Beam Me Up - Hid Kits & Why You Shouldn't be Afraid of the Dark

Despite this occurrence, xenon HID kits are still thought of as a vital and utterly desirable member of the aftermarket landscape, which is where they can be found by the gross, being hocked all over cyberspace. This begs an obvious next question: are you on the prowl for your own HID system? If so, let's take a look at some tidbits that could aid you in finding the best set of high-tech torches to snap into the front of your sled.

HID or H.I.D.? And What Does It Mean Anyway

Even though it is pretty laughable, there are actually heated arguments on internet message boards as to whether it is referred to as HID or H.I.D. It really doesn't matter. Both mean the same exact thing, so if you are looking for a debate here, you won't find one. But HID is an acronym that stands for High Intensity Discharge. High Intensity Discharge lighting has been around longer than you may think, having first popped up the better part of two decades ago, and has been used everywhere from sports arenas, theatres, construction sites, and in more recent times, automobile headlamps. Known the world over for its enormous lighting output and cost-efficient lifespan, HID technology is still viewed as innovative and cutting-edge simply because it is so much more advanced compared to "everyday" halogen bulbs.

How Does It Work?

It all starts with xenon gas. Xenon gas is a heavy and colorless element that when heated, becomes a powerful conductor of illumination. This is why you will normally see HID kits advertised as "Xenon HID Kits." The process goes a little something like this: first, an electrical current gets carried to a ballast. A ballast's job is to maintain the current and provide the power to ignite the HID bulb. The xenon gas inside the bulb(s) heats up. Once it is hot (which is in fractions of a second), an extremely bright and powerful brand of light is emitted, completing the effect. With an automobile, the electrical current that the ballasts use is derived from the battery. And of course, the new HID bulbs will replace the original halogens. Any connecting wires or components are easily fastened to areas under your hood, and can be accessed quickly if ever necessary.

Okay, Okay, Okay. Is It Really That Big of a Difference?

This is probably the question that is asked the most- are xenon HID kits really superior to regular headlights or even projector headlights? And the answer is a resounding "YES." This is not mere opinion. Xenon HID headlights have the ability to produce a level of illumination that is the equivalent of sunshine. In other words, up to five times brighter than halogen bulbs. It is awfully difficult to compete with that kind of power. Does this mean that you are currently traveling in an unsafe manner because you still have original halogen headlights? Not really. But it would be naive of anyone to assume that their level of driving safety isn't dramatically increased with the use of a xenon HID kit. Here are some notes you should take into account. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 1.5 million accidents occur at night, with an additional 600, 000 taking place during rain or inclement weather. While that shouldn't be a shock, it is a tad alarming when you consider the growing number of cars on the road. Couple that with more and more drivers arming themselves with HID headlights, and what you have is a real live bandwagon effect that can no longer be ignored. Simply put, the more people that have them, the safer all of us will be. Besides the enormous light output that xenon HID lights are capable of, they also disperse a much fuller and engaging beam that brings the entire road ahead into focus. Stop signs, street names, highway exits. See deer, animals, or even people in the street from a lot further away than ever before. HID lights also knife through rain and fog with far more vigor than halogen lamps. It is the unrivaled level of security HID headlights represent that has made them such a palatable choice for drivers of all ages and backgrounds.

"The Look": HID Kits As A Fashion Statement

Obviously, driving safety alone is not always the primary reason folks have lined up to get their hands on a xenon HID kit. HID kits are as much associated with futuristic style as they are traveling precaution. That is not a bad thing. Automotive accessories are the one industry where going with something that is "hot" or fashionable is many times also safe and logical. HID headlights happen to fall under that category. With HID bulbs, drivers have the potential to add a brazen touch of color that certainly produces quite a different effect than factory halogens. Color hues are determined by the light output, which is measured in K (Kelvin). The higher the K, the deeper the color. Options normally range from 3000K being the whiter end of the spectrum to 15000K, which would be that unmistakable blue you have surely noticed on the roadway at one time or another.

Installation: Don't Sweat It!

Understandably, many vehicle owners question whether or not they are up to the task of installing an HID conversion kit. Trust me when I say this: anyone can do it! All it really entails is finding the spots under the hood where you need to connect the components. Each kit comes with instructions and mounting enforcements, so you shouldn't have to go out and purchase any additional "hardware" (if your kit requires extra components, you have bought the wrong kit!). Once you have done that, the rest is simple. Of course, access to the headlights and battery terminal differ from vehicle to vehicle. Below, I've included a few tips that I hope increase your installation confidence (should you need any)!

1) Know your bulb size!

2) Do your homework. Look at your vehicle manual while scanning the contents under the hood. Learn where everything is ahead of time. Too often, drivers purchase HID conversion kits and try to do it all at once. While it is a quick install, it doesn't hurt to be prepared for where everything goes once you have the kit in your possession.

3) Secure a pair of rubber gloves. Xenon HID bulbs are extremely sensitive. Natural oils or dirt from your fingers can corrupt the bulbs, rendering them ineffective. If you must use your bare hands, be sure to not touch the glass lamping of the bulbs.

4) Perform installation during the daytime or in a well-lit garage. While this may sound trite, it is too important not to mention. You are going to have to test the HID system to make sure it is working properly. That means ensuring that the wires and components are in the correct places. There is nothing worse than fumbling around with wires and the like when there is work to be done!

Which Kit Is The Best? There are so many different brands of xenon HID kits out there, that it is easy to get lost in the fray. When searching for your HID kit, you want to take a few things into consideration. The type of lighting output you want (K), the hue, and of course, the price range. Right now, Notto SE HID Conversion Kits are gaining a lot of attention. Notto SE HID kits are high-quality, versatile, well-priced, and easy to install. They also come in all outputs/hues from 3000K to 15000K, so you have a full spectrum of choices. There are many fine kits out there, but I would recommend Notto SE kits just because they seem to have everything going for them. Like anything else, you have to conduct your own investigation. See what's out there and what makes sense for you, your car, and your budget. But don't hesitate to get involved in the HID revolution! Thanks to xenon HID kits, you have no reason to be afraid of the dark ever again!