Xenon question..

[Nickmitbm]

Hi mates,
I've decided to put some xenons in my punto.I'll get a Philips kit, as I don't want to buy anything cheap and questionable..It'll cost 98 dollars from ebay. Anybody know the difference between 4500k, 6000k and 8000k?They'll cost the same..

 

[btmaldon]

The higher the number the brighter they are. I think 4500k is standard. 8000k may not be legal in some countries as these are too powerful, however they would be ideal for Rally Driving.

 

[Nickmitbm]

I think I'll go for the 6k then..Thanks a lot man.
So, with the 8k you can see better than with the rest of em or is it just a color and style issue?

 

[btmaldon]

They would be much brighter (8000 candles). Its not a style thing. The more powerful bulbs are tinted blue to reduce the heat damaging the plastic lenses most cars have these days.

Philips bulbs are great. I also recomend the Osram Night Breakers. There not blue but are 90% brighter than standard and legal in the UK.

Dont by Xenon bulbs of of eBay

 

[fifi the fiat]

I wanted to buy some for my Fiat 500, but i don't know what i need to get and i dont want to buy something that isn't right, do you know what the specification would be for them?

 

[cc1]

http://www.philips.co.uk/c/car-lamps/14238/cat/

 

[Bestia]

3000k - yellow color
4500k- between white and yellow
6000k- White
8000k- light blue
10000k- Blue

Over 6000k is illegal because they will be like Blue. You will not see better if the K is bigger is exact the opposite ex: you will see much better with 3000k , not with 8000k.

 

[Shadeyman]

Some background first.
"HID light sources also produce a blue-white light that is safer because it is closer to natural daylight. The color temperature of daylight is approximately 4200 K compared to 3200 K for halogens. The increased light output from a 35 watt XENON HID lamp is approximately 80% more light then a 55 watt halogen bulb.

Color Temperature is a measurement in Degrees Kelvin that indicates the hue of a specific type of light source. Many people believe the misconception that color temperature is a rating of the brightness of the bulb or HID kit. This belief is completely false. The reality of the matter is that the higher the color temperature, the less useable light output you will obtain. A perfect example would be a black light. This light has a color temperature of approx 12,000k and has almost no useable light or lumens output. Higher K kits such as 7000k, 7500k, etc. have been manufactured for individuals that are more concerned about the actual color output of their lights as opposed to the actual useable light output they produce."

 

[cc1]

The reason 3000k to 4500k light apears to be brighter is to do with the narrow light spectrum that our eyes work within, so the colour chosen should be one that suits your eyes.