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 bulb filled with xenon and salts of various metals, inside which there are two short electrodes.
However, despite all the simplicity of the design, the market of xenon lamps differs surprising variety, so it's sometimes difficult for car enthusiasts to decide which xenon should be put. In this article, we tried to highlight the most important points that should be considered when choosing xenon lamps.
Characteristics of xenon lamps
The determining characteristic of any xenon lamp is the color temperature of the radiation. This conditional indicator is measured in kelvin( K) and characterizes the spectrum and intensity of the lamp's light emission. There are the following ranges of color temperature:
- 3200-3500 K.
The light of the xenon lamp with this color temperature has a yellowish tinge and is similar to that of a halogen lamp, differing with a greater intensity( about 1500 lumens).For basic lighting, this type of lamp is too weak, they are often used as fog lamps.
- 4000-5000 K.
Radiation with this color temperature differs in neutral tone and minimal visual distortion. Moreover, it has a rather high intensity - over 3000 lumens. Due to these qualities, such xenon lamps are optimal for basic lighting, so they are included in the basic equipment of modern cars.
- 5000-6000 K.
An increase in the color temperature above 5000 K leads to an increase in the decorative and a decrease in the practical effect. Such lamps create white light, which looks extremely impressive, but the intensity of light decreases, the perception of the driver deteriorates: the details are concealed, the objects appear in black and white. It is important to note that the use of xenon lamps with a temperature above 5000 K is prohibited in some countries.
- 6000-12000 K.
The installation of such a xenon can be justified only by the desire to impress, there will be little practical use from it. The intensity of the light flux is reduced to 2000 lumens, the driver very badly distinguishes 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 ineffective.
We select xenon lamps
The choice of xenon lamps largely depends on the design of the headlights installed on your car. If they are designed to install lamps with a single filament, then you can put only the usual type of xenon lamps. In the event that until now the headlights of your car have been 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 the standard reflector causes light to be scattered, whereas for the efficient operation of the xenon lamp its light needs to be focused. The use of xenon lamps with conventional scattering reflectors will cause the drivers of oncoming vehicles to be exposed to a glare effect.
Which brand of xenon should I prefer?
The selection of the manufacturer of xenon lamps should be taken with all due care, because the quality of this product directly affects the safety of traffic. Suddenly, a burned lamp, even at a low speed, can lead to very unpleasant consequences.
The guarantee of the quality of the product purchased is a well-known brand and a complete set of documents by which the seller can confirm the proper quality of his goods, and also that this is an original, not a fake. I do not advise being tempted to buy cheap xenon, even if it shines better and sells with a tempting discount. A decent quality can not be cheap. Here are the companies whose reputation can not be doubted:
Philips and Hella
Two of these companies are mentioned in one subparagraph for the reason that the Philips brand name is sold under the trademark Hella. The latter is a world manufacturer, which for a long time has become firmly established in the niche of light sources for cars and related accessories.
Osram( Germany)
One of the best xenon firms, whose products are rightly enjoyed by the trust of domestic consumers. The production capacity of this brand is constantly being improved technologically, and on its account there are a lot of patented developments.
IPF( Japan)
For those who are willing to pay any amount for a truly high-quality and reliable product, we recommend putting IPF xenon. The Japanese manufacturer does 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 shy in finance or do not want to, as they say, overpay for a big name, put better Xenon firm Eagleye. Like many other Korean manufacturers, this company has relied on the middle price segment, which is characterized by the most optimal price / quality ratio.
IL Trade and MTF-Light( Korea)
Products from this company come off the pipeline, which is called "budgetary".If in your garage there is an inexpensive car for work trips, in which it makes no sense to invest a lot of money, but you do not want to spend money on frank garbage - pay attention to this company. Perhaps its xenon will serve less than the elite lamps, but its quality and reliability will be at a fairly acceptable level.
I wish you a successful purchase and neither a nail nor a rod in transit!
