whole assembly which has been designed for an HID bulb from the outset. Reacting to the early complaints of too much glare for oncoming drivers, the big automotive lighting manufacturers have already come out with projector HID systems that can be retrofitted to older cars. For older cars with halogen systems, DIY types have managed to modify their vehicles’ reflectors to better accommodate the beam patterns of Xenon bulbs. Usually, this involves baking the lighting assembly to remove the lens, cutting/reshaping the reflector and then resealing the lens and reflector assembly with silicone. Fortunately for the buying public, HID systems have become commonplace in newer cars and modifying your system can be as simple as replacing your OEM Xenon bulb with one having a higher wattage.
Visit Octane Motorsports here for quality HID lighting.
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About Janus Onbekend 
Content Writer
5 connections, 0 recommendations, 20 honor points.Joined APSense since, August 14th, 2012, From Los Angeles, United States.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
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