i don't know if this is a dumb question or not, but does anyone know what the exact difference is between regular halogen bulbs, xenon bulbs, and HID systems. I was going to buy some silverstars for $38 for my car at wal-mart but saw some other brand bulds that looked fairly good for about $17. The box said they contained about 95% xenon gas. would they illuminate better than a silverstar halogen bulb? Would it be worth it to convert to an HID system instead for a coiuple hundred bucks? If anyone knows, i'd appreciate it.
It all depends on the funds. If you got enough, go with the hid conversion. If you dont have a couple hundred to drop on a set of light bulbs, go with the silverstars. From what everyone posts on here about them, you wont be disappointed. Just my .02.
I had Eurolights in my previous car and they were pretty good. Really bright white with a tiny bit of blue tint to them. I probably wouldnt go with them again though. HID systems use less power and produce more light than a traditional halogen system, but many systems out there use tinted bulbs, so be wary. I would go with a name like Philips or McCulloch because they produce the majority of kits you see on cars from the factory. Plus, the search button is your friend. Look around the forums and see what people have tried, what people reccommend and stuff. I personally love the look of HIDs as compared to halogens.
Xenon is gas that High Intensity Discharge lamps use (same thing) vs. halogen gas in regular lights.
HIDs produce more lumens than halogen light bulbs but without focused projector lamps, you're going to get limited benefits other than cool colored lights. Without quality aftermarket or factory engineered auto-leveling, focused projector lamps you also run the risk of excess glare and blinding other drivers.
People with HIDs continue to talk about how great they are and I may be making that upgrade too (when I have some extra cash to blow). For now though, I'm very happy with my Silverstars.
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The first SRT-4 overseas, now the proud owner of an '05 S2K.
HIDs produce more lumens than halogen light bulbs but without focused projector lamps, you're going to get limited benefits other than cool colored lights. Without quality aftermarket or factory engineered auto-leveling, focused projector lamps you also run the risk of excess glare and blinding other drivers.
People with HIDs continue to talk about how great they are and I may be making that upgrade too (when I have some extra cash to blow). For now though, I'm very happy with my Silverstars.
Couldnt have said it better myself!! Without the projector lamp, there tends to be quite a bit of glare.
Xenon is the gas that is used in a HID capsule. It is also advertised to sucker you into spending $80 on halogen bulbs with a .01% xenon concentration!
Real Xenon bulbs (hid) are ignited by a 10000volt ballast, and have no fillament, it's an electric arc focal point inside the bulb that creates your light.
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xenon vs.halogen vs. HID
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