Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HID kit?
Upgrade your vehicle's lighting with an HID kit! HID stands for High Intensity Discharge, a type of arc-based lighting that significantly improves lighting performance compared to halogen headlights.
Transform your driving experience by converting to HID lighting with our HID conversion kit. Our kit includes everything you need - HID bulbs, ballasts to step up power, all necessary wiring, and mounting hardware. Say goodbye to poor visibility and hello to brighter, safer roads. Get your HID kit now!
How do i convert halogen lights to HID?
Ready to make the switch to brighter, safer roads with HID lights? Converting your halogen lights to HID lighting is easy with the right equipment. All you need is an HID conversion kit, which includes HID bulbs, ballasts to step up power, wiring, and mounting hardware. Simply install the kit in place of your current halogen setup and you're good to go. No complicated wiring or expensive tools required! So why wait? Upgrade your vehicle's lighting performance today with an HID conversion kit!
What is better, LED or HID?
The choice between LED and HID lighting largely depends on the specific application. HID lights, also known as High Intensity Discharge lights, work best in projector housings because they provide a brighter and more even beam pattern. This is achieved by using omnidirectional light sources in projectors, which helps to distribute light more evenly and provide a clearer beam of light.
On the other hand, LED lights, or Light Emitting Diodes, are a better option for high beam headlights that are frequently turned on and off because they have a faster response time and do not produce as much heat as HID lights. LED lights are also a good choice for use in very cold climates as they are less likely to be affected by harsh weather conditions. To find out what works best on your vehicle, speak to a technician today.
What is Kelvin (K)?
For those looking for a cooler white light, 5000K or 6000K may be the perfect choice. And for those who frequently drive in foggy conditions, yellow light (3000K) is a great option as it cuts through moisture better than blue light. We also offer a wide range of other colors, such as 8000K, 10000K, 12000K, 15000K, and more, for those who want to add a personal touch to their vehicle or for specific industrial uses.
When choosing the right HID color, keep in mind that the appearance of the lights can vary from vehicle to vehicle, and even between different headlights on the same vehicle. Projector housings will often make the lights appear bluer than their actual Kelvin rating.
So why wait? Upgrade your lighting today with our wide range of HID color temperatures!
What is Wattage (W) and how does this affect an HID kit?
The measurement of current flow in an HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting system is measured in Watts (W). A Watt is defined as the draw of one ampere at one volt. The greater the wattage, the more light the HID system will produce. Most HID kits, including factory-installed systems, are 35W. However, AbsoluteHID also offers 55W HID kits which produce over 33% more light than comparable 35W HID kits, making them a great choice for drivers who are looking for maximum light output.
The wattage of an HID kit is determined by its ballast, and the bulb will run at whatever wattage the ballast outputs to it. It's important to note that the bulb's wattage is its maximum rated power and running higher than the rated wattage will greatly reduce its bulb life. When replacing a bulb in a system of known wattage, one should match the wattage of the bulb with the ballast. Factory HID bulbs have a defined wattage and must be run at their intended wattage as specified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
On the other hand, LED bulbs are typically marketed by their rated Lumens output, but they also have Wattage ratings. The 40W 4800 Lumen LED kit offered by AbsoluteHID is a great example of this.
Which HID kit is the best?
At AbsoluteHID, we understand that customers often have questions about why they should choose our HID kits over cheaper options from other sources. We appreciate these inquiries and take them as an opportunity to highlight the reasons why our products stand out in a crowded market.
Since our founding in 2008, we have stayed at the forefront of the aftermarket lighting industry by constantly innovating and improving our products. We have implemented key features, such as CANBUS integration, to prevent flickering or bulb out warnings, a common issue with lower quality kits that often resort to the use of resistors or relays. Our SMART PWM technology allows our kits to work seamlessly with vehicles that use pulse width modulation to extend bulb life.
Our ballasts are equipped with the latest ASIC integrated circuits, which provide the fastest voltage ramp up, resulting in a brighter and faster start-up than competing kits. Our bulbs use xenon gas capsules manufactured for OEM applications and feature UV quartz glass and laser alignment for optimal focus and brightness.
