Thursday, December 16, 2010

Where and How to Find the Best HID Lights

If one’s mind is made up about installing HID lights, it is good to consider these few tips, in order to make the best out of it.

First, people should exercise patience. As a general observation, impulse buying translates to poor purchase. There are many unscrupulous outfits in the aftermarket industry who are after profits, rather than customer satisfaction. Also, proliferating nowadays are poor imitations of HID lights that work only within a few months. Such products have the potential of ruining the car’s lighting system and compromise the safety of drivers and passengers.

Second, custom parts buyers should inform themselves more about the HID lights they are trying to get. Such information are aplenty in the Internet. As a custom part, HID headlights offers a lot of options. Being informed of their types in terms of ballasts, burners, and bulbs, will help narrow down one’s search to a few choices with respect to the type of car and on what type of roads it is driven.

Third, car owners should weight the pros and cons of HID lights bought as original equipment manufactured (OEM), or aftermarket auto part. It is seemingly an easier decision to just choose OEM HID headlights over aftermarket, because of concerns over product quality, compatibility, warranties, and customer support services. However, it also closes the opportunity of finding the better quality HID lamps at better prices.

Lastly, car owners who have purchased HID lights before may offer some valuable insights. Reading customer reviews over the Internet is one part of process; there is also on site visitations and referrals from friends.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Who Should Go for HID Lights?

High-Intensity Discharge or HID lights are no ordinary custom parts. More than mere car accessories, this headlight system, not just changes the look of the vehicle, but also enhances road safety. However, HID headlights are not for everyone. There are times when people will have to evaluate their driving conditions and habits, in order to maximize the benefits of HID headlights.

HID lights were first manufactured for BMW 7 Series. Vehicles belonging to this model series are all luxury, full-sized sedans and are the main product line of the BMW. HID headlamps are great custom parts for people who own E23, E32, E38, E65/66, and F01. Of course, since these headlamps’ history, it is quite easy to infer that HID lamps are BMW-friendly, and may perhaps look good on other models, even BMW SUVs.

On the other hand, for those who often travel on highways alone at night should consider getting HID lights. These headlamps have an output of at least 2,800 lumens, requiring only 38 watts of electricity. That’s more than enough lighting on dark nights. Xenon HID headlamps that come with solenoid pivot can be an option, so that the driver can switch to a low beam when traffic is busy.

The cost of HID lights may limit its market to people with above average income. However, there are aftermarket companies that offer conversion kits at good deals. One way to go is to shop online, where custom parts are offered at reduced prices. It may be difficult to find a trustworthy aftermarket store though. Asking around and doing a little research on the industry should give a good head start.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

What to Know About HID Headlights

It was with BMW 7 Series that High-Intensity Discharge headlights were first commercialized. People who sport European cars, particularly BMW, prefer this type of frontal lighting system. However, it takes more than just modification when cars of other brands switch to HID headlights. Much of what is offered in the aftermarket industry comes in HID Full-Conversion Kits.

The reason for this is the inner workings of the HID headlights. Instead of burning a filament to provide luminosity, HID lamps burn or vaporize metal salt or gas. Most HID headlamps use xenon in this case, because it is quicker and more cost-effective. A few versions use argon, the same metal gas used in powering streetlights. Its stint in the automotive industry is fading though, because it takes time to vaporize.

So, it is not as simple as just changing the bulbs, because the whole lighting system is altered with installing HID headlights. Nonetheless, the benefits of having these headlamps cannot be gainsaid, albeit more costly that the tungsten-halogen headlights. HID lighting system endures far longer than its traditional counterpart, which more than compensates for the money spent.

HID headlights give more light than halogen at equivalent amount of power. In other words, they are energy-efficient, environment-friendly custom parts. There is no need to worry about too much glare though; many of these headlights have been optimized to manage its luminosity, either by decreasing its size or designing reflectors that produce low beams.

What’s more, HID headlights are also a boost to the appearance of a vehicle, while increasing the driver’s safety on the road. The Internet is replete with good choices for the people to explore.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Considerations When Installing HID Headlights

High-Intensity Discharge or HID headlights are popular choices for car modification these days because it gives better illumination on the road. Before having one installed, however, car owners are advised to review the vehicle regulations of their place. Depending on where the car is used, it will have to adhere to either of the following: (a) United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, (b) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (US), or (c) Canada Moto Vehicle Safety Standards.

For the most part, these regulatory bodies are similar in their set of laws. One of the few points of contention among them lies in the make and use of headlights. Cities and states will sometimes have their own specific regulations, particularly with the use of headlamps with high luminosity efficacy (brightness), and sporting a different tint, such as the bluish shade of HID headlights.

Nonetheless, aftermarket companies are coming up with some innovations to HID headlights, so that they are complaint to safety standards. Out in the market today are HID headlamps that are reduced in size. Smaller bulbs help manage the excess of brightness that comes with such headlights. People who drive small European cars may want to look into these custom headlights.

A better innovation is the use of non-parabolic reflectors, which is typical of projector-type HID headlights. What’s so special about a non-parabolic reflector is its ability to disperse beams at exact angles. This, in turn, produces asymmetrical beam shape that supplies adequate side-to-side visibility, while maintaining sufficient forward light without glaring passengers and other drivers. Projector HID lights also have the option of switching from asymmetrical to symmetrical beams when fitted with w solenoid pivot.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Choices to Consider in Upgrading E46 BMW Headlights

The Xenon Projector and Angel Eyes are some of the most famous custom parts for the E46 BMW headlights. These aftermarket parts often come with the full conversion kit that many customizers find very stylish and practical at the same time. When it comes to the front appearance of an E46, the kind of headlamps used makes a whole lot of difference. No wonder BMW owners are starting off with the headlight system when customizing their vehicles.

