LED bulbs are the only bulbs that do not use filaments or gas to produce light. They instead use different sizes of semiconductors and diodes to generate different lighting intensities and colors. LED bulbs are typically as bright as HID bulbs, but some manufacturers offer LED bulbs that are even brighter than any available HID bulb on the market. Most LED bulbs are directional and must be installed in a specific orientation to maintain the proper light beam shape, but those installed from the factory will already have this orientation in place.
There are two other major differences between HID and LED bulbs: price and service life. Since LED headlight bulbs are a new and developing technology, they are often two or three times the cost of HID headlight bulbs. However, it has been proven that LED headlights can often last up to four times longer than HID bulbs. Studies show most LED bulbs last for 20,000 hours, while HID bulbs last for around 5,000 hours.
The light produced by LED and HID bulbs may also be affected differently by weather. LED bulbs usually produce a cooler white light than HID bulbs. LED bulbs produce light with a color around 6000k, and HID bulbs produce a warmer light between 5000-6000k. The cooler white light may actually make it harder to see in inclement weather such as snow, fog, or heavy rain, but in clear weather, LED bulbs can often illuminate the landscape better than HID bulbs.
As automotive technology has advanced, headlights have improved to ensure the best possible visibility on the road. Today, many new vehicles are equipped with HID, LED, or halogen headlight bulbs, or in some cases, a combination of headlight types. HID (High-Intensity Discharge) bulbs have been used in vehicles since the 1990’s, but LED (Light-Emitting Diode) headlights are a newer technology used in automotive lighting applications. As the popularity of HID and LED bulbs continue to increase, many vehicle owners may wonder if they can or should upgrade their headlight bulbs for better vision while driving at night.
Are LED Headlights Legal?
There are companies which claim to manufacture legal LED replacement bulbs, but to-date, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has not certified any aftermarket replacement LED headlight bulbs for installation on any vehicle that did not have LED headlights when the car was manufactured. So, at this time, only LED headlights equipped from the factory are considered legal.
As of the writing of this article, LED lights may be used as fog lights on vehicles, or as driving lights in off-road vehicles like snowmobiles, UTVs and ATVs, and specialty equipment. All legal replacement products must be labeled as “off-road use only” or labeled as LED fog light bulb replacements and used as labeled on the package. Any aftermarket LED headlights used for driving on US highways are illegal at this time.
What Makes HID and LED Headlights Different?
The most obvious difference between HID and LED bulbs is how they generate light. HID bulbs use a chamber filled with xenon gas, and high-voltage electrodes charge the gas, which generates light. This makes them similar in design to traditional halogen bulbs, but the light generated by HID bulbs can be up to three times brighter than halogen. Like halogen bulbs, HID bulbs are omnidirectional and can be installed in any direction, but typical factory installation sees HID headlights installed in projector-style headlight assemblies for optimal lighting performance.
If your vehicle did not originally come with HID or LED headlight bulbs equipped from the factory, the quick answer to this question is no. It is recommended that you continue to install with the bulb type your vehicle came equipped with when it was brand new. You’ll know the headlight bulbs fit properly and are installed exactly like the factory bulbs, and that the lighting type you install is legal for use. There are many feature options available within the various bulb types that provide enhanced down road lighting options regardless of the type of bulb you need.
There are HID and LED conversion and retrofit kits on the market, but none are approved by the NHSTA for headlight use. At this time, these kits are designed for off-road use only. In some cases, these lighting kits may require a separate power supply and wiring harness, or the electronics may be self-contained within the LED bulb itself. This makes LED replacement bulbs an excellent option and simple retrofit for your off-road vehicle or equipment.
There are HID and LED conversion and retrofit kits on the market, but none are approved by the NHSTA for headlight use. At this time, these kits are designed for off-road use only. In some cases, these lighting kits may require a separate power supply and wiring harness, or the electronics may be self-contained within the LED bulb itself. This makes LED replacement bulbs an excellent option and simple retrofit for your off-road vehicle or equipment.
Which Headlight Bulbs are Better: HID or LED?
If you look only at the technology, LED headlight bulbs are the clear winner. LED bulbs last longer and can be brighter than HID bulbs. While LED headlights are becoming more popular and more common, HID headlights don’t appear to be going away any time soon. Since each type of headlight offers bright and clear lighting to help drivers see safely at night, both are excellent headlight options. Universal and vehicle-specific LED conversion kits and self-contained LED replacement bulbs are available in the market, but as previously mentioned, none of these kits have been approved by the NHSTA and are for off-road use only.
We hope this information has helped you understand the differences in HID and LED headlight bulbs and what the right lighting options for your vehicle may be. Bright, operational headlights are needed to safely drive your vehicle at night and during inclement weather, and choosing the right bulb for your driving style and vehicle can make all the difference in your down-road visibility. Make sure to replace any burned out bulbs as quickly as possible to keep yourself and other drivers on the road safe. You can also shop for the best halogen, HID, and LED headlight bulbs available for your vehicle.
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