Xenon Headlight (HID)
A xenon or HID headlight creates light with an electric arc in a gas-filled bulb instead of a glowing filament.
What is Xenon Headlight (HID)?
They are brighter and whiter than halogen bulbs. An igniter and ballast supply very high voltage to start the arc. In many regions xenon lights require automatic levelling and headlight washers. Xenon bulbs take a few seconds to reach full brightness, so many cars use a separate halogen or LED lamp for high beam flashing.
How it works
A high-voltage pulse ignites the arc, after which the ballast keeps it stable.
Why it matters for your car
Bulbs that flicker, change colour or go out often need replacing; replace in pairs. The system uses high voltage; switch off lights and follow safety instructions.
Other terms
- 12-volt Socket (Accessory Socket)
- Axle Articulation
- Bar (Pressure Unit)
- Boot Capacity (Cargo Volume)
- Dynamic Load Management
- Exhaust System
- Flex-Fuel Vehicle (E85)
- High-voltage Cable (Orange Cable)
- Ignition Coil
- Interior Fragrance System
- Propeller Shaft (Prop Shaft)
- Purge Valve
- Shift Solenoid
- Sill Repair (Rocker Panel Repair)
- Small Overlap Crash Test
- Snow Foam
- Sun Visor
- Turbo Lag
- Wheel Bearing
- Wideband Oxygen Sensor (Air-fuel Ratio Sensor)