Tinting the headlights are also popular options for serious customizers. Those who wish for a more aggressive and racer look are opting for the black or chrome tints. On the other hand, there are people who want a more Euro first impression, so they are going for the smoked tint for their E46 BMW headlights. These modifications are cheaper compared to the detailing and upgrading of the other parts.

LED-based headlights are attractive options for BMW owners who are conscious of energy conservation. Thus far, they deliver the best visibility on the road at night compared to the standard headlamps. There is a trade off though; LED is an intense light and they may not last long and are easily disposable. They may not appeal to those who are conscious of the cost.

High and low beams characterize most vehicles, including E46 BMW headlights. Factory settings will have these beams having their separate pairs of headlamps. Upgrade options can come in the form of installing a single pair of headlamps with dual functions of both beams. In purchasing such custom parts, it is recommended that people go to established names in the industry to be assured of quality in terms of authenticity performance.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Look Great with Custom E36 BMW Headlights

There is no mistaking about the fact that BMW E36 cars are known for their sophistication and status. These vehicles generate impression for people who drive them, and at the same time, leave impression on those who see them on blazing the road. Yet, for all its style and luxury, an E36 leaves a lot of room for improvement. This is great news for people with a budding passion for customizing, which happens first with the tweaking of the E36 BMW headlights.

A car will normally have four types of lighting system—interior lights, engine bay lights, tail lights, and the headlights. Although each will have its own purpose, perhaps the most important of the four are the headlights. This is especially true when the BMW E36 is out at night; the headlights are no less pertinent to the keeping the people inside the car safe. Over time, the E36 BMW headlights can become foggy because of the glass case that is subjected to heating every time the lamps are on.

Before embarking on customizing the BMW headlights, it is important to note the city policies regarding headlight systems that are allowed on the streets. Once this is done, several choices can be explored on site or online. The latter, of course, is a much faster and more convenient way of canvassing for aftermarket auto parts. However, prospects should be aware of fake custom parts that are prevalent in the industry.

Nonetheless, E36 BMW headlights can be upgraded to ones that come in chrome, black, or smoked palettes, to give the car a radical new look. Projector and Angel Eyes headlight systems are popular choices among customizers today.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Transforming the E30 BMW Headlights

Among the BMW 3 Series models that have been manufactured, the E30 has been most famous. It was first commercialized between 1981 and 1991, sold as a luxury car among upstarts in the fast lane. Although it comes with the tradition of excellence and style, the E30 BMW headlights are also subject to wear and tear with frequent use. They can leave burn marks on the glass housing of the headlights, which reduces visibility.

When it is time to do something about front lighting system of an E30, it is important to keep one’s patience. The prospect of customizing the E30 BMW headlights can indeed bring much excitement. However, it can lead to impulsive decisions that may end up a disappointment later on. The aftermarket auto parts industry is a sea of opportunity, but it is not without its own sharks. Unscrupulous companies that sell low quality imitations are something to look out for.

Compared to other parts of the car that are customized, the upgrading of headlights is a fairly inexpensive endeavor. Indeed, those who are just starting to get into the flair are advised to begin with the headlights, because it has practical advantages. Besides, a new personality for the BMW E30, a much-improved lighting system translates to better visibility and safety on the road.

The E30 BMW headlights can go through a full conversion with headlamps fitted with xenon lights or halo projector lights. Instead of two pairs of lamps that provide low and high beam systems, a pair of multi-function headlamps can be a breath of fresh air. Finding a good dealer can be sourced from Internet, who not only can provide the best prices, but also allows for excellence guarantees and after-sales service.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Before Buying Aftermarket BMW Headlights

Quite a lot of BMW followers are getting into the bandwagon of detailing and customizing, and they often begin with choosing from among the aftermarket BMW headlights. The reason is fairly practical; these are one of the car parts that are easy on the pocket. Also, they provide added safety on the road, while, at the same time, quickly changing the look of a car.

Headlights, in general, are installed in vehicles to provide illumination while driving on dark roads or when it is raining. Sometimes, night vision systems are installed together with the headlights for stronger visibility. There are some states and countries that are particular about what kind of headlights should be used, making sure that they do produce too much glare on pedestrians and other passing cars.

When it comes to aftermarket BMW headlights, it is good to pay attention to the direction and range of the beam. Vehicles are required to have both high and low beaming systems. A high beam provides stronger illumination that is weighted on the center, which is ideal for driving alone on dark high ways. Low beam, on the other hand, limits the distribution of the light to avoid glare on passing cars.

The low beam system can be a separate pair of headlamps from the high beam system. People who are customizing their BMW headlights are often going for a single pair, multi-functioning lighting systems. Purchasing headlight systems with the capacity to dip to either right or left can also be considered, so that the BMW car can traverse landlocked countries with different driving orientations.

There are a lot of options when trying to purchase aftermarket BMW headlights. While it leaves room for exploration, sometimes, it can be frustrating to arrive at a final decision. Thankfully though, the Internet can be a place to make the search easier.