Questions About Xenon HID Headlights
More car manufactures are beginning to offer Xenon HID Headlights as an option. You will also find this product being offered as an after market item. So you may get an Accord with a pair. As you begin to hear more about them, some people are having questions before they decide to purchase this expensive option. Here are some of the questions and answers.
Q :- Does Xenon HID headlights produce more glare than halogen.
A:- Federal requirements are identical for both when it comes to glare.
Q:- Why are Xenon HID headlights blue.
A:- The blue light is caused by the energy distribution produced inside of the bulb by the Xenon gases which are under high pressure. The output radiation of the bulb has a line spectrum with some of the peaks in the visible blue region. So all of the light produced by these Xenon HID headlights are not blue, but they still look blue.
Q:- Are all blue headlights Xenon HID systems.
A:- No. Some people and manufactures try and inmate the blue color of a Xenon HID bulb by painting or coating a halogen bulb blue. A true Xenon HID bulb is not blue. The bluish color is a result of the high voltage arc and discharge of the Xenon gas within the HID bulb.
Q:- How do I know if my vehicle has a Xenon HID system.
A:- There are several things you can look for. First, a Xenon HID system has a brilliant bluish white appearance where a standard halogen system has a yellowish appearance. Second, the Xenon HID system will output much more light than the standard system. A third item to look for is a "flash" blue and a change of color when the Xenon HID system is first turned on. Lastly, look at the outer lens of your system. If you see "D1S", "D1R", "D2S" or "D2R" it should be a Xenon HID system. If you do not see one of these combinations then you do not have a Xenon HID system.
Q:- How do I know my Xenon HID system is legal.
A:- If it has one of the four markings in number 4 above, and it also has the letters "DOT" it should indicate compliance to the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for Xenon HID headlights
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