In recent years, many new headlight options have challenged the dominance of halogen lights in the automotive market. Most dealerships sell luxury and consumer cars with built-in HID (High Intensity Discharge Lights). These bulbs can be expensive, but they produce a brighter light than the typical he OEM halogen bulbs.
Are HID Bulbs Right For Your Car? Many buyers and modders are switching to HID bulbs because of their wide range of color options and brightness levels. HID bulbs are the king of automotive exterior lighting, but can you always add them to your vehicle?
In this explainer, Underground Lighting’s custom automotive lighting experts explain how color temperature and lighting spectrum affect visibility while driving, and which type of light bulb suits your needs. If you’re upgrading from halogen bulbs to HID bulbs and don’t know what lumens and kelvins mean, this article will help you.
Does temperature determine the color of HID bulbs?
Terms such as 7000K color temperature, 9000K diamond white, and 10000K cool white hue are not uncommon when searching for HID headlight bulbs. Don’t let those $10 words fool you. A light bulb’s color temperature simply describes the appearance of the light from the bulb.
The higher the color temperature, the bluer the light from an incandescent bulb. Conversely, the lower the Kelvin number, the yellower or redder the light. Marketers have introduced new technical terms of sale to make bulbs sound like the next big thing, but in general, Kelvin remains the standard in the automotive lighting industry.
Different Color Temperatures and Their Purpose
Weighing the pros and cons of amber, purple, blue and white headlights can be difficult for drivers. Some say the yellow light helps you see through in bad weather, while others claim the white light is brighter and increases visibility in more driving situations. Ultimately it depends on personal preference and the individual use his case.
Here we rank some of the most popular color options on the market by their Kelvin scale numbers.
3000K
A bulb temperature of 3000K is a popular choice for fog lights as it helps improve visibility in low visibility conditions due to bad weather. Warm colors are easier to see through fog and haze than cool or white colors, making it easier to see the road ahead.
If you want better night vision without turning on the fog lights, you can upgrade your headlights to higher Kelvin models. The higher the Kelvin, the easier it is to see the road ahead when there is no weather obstruction.
4300K
In recent years, most drivers have preferred the off-white hue of his 4300K HID lamps. This color is close to daylight at over 3000K and is perfect for hid headlights in affordable price while driving during the day. However, you can find models with whiter color temperatures that work better at night.
His 5000K glare of a xenon HID bulb is most similar to the sun at dawn and dusk compared to other temperatures. This tint allows drivers to easily see objects in nearly all driving conditions, even if they are far away.
6000K
The 6000K HID bulb emits a slightly bright white color similar to snow. They improve visibility tremendously and give headlights a clean and attractive look. 6000K is the most common color temperature in his HID headlight conversion kits on the aftermarket. 8000K
HID lamps with a color temperature of 8000K give off a cool white light with a dark bluish tint. If you’re looking for a stylish look for your headlight, the 8000K is a great option that doesn’t affect your night vision. Most 8000K bulbs cost more than his 6000K model, so your budget and aesthetic preferences will be the final deciding factors.
10000K
The blue light of the 10000K lamp is gentle on the eyes and has a refreshing appeal that cannot be reproduced with warm light. However, when driving on the highway at night, the 10000K bulbs dim and often annoy oncoming drivers.
12000K
HID with a color temperature of 12000K or higher develops a dark purple or purple color, and visibility at night becomes a problem. For this reason, it is only suitable for car shows and trade fairs. Xenon HID Headlight Color
Chart: What to Buy
His HID headlights at 6000K and his 8000K are best friends for everyday driving. However, if you plan to display the car at shows, you may want to consider the more decorative bluish-white color. If you need further assistance with your headlight upgrade, call the experts at Underground Lighting at (718) 752-7413 to schedule a free consultation.
HIGHER DOES NOT IMPLY BETTER FOR HID HEADLIGHT BULB COLOR
You must realise that selecting the best HID colour does not necessarily mean selecting the colour with the maximum temperature. Higher does not always equate to better when it comes to the hue of HID lights. To decide, find the ideal compromise between your preferences, style, driving circumstances, light output, and overall performance.
There is a good reason why 6000K HID bulbs are the most preferred choice. Even while driving at night, it is soothing to the eye since it is the closest shade to sunlight. Although greater color temperatures guarantee better contrast, they can also produce severe glare, which puts oncoming cars at risk.
If your goal is routine daytime and nighttime driving, you can choose from 6000K or 8000K colour selections. You can consider more bluish-white hues if your car will be at a convention. Consider the local laws before making a purchase, though, as the law enforcement authorities might only permit you to use the higher colour temperature selections in specific circumstances.
Always talk to the car lighting seller if you need help deciding on the color temperature or the proper bulb size. It simplifies the purchase process.
Conclusion
The ideal HID bulb should have a temperature of between 4300 and 6000 Kelvin for safety and visibility. Driving in low light is safe thanks to this range’s excellent nighttime “sunlight” appearance. Beyond 6000 color degrees will produce pleasing blue light but may make driving more difficult.
