When you are upgrading the halogen bulbs to improved HID technology, you have to buy the ballasts along with HID bulbs. You may think it is unnecessary and avoid it to save money. But, ignoring the ballasts can spell disaster.
Ballast can prove to be a rather odd concept, specially when you are accustomed to simply changing the halogen bulbs instead of spending time on ballasts. But, if you want to enjoy better vision on the road and improve the look of your car with HID lights, ballasts become necessary.
Is a Ballast necessary for your Car?
A ballast is essential in HID lighting technology because it provides the voltage to start the bulb and it also helps in maintaining an adequate flow of electrical current to the bulb. If you do not use the ballast, there will be nothing to regulate the electrical power and the bulb may use more energy and burn out quickly. On the other hand, the bulbs may draw less energy and you will be stuck with uneven lighting on the road.
Usually, HID bulbs cannot run on DC power. Quality ballast acts as DC to AC converter so that you can use the normal DC power source in the car to light the bulbs efficiently. Simply speaking, a ballast is essential if you want to enjoy the real strengths of HID bulbs.
How to find out the Right Ballasts for HID Bulbs?
Finding the best HID ballasts for your car is not as easy as it looks. Your choice will change according to the car make and model as well as your requirements.
- Is it a Change or an Upgrade?
Does your car have factory-fitted HID bulbs? If your answer is yes, the car already has a ballast and you do not need to change unless there is a problem with it. Ask an expert mechanic to check the ballast if you have a doubt. When you are looking to upgrade from halogen bulbs to HID bulbs, ballasts become a must. Without HID ballasts, the bulbs won’t function. It is essential that you buy a HID conversion kit that includes HID bulbs, ballasts, mounting elements, wiring, etc. so that the conversion is 100% successful.
- What kind of Wattage Rating do I need?
Wattage is an important factor that you should consider while buying HID ballast. It will determine the level/intensity of light that the HID bulb produces when you switch on the headlight. The most common HID ballast options available in the market are 35watts and 55 watts. Although, you may find 70watts HID ballast in the market. Many believe that higher the wattage, the brighter the light. But, do you really need more light output when 35 watts proves sufficient for everyday use? A 35watt canbus hid ballast doesn’t provide unnecessary heat to the bulbs and thus ensures, that they last for a long time.
- Do I need a Canbus Ballast?
Canbus refers to the electric system in your car that allows communication between different devices and components of the vehicle without a host computer. If your car has a Canbus system and you install a regular HID ballast, the system may get confused because HID bulbs use less power than standard halogen bulbs. It can result in the system sending you constant error warning signaling an issue with the headlights. Not every car is equipped with a Canbus system. Buy Canbus ballasts only when your car has the system.
Buying HID Ballasts: Make the Right Choice
When it comes to choosing HID ballasts for your car, you have to make a well-thought decision. Do not let confusion cloud your judgment. Choose quality over price because a premium ballast can last up to 3-5 years. If you are new to the world of HID automotive lighting, find a reliable seller who will offer high-quality products with warranty.
Are you looking for HID ballasts that last long and ensure better illumination of the bulbs? Choose Underground Lighting as your trusted automotive lighting store. We have a wide range of HID ballasts, direct replacement bulbs, HID conversion kits, LED headlights, LED strobe lights and more. Find your pick today.
