The Importance of Ballasts in HID Kits
We've all seen them. HID conversion is the hot topic in the motoring circles. Not only do they offer 3-4 times more power than halogen bulbs but they use less electricity and last 10 times longer than the old filament type bulbs.
What is an HID headlight then? The high intensity discharge light is a sealed glass tube which contains inert gas such as Xenon, tungsten electrodes and is powered by the car's electrical system via a ballast which controls the amount of current running towards the bulb. The electrodes have a spark jumping (arcing) across them and in the environment of the gas, this creates the light.
The different bulbs which are available work at different temperatures (measured by the heat range or Kelvin). Between 5,000-8,000K the light emitted is similar to sunlight, higher heat ranges will give a more crystal white to a blue tinge when you reach 10,000+K.
There are normally three different types of ballasts available in HID Xenon conversion kits. There are electronic, magnetic and digital ballasts. Even though HIDs are fairly a new technology which everyone is starting to upgrade their car with, the advancement in ballasts have also changed. Magnetic ones were used first, which were then controlled by electrical current then to the digital ones, which are commonly described as being the most stable and reliable. The last thing you want is the ballast failing as this will destroy the bulbs because the electrical current will no longer be controlled.
The digital ballast runs at a higher frequency than the other two ballasts. This means it has a higher performance but also uses less power, similar to the difference between halogen and HID bulbs.
One thing is for sure, HIDs are the way forward for lighting in your car or truck. No more dull lights from yellowing halogens, only cool, white or blue lights from high intensity discharge lamps.
Used Auto Parts Keep the Planet Green
I had a big fight with my local insurance company the other day. I had an accident and I wanted my car repaired with used auto parts, because it is better for the environment but the shop I was at refused, saying they would have to do too much labor to get the new door to fit because most used parts are not in perfect condition. I decided to call my insurance company and ask them why they would not prefer to get the part at almost half the price of the new one even if they had to spend some extra money on labor with the repair shop. Their answer was a little strange, they said they are not authorized to install this type of used part after this type of accident and it was some sort of policy from head office. I then called head office and got the run-around and a similar explanation about used parts being requiring additional labor and their computer systems not being set-up to deal with it, ect....
Personally I have purchased used tires in the past and this was not making sense to me. Needless to say I was very frustrated and I have decided to start a petition to help force insurance companies to consider using used auto parts because they are better for the planet. Do your part and talk to your local insurance company and see if they are willing to consider this.