The difference between halogen and LED lights has been extensively evaluated, but there is another lighting option in the marketplace for vehicles: HID. The differences between HID and LED lights are not as widely known. Both types of lights have high-tech features, but they function and perform in different ways. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best lights for your vehicles.
A brief explanation of HID and LED light technology.
The initials HID stand for high-intensity discharge. These bulbs have two tungsten electrodes contained in a glass tube filled with xenon gas and metal salts. Light is produced by an electric arc being transmitted between the electrodes.
The initials LED stand for light emitting diode. Diodes are very basic semiconductors capable of producing light when exposed to an electric current. In simple terms, light occurs when electrons and holes combine within the diode.
How do HID and LED lights compare in performance?
1) Illumination: Both HID and LED lights exhibit high levels of brightness that exceed halogen and incandescent lights. On an apples-to-apples comparison with similar wattage, LEDs slightly surpass HIDs for brightness.
2) Energy efficiency: Less energy draw is a benefit of both HID and LED lights. Less electrical draw means there is less stress placed on the electrical systems of vehicles, reducing energy draw on alternators and batteries. While both types of lights are good in this regard, LEDs come out slightly on top using about 85% less energy than halogen to HIDs 75% less energy than halogen.
3) Heat generation: Halogens are cool to the touch while HIDs produce a noticeable amount of warmth.
4) Full brightness response: LEDs reach their full brightness immediately, while HIDs require a slight warm up time to reach full brightness. Drivers often prefer the instant brightness of LEDs rather than experiencing a delay.
5) Compromised brightness: LED lights maintain their brightness throughout their life, while HID tend to dim over time. That means the bright light you start with may diminish over time with HIDs. Diminished light capacity with HIDs means some vehicle owners end up replacing them before they completely fail.
6) Service life: The life of a light depends on many factors, LED lights generally last about three times as long as HIDs. That means you’ll be changing bulbs less often with LEDs. The convenience of not having to replace lights so often is a factor to consider.
Bottom line: LEDs are superior lights for vehicles
Both HID and LED lighting offer superior advantages over older technology like halogen; but in several key features, LED lighting has the edge over HID. In terms of service life, energy consumption and illumination, LED lights offer the best performance for most vehicle applications.
Photo credit: Jerry Drilling. Image captures Tiger Lights illuminating a field on his John Deere tractor.>/p>
