Advantages and disadvantages of xenon and led headlights

The car’s headlights construction changed with the development of technology. Initially, kerosene headlights were used, then appeared acetylene lights, after electric headlights were introduced, more modern lights are halogen, xenon and led.  The last three of mentioned will be compared.  

Xenon lamp

How does it work? The principle of their work consists in the formation of an electric discharge between two electrons in the lamp, into which an inert gas is injected, which, in fact, is called xenon. The voltage for turning them on must be high - 25 000 Volts, and therefore, for this the “flame ignition unit" is used. The glow of such lamps is bright and can reach 6000 Lumens (LM), for comparison, the brightness of the halogen lamp is 2000 LM. 

What are the advantages? Firstly, xenon headlights illuminate the road in all weather conditions perfectly, easily break through even quite thick fog. These lamps work constantly. Secondly, the service life of the xenon lamp is on average 2000 hours. What is important, xenon lamps, at their high power, have a lower heating temperature, only 8% of the total energy. 

What are the disadvantages? Buy or change factory-supplied xenon headlights - is allowed. Therefore, the cost of lamps and additional equipment will be high. But cheap analogs of xenon lamps are prohibited in some countries.  In addition, xenon lamps require additional equipment, it is about the flame ignition unit. This unit allows you to supply and maintain high voltage for xenon headlights. From here comes the next drawback it is - the additional load on the generator and though that, the fuel consumption increases not significant, it can’t be avoided.  

Just stable operation of such a light - is also a disadvantage, because you can’t adjust the luminous flux. But here comes gimmick - set of Bixenon. Bi-xenon lamps have identical characteristics with xenon, except for the presence in their design of a special screen-bulb allows you to switch from high beam to low beam. The cost of such lamps is even higher, but they are safer. 

Led lamp  

How does it work? Led lamps are also called - LED lamps. They are a semiconductor, they create optical radiation that transmits electric current. In fact, LED lights have a rather complex design. Modern LEDs are resistant to different weather and physical conditions. But they are inferior in brightness, LEDs with an even more complicated design allow you to achieve a glow of 4000 LM. 

What are the advantages?  Compared to halogen and xenon lamps, LEDs are more economical, with savings affecting price, energy consumption and fuel consumption. The special driver for LEDs that allows you to increase the brightness, led lamps consume 25 watts. In addition to efficiency - LED lamps are not much inferior to xenon in brightness, but it is much safer and will not dazzle the drivers of oncoming cars while driving. The luminous flux can be adjusted, among other lamps of this type allow even in the near light to illuminate large areas, which again will protect the ride in the fog. 

What are the disadvantages? First of all, it is the temperature. Installation of cooling equipment is necessary, otherwise, the headlights with led lamps will fail fast. As stated above, LEDs benefit in value, but not all so unambiguously. Service life - not durable, and the lamp may need to be changed after a year. 

Which lamps to install in the headlights is up to you. Xenon headlights – work for longer, shine very brightly and are expensive.  LED headlights - doesn’t work long, shine well, are safer and allow you to adjust the luminous flux, and are energy efficient. In addition, led lamps are constantly being upgraded and may soon compete with xenon lamps.