Why did one of the xenon headlights suddenly turn yellow?

[ZaneLee]

The reason why one of the xenon headlights suddenly turns yellow is that as the usage time increases, the color temperature drops below 5000k and it will obviously turn yellow. Here is some extended information about xenon headlights: 1. Definition: It refers to a high-pressure gas discharge lamp. The xenon lamp is a heavy metal lamp. By filling the anti-ultraviolet crystal quartz glass tube with a variety of chemical gases, such as xenon and other inert gases, and then using a booster to instantly increase the vehicle's 12-volt power supply to 23,000 volts, under high voltage, xenon will be ionized and produce a light source between the two poles of the power supply. 2. Advantages: It has three times the light intensity of ordinary halogen bulbs, but consumes only two-thirds of the energy. On the other hand, xenon bulbs use a light color that is almost the same as daylight, creating better visual conditions for drivers. Xenon headlights make the light range wider and the light intensity greater, greatly improving driving safety and comfort.

[Archer]

I also encountered the issue of xenon headlights suddenly turning yellow last year, which felt quite strange. The yellowing is usually caused by aging bulbs or deterioration of the internal gas, which happens after prolonged use of xenon lights. It could also be due to unstable power supply, such as fluctuations in battery voltage or loose wiring, preventing the bulb from emitting light properly. At the time, I simply checked if the bulb socket was loose, and after finding no major issues, replacing the bulb solved the problem. If the bulbs keep malfunctioning, it’s worth checking whether the ballast is faulty, as it controls the current. Yellowed headlights not only look bad but also provide poor illumination at night, increasing the risk of accidents. It’s best to address the issue promptly, ideally by having a professional shop install new lights. Remember, regular headlight maintenance can help prevent such unexpected issues.

[SanMartin]

I found that the yellowing of xenon headlights is mostly related to electrode degradation. Over time, impurities accumulate on the internal electrodes, altering the light emission color. It could also be due to insufficient or excessive voltage, causing the lamp to malfunction. When checking it yourself, you can first use a multimeter to measure the voltage of the battery and ballast, or check if the lamp socket contact is good. If one side of the light is yellow and the other white, it might be an issue with a single bulb—just replace it, don't delay. After the light turns yellow, the brightness drops significantly, making nighttime driving more difficult and increasing safety risks. I recommend regularly checking battery health and avoiding installing incompatible electrical devices to prevent voltage instability that could lead to similar issues. Replacing the lamp promptly is much easier than dealing with repairs later.

[ODiana]

Yellowing lights often indicate the bulb's lifespan is ending. HID bulbs typically last several years, but frequent switching or poor road conditions can accelerate aging. Additionally, poor circuit contact may cause discoloration, such as a blown fuse or corroded lamp base. When dealing with this, I first turn off the light to check the fuse - replace it if blown, then inspect for oxidized connectors. Don't ignore yellowing lights as they may signal imminent bulb failure. Delaying replacement can lead to complete failure, compromising nighttime visibility. Replacing bulbs yourself is simple - just purchase the same model and test the new one. Remember to work in a dry environment to prevent short circuits, and conduct a circuit test when necessary.