We believe that the best lighting upgrade is not just about the product, but also about the support and aftercare that comes with it. That's why our team is always available to answer any questions you may have via phone, email, or chat. Our focus on automotive lighting and our commitment to providing exceptional customer service sets us apart from the competition. We are proud to be the trusted choice for Canadians looking for high-quality and reliable HID lighting solutions.
What is CANBUS?
CANBUS, CAN BUS or a Controller Area Network is a multiplexing scheme where a vehicles ECU can get information from its attached accessories using the same copper wires that provide it power. This is used by the ECU to determine if a bulb is burned out, is using too much power, and on some higher end late model vehicles estimate remaining bulb life. All of our products integrate plug and play into your vehicle's CANBUS system.
Are you in need of upgrading your vehicle's lighting system but unsure about Daytime Running Lights (DRL)? Let us break it down for you! As per Canadian law, all vehicles imported into Canada since 1998 are required to have DRLs, which increase visibility and run during the day when the headlights are turned off. The DRLs can either be on the lowbeams or highbeams, with newer vehicles mostly using the highbeam bulb.
At AbsoluteHID, we understand the importance of safety and convenience when it comes to lighting upgrades. Our Smart PWM CANBUS HID Kit automatically upconverts the half-wattage or PWM-controlled lowbeam signals to full power, enabling you to retain your DRLs at full power. Because of this functionality, our HID systems cannot be used for highbeam upgrades on vehicles that have highbeam DRL. (The DRL's would upconvert to full power highbeams.)
We also offer dual filament bulb conversions for 9004, 9007, 9008, H13, and H4 bulbs. If you purchase a lowbeam kit, you'll receive a kit with lowbeam HID and highbeam halogens, while a bi-xenon HID kit with all the required wiring is available if you purchase both a lowbeam and a highbeam kit. However, it's important to note that bixenon HID kits are not compatible with vehicles that have highbeam DRLs.
For those seeking a dimmable option, our 4800 Lumen CANBUS LED KITs operate plug and play on nearly all DRL systems. Don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable sales team for personalized recommendations for your specific vehicle. Make a smart investment in your vehicle's lighting system today!
What is Smart PWM?
Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, is a technology designed to prolong halogen bulb life. Instead of power up the bulb to full power, a PWM system pulses between high and no voltage, allowing the bulb to cool ever so slightly during its off cycle. A PWM system's voltage almost looks like AC current with no sine wave ¯_¯_¯_¯_
This flashing on and off is not visible to the naked eye. The amount of time the power is on vs off is referred to as a Duty Cycle. Dodge PWM uses a 60/40 Duty Cycle. Ballasts cannot be powered like this because HID bulbs cannot be turned on and off quickly. Our Smart PWM ballast use capacitors attached to an integrated circuit to smooth out PWM, while sending back the correct CANBUS data to the vehicles TIPM, ensuring it doesn't see a fault and turn your lights off after 10 or so minutes of driving.
If you're looking for the best LED headlights for your vehicle, it can be overwhelming with the many options available. At AbsoluteHID, we've been selling LED lighting solutions for years and we have some valuable advice for you. Firstly, the most crucial component of an LED kit is the actual Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). These yellow square diodes make up 80% of the cost of the kit. We only use high-quality LED diodes from CREE and Phillips, so be sure to check the manufacturer and model number of the diodes before making a purchase. Avoid any LED kits that don't specify the diodes they use, as the market is flooded with fake CREE and Phillips Luxeon diodes. A good starting point is to look at the color of the LED - both CREE and Phillips only produce 6000K LEDs.
When it comes to the construction of the LED kit, choose one made from metal over plastic. Our 4800 Lumen CANBUS LED KIT, for instance, is made from metal for durability and longevity. Another important factor to consider is the cooling system. LED lights generate heat, and overheating can cause failures. There are two main types of cooling systems for LED kits - active and passive. Active cooling uses a fan to move air over the bulb to dissipate heat. However, this method is not effective as the fan can quickly clog up with dust, leading to failure and overheating of the kit.
