HID vs LED Headlights: What's the Difference?

Upgrading your headlights to either HID or LED bulbs can provide you the extra visibility you need to make it to your destination safely when driving at night. If you're debating whether to purchase HID or LED headlights for your vehicle, this blog can help you compare your options and select the one that best fits your needs.

What Are HID Headlights?

HID headlights combine rare metals and gas to create a bright blue and white tinted glow when the filament is exposed to heat. Also known as xenon headlights, HID headlights are used by numerous car manufacturers. Some of the main benefits of using HID headlights include:

• Increased visibility with three times the brightness of halogen lights.
• Improved energy efficiency.
• Reduced glare from oncoming traffic.
• Increased lifespan compared to halogen bulbs.

What Are LED Headlights?

LED headlights, also called light-emitting diode headlights, use a semi-conductor to transfer a current that emits photons to create light. Some of the main benefits of using LED headlights include:

• More eco-friendly than halogen bulbs.
• Increased lifespan compared to halogen and HID headlights.
• Decreased heat compared to incandescent bulbs.
• Smaller and less bulky than other headlights.
• Improved illumination to the sides of the road.

Types of HID and LED Headlights

The two types of HID and LED headlights are dual-beam and low-beam.

Dual-Beam

Dual-beam headlights include both the high-beam and low-beam functions in a single-bulb unit. If your vehicle only has one headlight on each side, look for dual-beam HID and LED options. When your headlights are turned on, this single bulb can be switched from low to high. Headlights labeled as H4, H13, 9004, and 9007 are usually dual-beam.

Single-Beam

If your vehicle has two spaces for headlight bulbs on each side, look for single-beam HID and LED options. Single-beam headlights require one bulb for the high beam and a second bulb for the low beam. When you turn the high-beam bulb on, the low-beam bulb turns off, and vice versa.

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