11 Pros and Cons of Using Xenon Lighting in Your Vehicle

by Joshua Thomas

The motor industry is still experiencing advancement in technology. Automobile headlights construction has become trendy since they are highly affected by the dynamics in technology.

We have noticed a great transformation of headlights from halogen to xenon and finally to LED. But that does not mark the end of improvement. There is still more to come in the industry.

No doubt, xenon headlights are the best since they are the brightest for driving at night. However, these headlights come with advantages and disadvantages.

We have compiled a detailed list of the pros and cons of using xenon lighting in your vehicle. Take the time to read through the article for better insights.

11 Pros and Cons of Using Xenon Lighting in Your Vehicle
11 Pros and Cons of Using Xenon Lighting in Your Vehicle

What Is Xenon Lighting?

Xenon lighting is a type of lighting produced from heating an odorless and colorless gas with a small amount of electricity. Xenon is the gas referred to as odorless and colorless.

The light generated is usually brighter and better than a halogen light source. Xenon lighting is commonly used as headlights in modern vehicles.

Keep in mind that xenon headlights are also known as high-intensity discharge (HID). These headlights are popular in superior vehicles in the market.

But older makes and models can still upgrade their lighting with xenon headlights. The owners of older version vehicles can purchase xenon lighting HID kits and install their existing cars.

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Pros of using Xenon Lighting in Your Vehicle

There are a lot of good things to talk about HID lights. Below are the advantages of using xenon headlights:

Whiter Lighting

Xenon headlights are known for producing very white light. The xenon lighting can illuminate a dark environment better than halogen headlights.

Besides that, the white light can stretch much farther in distance than regular halogen and other yellow headlights.

Affordable Upgrade

Upgrading your ride from halogen headlights to xenon headlights is quite affordable. But you need to act faster to enjoy the benefits that come with xenon lighting.

The gradual decrease in the price of LED headlights and dynamics in technology will inhibit an individual taking long to upgrade from enjoying the benefits of xenon lighting.

Increased in Brightness

The superior brightness is one of the best things about xenon headlights. Research shows that xenon lighting is brighter than both LED and Halogen headlights.

Xenon headlights allow the driver to make the dark area (night) appear like daytime. It is something that is missing in both halogen and LED lighting.

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Longer Lifespan

Xenon light bulbs contain xenon gas. The most exciting thing is that xenon gas is inert. It implies that the chances of the gas getting finished or becoming insufficient is near to impossibilities.

Halogen headlights can last from 400 hours to 1,000 hours. But xenon headlights can last for over 2000 hours of maximum utilization. It implies that halogens tend to decrease.

Energy Efficient

Xenon lighting depends on gas as the primary source of energy. It is one of the reasons behind using a small amount of electricity to generate light.

Xenon headlights will consume less energy than halogen headlights. The energy-efficient factor could be the reason for fitting xenon light HID bulbs to all supercars.

Greater Distance

Xenon light HID bulbs emit brighter light than halogen bulbs. The feature gives xenon headlights the capability of spreading light further while driving at night.

The brightness is suitable for those individuals with poor eyesight in the darkness. Hence, it helps to reduce the risk of causing accidents in the darkness.

Heat Resistant

Xenon light HID bulbs do not overheat and they have robust construction. The xenon headlights can serve you for an extended period without the worry of overheating.

Cons of Using Xenon Lighting to Your Vehicle

The advantages of xenon headlights are more than their disadvantages. Below are some of the disadvantages of using xenon lighting in your vehicle:

Glare Potential

Xenon headlights are very bright. The effect might result in the poor concentration of the driver coming in the opposite direction. The xenon light HID bulbs have a strong glare since they are not equipped with lenses.

Slow to Start

The xenon light HID bulbs can take about 30 seconds to heat up and generate maximum brightness. The delay is something frustrating while in a heavy traffic jam at night. The good news is that they provide bright light thereafter.

Limited Choice

Xenon light HID bulbs have limited color choice. The design of the xenon headlights makes it difficult to provide different colors like that of halogen headlights. But the improved visibility due to brightness is the unique selling point for Xenon headlights.

Too Expensive

Xenon light HID bulbs are more expensive than halogen headlights. Purchasing a xenon light HID kit will save you from the hassle of fitting xenon lighting bulbs. But this depends on the make and model of your vehicle. It implies that you will incur extra costs for these kits.

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Are Xenon Lights Worth It?

Xenon lights are brighter and last longer than halogen lights. The xenon headlights have other unique benefits that make it worth the value of your money.

Do Xenon Lights Get Hot?

Xenon lights emit minimal UV rays which produce less heat. Thus, xenon headlights are suitable for use in fragile and high traffic application. The xenon light HID bulbs are more durable since they can tolerate unstable voltages.

Do Xenon Bulbs Lose Brightness?

Aging xenon bulbs tend to lose some brightness and color intensity. Production of pink or yellow color is a clear sign of aged xenon bulb.

Why Is Xenon So Expensive?

Xenon gas is scarce and more expensive than other noble gases. The production cost of the gas is even higher and this could be the reason behind the high pricing.

How Long Do Xenon Headlights Last?

Xenon headlights are durable and emit very white light. The average lifespan is around 2000 hours which is double that of halogen headlights.

Are Xenon Lights Illegal?

Not really. The high-intensity discharge lights are legal and usually comply with requirements meet by halogens and other sources of lights. Xenon headlights conform with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements.

In Conclusion

Functional and regular headlights guarantee safety on the road at night. Xenon light HID bulbs are an excellent choice for your vehicle.

The advantages of xenon headlights overcome their disadvantages. It is now clear that xenon headlights are a great deal for you.

Remember these headlights are common in modern make and models only. But you can purchase a xenon light HID kit to upgrade your older version ride.

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About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

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