At AbsoluteHID, we use the passive cooling method, which is the most reliable way of cooling LED kits. Our LED kits are cooled by a copper superconductor that draws heat away from the diodes. The other end of the superconductor is attached to three thermal heat bands that increase the contact area with air. Passive cooling is much more dependable than active cooling as it doesn't rely on a fan, which is prone to failure and dust buildup. Furthermore, the use of large heat sinks by some of our competitors can cause fitment issues and require modifications, reducing the watertightness and overall integrity of the headlight.
Can I Install my HID Kit or an LED kit myself?
Installing your own HID or LED kit can be a simple and straightforward process, but professional installation is recommended for maximum safety and compliance with local laws. Our plug and play LED and HID kits come with detailed installation instructions and are easy to install even for those with limited mechanical skills. However, it's important to be cautious and handle the HID bulbs with care as they are fragile and can easily burn out if exposed to oil from your hands. LED bulbs, on the other hand, are less suciptible to accidental breakage.
The steps to install your HID or LED kit include unplugging and removing your existing headlight bulb, attaching the wiring pigtail to the ballast, connecting the two plugs on the wire to the two plugs on the bulb, and mounting the ballast in a location away from heat sources. Then, insert the HID or LED bulb into the headlight housing and attach the bulb connector to your vehicle's stock wiring connector.
If you're unsure about the laws and regulations regarding HID installations in your area, it's best to consult a licensed mechanic. A complete HID installation time varies, but most shops charge around an hour or two of labour per kit.
To ensure the best possible outcome, we recommend downloading the installation manual from our links at the top of this section, which includes detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions, and reviewing them before starting the install.
Are HID and LED's legal in Canada?
As a Canadian company, AbsoluteHID specializes in providing information and products related to HID and LED headlights in Canada. Please note that this information is not considered legal advice, and we cannot be held liable for any actions taken by our customers. Our OEM replacement products are DOT marked, but other aftermarket parts are a grey area and we recommend consulting a licensed mechanic to understand local laws.
Transport Canada approved the import of HID lights in the 1990s, starting with the BMW 7 Series. LED lights were approved as accessory lights in the early 2000s and as primary driving lights in the early 2010s. Upgrading vehicles with halogen headlights to HID or LED requires knowledge of both federal Transport Canada regulations outlined in the CMVSS and provincial regulations, which vary by region. The SAE Standard J578 relates to HID lights and restricts their color, and our 4300K bulbs comply with these restrictions. To ensure compliance with all regulations, we recommend using OEM headlight housings and projectors. Additionally, all lights used on public roads must have SAE, E1, E4, E11 or DOT markings.
Provincial Highway Traffic Act regulations also play a role in lighting upgrades, with each region having its own specific laws. For example, British Columbia limits total light output to 225,000 CD, which our products comply with. Meanwhile, Ontario limits blue lights to snow removal vehicles and does not specify a Kelvin rating. All provinces and territories prohibit any lights that distract other drivers, so it's important to aim headlights correctly and use highbeams judiciously. We strive to provide products that meet all federal and provincial regulations and maintain a strong relationship with law enforcement for advice. Our products are designed to match OEM HID performance and color, and if you experience any issues with distracting light, we recommend discontinuing use and contacting our staff for solutions. To date, we have not received any reports of tickets or infractions related to our products.
I'm not sure what I need. Can you help?
At AbsoluteHID, our goal is to make the process of upgrading your vehicle's lighting as simple and hassle-free as possible. If you're not sure what product you need, our team of experts is here to help. Simply click on the chat window located at the bottom left corner of your screen and we'll be happy to assist you.
We offer a range of high-quality products to meet the needs of our customers, including HID kits, LED lights, and more. Whether you're looking to upgrade your vehicle's halogen headlights to brighter and more efficient HID lights, or you need to replace a broken component in your existing HID system, we have the products you need to get the job done.
If you're ready to enhance the look and performance of your vehicle's lighting, talk to us today! Our team will work with you to find the perfect solution for your needs, and provide you with all the support and guidance you need to get your new lights installed and working perfectly.