MYTHBUSTING:
XENON BULBS
Awkward, expensive and potentially
hazardous to fit? Not true, RING says.
Despite gaining popularity since the 90s, many garages
and technicians are still reluctant to fit Xenon HID (high
intensity discharge) bulbs, citing them as difficult to
fit, overly expensive, and potentially dangerous. Ring
Automotive Lighting talks to Vital News to dispel some
of the most common myths surrounding Xenon bulbs.
MYTH 1: Xenon HID bulbs
are difficult to fit
Not true - Once the
headlamps and ignition
are switched off and the
fuse removed, the bulb
can be replaced in very
much the same way
as a standard halogen
filament bulb.
ABIDE BY THE LAW!
HID conversion kits are illegal in the UK.
In order for a HID bulb to be fitted in a car
designed for halogen bulbs, the entire
headlight unit needs to be replaced.
MYTH 2:
Xenon HID bulbs must
be replaced by the
main dealer
Not true - Fitting a
Xenon HID bulb is
relatively simple;
there isn’t any reason
why independent
mechanics and
technicians cannot
fit them.
MYTH 3: You can’t tell the quality of a Xenon HID
bulb just by looking at it
Not true – All Ring Xenon HID bulbs are E marked
to identify that they meet the strict requirements
of ECE Regulation 99 – the UNECE standard for gas
discharge light sources for vehicles. Before buying,
look for the E mark (and approval number) on the
base.
EVER READY TO HELP
MYTH 4: The market for Xenon HID bulbs is in decline
Not true – On the contrary, HID headlights are expected to become more common
as the number of vehicles with HID headlamps entering the car parc is still growing.
Demand for D3S and D4 bulbs in particular is growing significantly due to changes
in legislation regarding the use of mercury. Approximately 10% of vehicles in the UK
car parc have HID headlights, a number which is expected to grow rapidly as HID
bulbs are no longer restricted to just premium or luxury vehicles.
MYTH 5: Xenon HID bulbs last forever
Not true – While you can expect Xenon HID headlights to last
2-3 times longer than standard halogen headlights, Xenon
HID bulbs will change colour temperature during their service
lifespan, and eventually their light output will fall. With this in
mind, Ring recommends replacing both Xenon HID bulbs at
least every five years, to ensure light output is consistent.
8 XENON HID BULBS
To help ensure that installers fit
Xenon HID bulbs correctly, Ring has
developed fitting guides which are
available on request from your FPS
representative, and fitting videos
which can be found at
www.youtube.com/RingAuto
LIGHTING THE WAY
HID bulbs offer motor factors a strong upsell
opportunity as customers can benefit from better
visibility from the crisper, whiter light provided by
HID bulbs, with better energy efficiency.
FPS stocks a comprehensive range of Ring Xenon HIDs,
including the newest D5 reference, which are available
for same/next-day delivery.
Speak to your local FPS representative or check the
F:Drive for details of the full range.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 52