HID vs. LED Headlights: What’s the Difference?
If you want to drive safer at night, you can upgrade your headlights to HID or LED bulbs. These types of headlights provide you with more visibility so you can make it to your destination safely. If you’re not sure which type of headlights is best for you, this guide will help you compare the options and decide which one is right for you.
What Are HID Headlights?
HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights are a type of car headlights that use rare metals and gas to make a white light. They can be found on many cars from different makers.
If you have a HID headlight, you may have been told by many people that it’s bad for your eyes. But is this true?
Your car’s headlights emit light in a specific wavelength and intensity–things which clearly can’t be compared to the visible light from the Sun. In fact, the only real similarity between the two is that they both travel through space. The HID headlight emits a different type of radiation than sunlight does because it uses electricity while sunlight comes from nuclear fusion.
What Are LED Headlights?
LED headlights use a semi-conductor to make light. They are better than other kinds of headlights because they last longer and don’t get dirty as quickly.
They are also more expensive than other types of headlights. The LED headlight bulb is different from other headlights because it uses light emitting diodes to create the light instead of a filament or gas that could burn out.
LED stands for “light-emitting diode.” A diode is a semi-conductor device that only allows current to flow in one direction. When current flows through the diode, it creates virtual photons which are bits of visible light energy.
An LED has an extremely long life span and can produce light with very little power. LEDs are used for many things including car lighting because they don’t burn out like incandescent bulbs do. They also give off almost no heat which makes them safe to touch after being on for a while.
How to Choose HID or LED Headlights for Your Vehicle
Brightness
One of the most important things to consider when you are choosing headlights is how much light they emit. HID headlights give out more light than LED headlights. But if they are not installed properly, they can create a lot of glare for other drivers.
If you drive at night a lot, we suggest the RCP D1S6/D1S/D1R 6000K Xenon HID Replacement Bulb. They are three times as bright as traditional halogen lights and have a precise focal length that prevents glare.
Size
In order to convert your headlights from halogen bulbs to LED or HID, you will need a conversion kit. If you want the LED version, we suggest the Fahren Super Bright LED Headlights Conversion Kit which works just like your original halogen headlights. For an HID conversion kit, we suggest the Innovited 55W AC HID Bundle which also includes all of the parts you will need for installation.
How to Replace/Install HID or LED Headlights on Your Vehicle
There are different instructions for installing headlights on your car depending on the model and year of your car and the type of headlights you buy. Some headlights are ready to use when you get them, but others need assembly. If your headlights need assembly, it’s important to read the directions carefully before you start. There are many automotive bulb size chart on bulbsizechart.com so that you can find the right size bulbs for your car.