To date, the last word in the field of automotive lighting are xenon lamps. In the device of such a lamp there is no military secret: it is a glass flask filled with xenon and salts of various metals, within which there are two short electrodes.
However, despite all the simplicity of the design, the market for xenon lamps has an amazing variety, so it is sometimes difficult for a car enthusiast to decide which xenon is better to put. In this article we tried to highlight the most important points that you should pay attention to when choosing xenon lamps.
Xenon lamp specifications
The defining characteristic of any xenon lamp is the color temperature of the radiation. This conditional index is measured in kelvins (K) and characterizes the spectrum and intensity of the light emitted by the lamp. The following color temperature ranges are distinguished:
- 3200-3500 K.
The light of a xenon lamp with a given color temperature has a yellowish tint and is similar to the light of a halogen lamp, and is distinguished by greater intensity (about 1500 lumens). For the main lighting, this type of lamps is too weak, they are often used as protivotumanok.
- 4000-5000 K.
Radiation with such color temperature is characterized by a neutral tone and minimal visual distortion. At the same time it has a fairly high intensity - over 3000 lumens. Thanks to these qualities, such xenon lamps are optimal for the main lighting, so they are included in the basic equipment of modern cars.
- 5000-6000 K.
An increase in color temperature above 5000 K leads to an increase in ornamental and a decrease in practical effect. Such lamps create white lighting that looks extremely impressive, but at the same time the light intensity decreases, the driver’s perception deteriorates: details are hidden, objects appear in black and white. It is important to note that the use of xenon lamps with a temperature above 5000 K in some countries is prohibited.
- 6000-12000 K.
The installation of such xenon can be justified only by the desire to make an impression, it will be of little practical use. The intensity of the light flux is reduced to 2000 lumens, the driver very poorly distinguishes the details and sees the whole object in unnatural black and white shades. In the catalogs of well-known brands, it is impossible to detect such lamps, since they are considered to be ineffective.
We select xenon lamps
The choice of xenon lamps depends largely on the design of headlights mounted on your car. If they are designed to install single filament bulbs, then you can put only the usual type of xenon lamps. In that case, if still the headlights of your car were equipped with lamps with two filaments, you should install Bi-Xenon.
Such lamps are equipped with an electromagnetic metal curtain that covers part of the bulb. Note that most likely you will have to replace the headlight reflectors. The fact is that a standard reflector causes light scattering, whereas for efficient operation of a xenon lamp, its light must be focused. The use of xenon lamps with conventional diffusing reflectors will lead to oncoming traffic blinding.
What brand of xenon give preference?
The choice of the manufacturer of xenon lamps should be considered with all the detail, because traffic safety directly depends on the quality of this product. A lamp that suddenly goes berserk, even at low speeds of movement, can lead to very unpleasant consequences.
The key to the quality of the product being purchased is a well-known brand and a complete set of documents with which the seller can confirm the proper quality of his product, as well as the fact that it is the original, not a fake. I do not advise to be tempted to buy cheap xenon, even if it shines better and is sold at an attractive discount. Decent quality cannot be cheap. Here are companies whose reputation does not have to be doubted:
Philips and Hella
These two companies are mentioned in one subparagraph for the reason that under the Hella trademark it is Philips products. The latter is a global manufacturer, quite long established in the niche of light sources for cars and related accessories.
Osram (Germany)
One of the best xenon companies whose products are rightfully trusted by domestic consumers. The production capacity of this brand is constantly being improved technologically, and many patented developments are on its account.
IPF (Japan)
Those who are willing to pay any amount for a truly high-quality and reliable product, we recommend to put the xenon company IPF. The Japanese manufacturer is doing everything to remain among the leaders, constantly improving the quality, reliability and durability of its products for the automotive industry.
Eagleye (Korea)
If you are constrained in finance or do not want, as they say, overpay for a big name, put a better xenon company Eagleye. Like many other Korean manufacturers, this company has relied on the average price segment, which is characterized by the most optimal price / quality ratio.
IL Trade and MTF-Light (Korea)
From the conveyors of this company goes products, which are called "budget". If your garage has an inexpensive car for business trips, in which it does not make sense to invest a lot, but you don’t want to spend money on outright trash - pay attention to this company. Perhaps her xenon will last less than elite lamps, the term, but its quality and reliability will be at a fairly acceptable level.
I wish you a happy shopping and not a nail or a rod on the way!
It will be interesting to friends too
