When it comes to upgrading or replacing your vehicle's lighting system, choosing the right type of headlights can make a significant difference in visibility and safety. HID (High-Intensity Discharge) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights offer superior brightness and longevity compared to traditional halogen bulbs. However, navigating the complexities of automotive lighting can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when shopping for HID or LED lights for your vehicle.
1. Not Knowing What Kind of Headlights You Have
One of the most crucial steps before purchasing new headlights is to identify the type of lighting system currently installed in your vehicle. Automotive headlights generally fall into three categories:
-
Halogen Headlights: These are the most common and can be upgraded to HID or LED systems. Halogens are easy to upgrade
-
HID Headlights: Factory-installed HID systems usually only require bulb replacements, not an entire system upgrade. HID bulbs dim over time, and eventually burn out. If you have factory HIDs and one is out or dim, you're likely looking for some new bulbs.
-
Factory-Installed LEDs: If your vehicle came with factory-installed LEDs, upgrading them is typically not feasible. These systems are integrated into your car’s electronics and are designed to work specifically with the factory setup.
By knowing what kind of headlights you have, you can make a more informed decision about whether an upgrade or replacement is appropriate.
2. Choosing the Right Upgrade for Your Headlight Housing
Understanding the type of headlight housing in your vehicle is essential for selecting the appropriate HID or LED kit. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
-
Projector Headlights: If your car has projector headlights with halogen bulbs, upgrading to an HID kit is often a great choice. Projector housings are designed to focus the light beam more precisely, making them ideal for HID conversion. LEDs will also work in projectors, but do not get as good beam patterns
-
Reflector Headlights: If your vehicle uses traditional reflector headlights, both HID and LED options can be effective. Reflector housings disperse light in a broader pattern, so both HID and LED lights can provide improved visibility.
3. Understanding Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Compatibility
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are a common feature in Canadian vehicles, and understanding how they work is vital for ensuring compatibility with HID or LED upgrades:
-
DRLs on High Beams: If your DRLs are integrated with your high beams, it’s likely that the housing cannot be upgraded. This is because the AbsoluteHID lighting systems "step up" half power DRL voltage to full power. If this type of system is used on a highbeam, your DRL will be on at full power all the time.
-
DRLs on Low Beams or Single Bulb Systems: If your vehicle has DRLs on the low beams or uses a single bulb for both high and low beams, upgrading is generally possible. All of AbsoluteHID Canada HID and LED conversions are plug and play DRL compatible