What are the differences between halogen and xenon lights?
2 Answers
The differences between halogen and xenon lights are: 1. Different lighting effects: Halogen lights provide uniform illumination; Xenon lights produce concentrated light with darker sides. 2. Different durability: The average lifespan of halogen lights is 500 hours; Xenon lights have an average lifespan of over 30,000 hours. 3. Different energy efficiency: Halogen lights have a power of 55w; Xenon lights consume 35w. 4. Different illumination width: Halogen lights illuminate about 4.4 meters wide; Xenon lights cover approximately 5.2 meters. 5. Different light intensity: Halogen lights emit yellowish light, which is less noticeable in dark conditions, with a maximum output of 1200 lumens; Xenon lights are 300% brighter than halogen lights, with a maximum output of 4500 lumens.
Let me explain the difference between these two types of headlights from a practical usage perspective. Halogen lights are traditional bulbs, inexpensive and easy to replace—just a few dozen yuan at an auto parts store will do the trick. They emit a warm, yellowish light that performs well in rain and fog with good penetration, but they're noticeably not bright enough when driving on highways at night. Xenon lights, on the other hand, are like two small bolts of lightning, requiring high voltage to ionize gas for illumination. They're over three times brighter than halogen lights, making the road exceptionally clear. The downside is their cost—a single bulb can start at three to four hundred yuan for a cheap one, and they must be paired with specialized lenses to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Retrofitting also requires adding ballasts, and if they fail, the repair costs can be painfully high.
