Car headlight technology has evolved a lot in the last decade or so. LEDs and HIDs are progressively taking over the market with more brightness & durability than conventional halogen headlights. The argument over LED vs HID car lights is a hot topic of debate in the automobile industry.
While most cars in India still use halogens headlights, many car owners are now opting for models with stock LED or HID headlights or upgrading. However, when comparing LED vs HID headlights, one must consider certain factors to make a wiser & informed decision. Are LEDs always better? Read this blog to know best.
Also Read – LED Lights/Bulbs, Projector Vs Reflector Headlights
LED vs HID Headlights – Key Performance Differences
Light-Emitting Diodes or LED headlights do not function the same ways as HIDs. By forcing current across a semiconductor, they operate differently. On the other hand, HIDs produce a white, somewhat tinted light by exposing a filament to heat in a closed environment of inert gases.
It’s a no-brainer to say that most users will choose the brighter option when choosing car headlights. In the LED vs HID argument, LEDs have the upper edge with a somewhat brighter beam. LEDs will also last considerably longer than HID headlights.
On the downside, LEDs need extra heat sinks and fans to keep them cold enough to function, which raises the overall cost and makes mounting an LED lamp in conventional housing more challenging. With HIDs, these costs can be curbed if one is willing to settle for a few thousand lumens of lower brightness.
| Parameter | LED Headlights | HID Headlights |
| Brightness | Up To 10,000 Lumens | Up To 8000 Lumens |
| Durability | 45,000 Hrs | 15,000 Hrs |
| Whiteness | Up To 6500K | Up To 6500K |
| Price | Expensive | Value For Money |
| Ease Of Installation | Conversion Kit Required | Conversion Kit Required |
LED vs HID Buying Guide – How To Choose?
HIDs cost lower, produce lesser brightness (but more than conventional halogens) and can get the job done on well-lit urban roads. But if you are after the ultimate darkness killer, there is no alternative to LEDs. Here are a few important factors to check before making that important purchase decision.
Brightness
A good pair of LED headlights can produce about 9000 – 10000 lumens of bright light. HIDs are a tad bit shy with about 7000 – 8000 lumens of brightness. If you drive around mostly on modestly lit city roads, then HIDs work well for you.
Cost
Before comparing the cost of LED vs HID headlights, consider the upgrade a long-term investment. While LEDs are always more expensive than HIDs, the long-term value they offer masks the price tag. Although HID car lights will initially cost a little less, they will need more maintenance in the long run, similar to classic halogen bulbs.
Ease Of Installation
LED vs HID a different question altogether. But if upgrading from a halogen bulb, you must buy a conversion kit to fit either. This is because none will fit into the standard halogen bulb housing. HID car lights are often slightly bigger than LED car lights, with LED bulbs being more compact.
Durability
LED headlights stand a mile ahead of HIDs when the durability question pops up. A standard LED headlight can last up to 45,000 hours. Comparatively, HID headlights will go as far as 15,000 hours before they need to be replaced.
Colours
Due to its potential effects on visibility and brightness, colour temperature is a significant parameter when comparing LED vs HID headlights. Both are capable of producing unadulterated white or tinted white light beams. The unit of Kelvin denotes the level of whiteness. This is marked as 4000K or 6000K; the higher the number, the whiter the light.
Safety
While HIDs are somewhat better at beam coverage than LEDs, on the downside, they can reflect a lot of glare to head-on traffic. However, experienced mechanics, such as the ones at GoMechanic, know the best how to cut that glare with proper mounting and adjusting techniques.
Types Of LED & HID Headlights
Irrespective of which tops the chart for you in the LED vs HID brawl, it is important to know how your headlights are configured and choose the correct type.
Dual-beam lights include both high and low beams in a single-bulb unit. Consider dual beam LED and HID car lights if your car only has single headlights on each side. This bulb may change from low to high when your headlights are turned on.
If your vehicle has two headlight bulb slots, one on each side, then single-beam LED or HID headlights will suffice your needs. One bulb is needed for the high beam, and a second bulb is needed for the low beam on single-beam headlights. The low-beam light shuts off when the high-beam bulb is turned on, and vice versa.
Let There Be Light
Now that you are quite wiser on the LED vs HID comparison, it’s evident that both provide an enormous upgrade from conventional halogens and provide way more brightness. In our opinion, LEDs always make a better deal given their humongous durability and an edge over whiteness & brightness. What would you go for? Let us know in the comments.
Isn’t it illegal to change the car’s headlights and increase it’s brightness, in consideration for other motorists who can be blinded by it , lose control and result in an accident? I’m sure auto makers provide adequately designed headlights for their vehicles. And are we interested in lighting up the whole city or countryside with our headlights???
Also, motorists, especially in a state like Goa, continuously use the high beam which should also be checked by the police and they should be fined.
It is legal upto a certain extent as far as I know. Talking about the use of high beams, the police surely, should keep a check and educate people about the use of the beams!
Thanks Vishal. It’s the so called educated drivers who continuosly use the high beam. The police should just fine them heavily, and on second violation, revoke their driving licences. That should teach them a good lesson.