Tuning

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

Xenon headlights appeared on the market about 20 years ago and made a small revolution. The bright headlights introduced into executive cars caused great delight among drivers. Like all innovations, xenon light has gradually appeared in all classes and can now often be found in compact class cars. This market has opened up the accessory trade with xenon headlight retrofit kits. It's important to be careful. Switching to xenon is not as easy as you might think and comes with a number of legal risks.

noble light with noble gas

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

Xenon — noble gas, like argon or helium . Like neon, it can be used as a lighting gas. It is under high voltage in a small reactor, causing it to catch fire. Therefore, the xenon headlight can not be powered by normal car voltage 12 - 24 Volts and requires a transformer.

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

In xenon headlights, this transformer is also called the ballast. It generates the necessary voltage 25 Volts for xenon lamp.
Its installation presents the least problem for the operation of xenon lighting.

Advantages and disadvantages of xenon headlights

Xenon headlights would not be so popular if they did not have a number of significant advantages . It:

Best Light Power: The main advantage of xenon headlights is the significantly improved illumination compared to H4 incandescent bulbs. They shine so brightly and clearly that their light color is like daylight.
Energy Saving: despite the higher operating voltage and improved light output, xenon headlights are significantly more energy efficient than light bulbs.
Life time: A xenon lamp usually lasts the lifetime of a vehicle, at least much longer than 100 km.


On the other hand, there are the following disadvantages:

Expenses: Retrofit kit worth approx. 1500 euros . The problem is that modular replacement is hardly possible. In the event of a malfunction, the entire system must be replaced. The €150 bulbs are also significantly more expensive than even the highest quality H4 bulbs.
Maintenance and repair: Xenon lighting repair is a garage job. It goes without saying that garages don't like to work with DIY installations. Therefore, also in the case of modernizing the garage should be consulted. You receive not only a guarantee, but also extensive service in the event of a defect.
Danger to other road users: The main disadvantage of xenon headlights is the potential danger they pose to other road users. As soon as its glass becomes dirty or the headlight adjustment is broken, oncoming cars will be blinded. Therefore, the rules for permitting the use of xenon are very strict.
Complex build: The xenon system consists of several components that only indirectly affect the lighting characteristics. In particular, headlight adjustment and washer systems are technically complex and their assembly is a major problem.

Effective yet sensitive

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

Since xenon is very bright , you need to make sure that the light is directed correctly. If the headlights are not adjusted properly, they pose a danger to oncoming traffic. An incorrectly adjusted or dirty xenon lamp is just as inconvenient for other road users as a high beam headlight. Xenon headlights are given great attention when checking for MOT. The check is even more stringent if it is a retrofit kit. Most of the kits available from the dealer are not designed for road traffic. Two important components are often missing.

Xenon only with washer and headlight range control

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

The use of xenon lighting in traffic requires a headlight washer system. Currently, this is done with high pressure nozzles. Mini wipers, very popular in the 70s, are no longer used for several reasons:

The form: the shape of modern headlights is too complex to be cleaned with a windshield wiper.
Reliability: The mini windshield wiper is very prone to wear. Its cleaning power very soon ceases to be sufficient or even causes damage to the headlight.
Material: Modern headlights are currently covered with Plexiglas covers. This material scratches easily and wears out quickly when cleaned with an electric windshield wiper.
Therefore, only automatic high pressure nozzles are used. . The sprayers are also equipped with a pump, a rinsing water tank and an electronic control that activates the rinsing process when necessary, as well as providing manual control. This requires a dashboard switch.
On the other hand, the headlight leveling system is significantly less problematic. . This feature is mandatory for all cars built in 1990, so when switching to xenon lighting, headlight range control is often present. However, the installation of a headlight range control requires a level sensor to automatically adjust the level according to the conditions.

Legal consequences of illegal xenon lighting

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

Use of unauthorized xenon lighting in whole or in part prohibits the use of the car in motion . The vehicle may be suspended for police use until it is re-equipped. You can also expect a high fine of up to £220. Even more serious consequences in the event of an accident: liability insurance can initially cover the damage, and then collect all payments from the culprit .

No ads: only Hella for now

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

The only manufacturer currently offering retrofit kits for xenon lighting suitable for use in road traffic is Hella. This manufacturer of original parts and OEM parts has the expertise, experience and legal background needed to develop high quality products. Until now, all other manufacturers are not approved for road traffic. We strongly recommend that you check the information on the packaging. Legally, a general authorization for use in road traffic must be explicitly stated. If it only mentions " Exclusively for rally purposes ” or similar, this means that the lighting is legally unsuitable for use in traffic. In this case, we can only say to the tuners: hands off .

Even better: original parts

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

The easiest way to get a xenon lighting system is from a used car. This technology has been on the market for 20 years and the used car market offers many "victims" eligible for donation technology, although this is only possible within the same vehicle type. Using used parts can save you a lot of money. The lamps themselves are quite expensive. Including all the technology, a xenon lighting system costs several thousand pounds as a new component.

Conclusion: think carefully

How to convert xenon headlights - a very difficult but still special project

It would be careless to highlight the benefits of xenon lighting without pointing out the installation difficulties. In general, the project "transition to xenon" is a special task that requires careful study. The benefits can be considerable due to better lighting performance, it is expensive to buy. If a car does not justify an upgrade due to its base cost, other tuning measures are more appropriate.

Modern H4 bulbs also offer interesting lighting characteristics, so it doesn't have to be xenon. Until now, the LED is not an alternative. While this technology is available for flashlights, car manufacturers are lagging behind: real, high-performance LED-based headlights are not yet available as a retrofit kit . However, technology is advancing very quickly.

Therefore, it is worth waiting two or three years. LED is generally much easier to maintain than xenon. Undoubtedly, very interesting novelties are on the way.

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