Installing xenon conversion kit

The point is, with HID headlights, you have a wide range of choices, from to a fantastic rating of Kelvin.

Here is a general list of Kelvin ratings, and how we perceive the color, even though it is mostly white light:. In the case of xenon bulbs, there are two standard wattage ratings: 35 W and 55 W.

This usually means that you will need a 35 W or a 55 W ballast to successfully connect the bulbs, and help them start normally. Now, a 35 W xenon bulb can illuminate the road about three times better than a traditional halogen headlight. If you up to the wattage to 55 W, the performance becomes even stronger.

However, in the case of 55 W HIDs, there is a catch we would like to address before you reach for the most powerful option available. HID headlights that require more wattage to operate have a shorter life span, not due to poor build, but due to the wiring and cables.

Wires inside the headlights are usually not that strong and are not made to withstand a lot of loads. If you opt for a stronger, 55W HID set, please be cautious and replace wires that look even slightly damaged. Melting and wild sparks can happen to anyone. Additionally, 55 W xenon bulbs are known to consume more power, so plan ahead.

No matter if you like to spend time around the garage or not, no one wants to waste their whole day on a set of wires and a couple of bulbs. When choosing an HID headlight set, you should always look for a plug and play option. Replacing the old bulbs for new, xenon ones should not be a hassle, and you can probably do it by yourself. Most models on the market today have a simplified installation process, with color-coded wires, and simple schematic explanations. We will cover the basics of HID installation in the next segment, but for now, we just want to stress out the fact that there are some overly complicated HID sets out there, which brought more trouble than benefit.

We cannot emphasize this point enough! Every HID set out there comes in different variations, with each version representing a different car model. Check your lenses and double-check the car model. Sometimes even the year of manufacturing matters. This will give you the idea of how strong a new bulb you can put inside. Just remember that you cannot install a high-wattage bulb on a low wattage system.

Also, the often-forgotten topics are the ballasts and their role in the HID set. In short, ballasts are the little modules, connected directly to the xenon bulb, which provides the initial high-burst voltage necessary to turn on the headlights.

If you are switching between old HIDs and new ones, the chances are you do not need to change ballasts. However, if you are upgrading from halogens to HIDs, having ballasts is a must.

Generally speaking, the choice you will have to make is between AC alternating current and DC direct current ballasts, as long as you make sure you are getting the same type for the whole system.

Both types will do the job, but AC ballasts will certainly prolong the life of your xenon bulbs. That is why AC ballasts come off as a little pricier. Different HID sets come with their own quirks and puzzles, and there is no one single formula for the entire process.

However, what we can do for you is provide you with the general guidelines, tips, and tricks on how to do it in the safest possible way. This instruction is not a replacement for the manual you will get from the manufacturer of the set you chose, but it is rather a nice-to-have addition. We can also recommend using a headlight restoration kit before finishing the process. Before you get down to business, you should make sure that you got the HID set for your car model.

Having the wrong set can costs you a lot of time and usually money on waiting for replacements, or a professional car mechanic to do the job for you. As we said before, every HID set model has different sizes, designed to fit as many car models as possible. Do a bit of research and make sure to get the correct set. While testing out the lights, you can also make the position adjustments. Make sure to focus the beams to shoot straight and not too wide.

Having a wide light angle may feel great, but it can be dangerous for other traffic participants. Do not forget that xenon headlights are one of the strongest out there.

You have probably heard stories about xenon lights being illegal in certain states or parts of the world. The truth is, some states took the legal measures against ultra-strong HID kits. The problem with HID is that they can be too strong, or that they can cause a lot of flares that blind the oncoming drivers you meet, especially during the night.

On the contrary, they will help you see better and react to traffic situations better and faster. People around the world prefer to have fog lights in the HID form.

Xenon bulbs that operate under Kelvin are a great help during foggy days. These are usually legal, even if retrofitted. The point is: you should always look into picking the headlights within a normal range when it comes to the color strength, and you should also invest time into the fitting and focusing the bulbs correctly. If you have doubts about the legality of HIDs in your area, ask a local car mechanic or a car electrician for further advice.

If you have decided to freshen up and replace your old HIDs for new ones, you can maybe recycle a part of the old gear. The ballast. If the old ballast matches the wattage and the voltage of the new HID bulbs you got, and if they are the same type, there is no reason to go through the hassle of installing new ballasts over again. If there is no damage to the old ballasts, they will do the job of starting your xenon bulbs just the same. Just pay extra attention to flickering while you test the new HID bulbs connected via the old ballasts.

If they work correctly, you got yourself some spare parts. If we are talking about a few seconds of delay time, everything is fine, that is just the way HID bulbs work. It takes a moment for the bulbs to develop the high voltage needed to turn on, and it is nothing to worry about. The only thing you could do before replacing the headlights or calling a professional is to try and reconnect everything from scratch.

Loose wires can sometimes cause the desynchronization of the bulbs left and right. Here we go, everything there is to know about HID headlight kits. There is a lot of info to go through, but it will undoubtedly help you make a valuable decision and get the best HID kit for your 4-wheeled companion. As you probably noticed, HID headlights are powerful and reliable, but they come as slightly pricier.

Make a checklist using the knowledge we provided you, and make sure to go through the most popular models in our HID conversion kit reviews section.

If you have any questions or want to add something, feel free to contact us, and we will gladly provide you with an answer as soon as possible. Steve Johnson worked as a traveling salesman, traversing the country for the bigger part of the year.

On the road, he encountered all sorts of problems with his car, from maintenance to engine issues. One day he decided that enough is enough, so he started learning and researching car related topics, solving basic car problems on his own. He summed up everything he learned into guides and blogs for others to learn the way he did.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Advantages of HID Kits 1. Higher Lumen Rating. Longer Lifespan. Efficient Power Consumption. When you swap out bulbs for HIDs you are changing the way the light is projected and put others at risk of being blinded.

This requires you to take the headlights apart and install an HID specific projector to properly control the light. Otherwise you are blinding other motorists and causing a hazardous situation.

More by the author:. Test the HID light to see if it lights up. If not, flip the adapter degrees. Did you make this project? Share it with us! I Made It! Tea-light Lantern by ruths in 3D Printing. The bulb should sit where the original bulb was located and the bulb connector should be connected to the bulb.

The relay should be connected to the original bulb plug. Seal the headlight housing with the dust cap. Assemble the brackets unto the ballasts and mount the ballasts unto a solid and well-ventilated location under the hood near the headlight reflector.

Allow the necessary distance for the base connector to reach the bulb. Connect all the plugs from the ballast to the bulb as shown in the diagrams. Ensure that you get the polarity correct.

HID lights do not work with reversed polarity. Make sure that the plugs are securely placed and firmly intact.