Xenon lamps

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Xenon lamps.Is the light similar to halogen lamps or does it differ (as is the case of indoor tubelights and CFL lamps. The quality of light between these two varies a lot) 2. The verna has 55/60W lamp as standard fitting. These are not bright enough. Will the power requirement go up if I replace it with Xenon lamp. Do I need a special kit for that or is it just the replacement of the bulbs? 3. Will the switch to xenon lighting nullify the warranty of the wiring system in a new car? 4. If the xenon requires a separate kit or nullifies the warranty, then can I just replace the bulbs with 85/90W bulbs without harming/overloading the car electrical system or nullifying the warranty?

Dear Sunil,

1. They provide brighter, better focused light. Visibility in light's area is increased upto an extent but at the same time problem is light is very much focused, light doesn't scatters towards sides.

2. No, you don't need any special kit or something. Power requirement would be same as these Xenon bulbs too come in 55/60W. Replacement is very much easier, won't take more than 15 minutes.

3. Nope!

4. You go ahead with Xenon lamps, no problem as such.



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1. The verna has 55/60W lamp as standard fitting. Can I replace the 55/60W halogen bulbs with 85/90W halogen bulbs without harming/overloading the car electrical system or nullifying the warranty? 2. What is roughly the standard cost of Xenon lamps?

Dear Sunil,

1. We don't think so. Though 85/90W won't make too much load on wiring etc but still since your car is new and is under warranty you just cannot play around with it.

2. Must be within 1000 rupees.



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Banwari Sir,

 I have replaced Philips crystal vision lamp in my santro of same wattage , But I am not able to see more than 30 feet ahead on highway even in high beam , please suggest weather it needs setting of head light OR its limitation of Xenon lamps . In advertise of this lamp seller has quoted high beam than normal lamp.

Please replly

Banwari Sir,

 I have replaced Philips crystal vision lamp in my santro of same wattage , But I am not able to see more than 30 feet ahead on highway even in high beam , please suggest weather it needs setting of head light OR its limitation of Xenon lamps . In advertise of this lamp seller has quoted high beam than normal lamp.

Please replly

Xenon headlamps first entered the Indian automobile market on the Ford Mondeo 6 - 7 years ago.  They were installed on the Mercedes Benz E -class as OE shortly afterwards.  They became popular with the success of the Skoda Octavia.  Normally Xenon bulbs come as a full kit along with bulb holders, relays, wiring and fuses.  Higher wattage than OE - fitted bulbs can overload your vehicle's electrical system and cause premature failure of the battery and alternator.  As the light emitted by these bulbs is whiter and brighter than comparable halogen bulbs of the same rating they are generally installed in vehicles equipped with automatic headlight beam adjustment which continously takes inputs regarding road surface, vehicle acceleration / deceleration and steering angle.  This system adjusts the headlight beam real time to avoid dazzling other motorists and road users.  Pl. discuss with your authorised dealer or vehicle manufacturer for their recommendations and if possible purchase your requirements from them.  Otherwise , please purchase from the authorised dealer of the bulbs as spurious blue-tinted bulbs are being passed off in the market by unscruplous persons as Xenon bulbs.  You need to ensure that your headlight unit including reflector and lens are scratch-free andcompatible with Xenon bulbs since these bulbs generate more heat than halogen ones.  If improperly matched the reflector or plastic lens installed imodern car headlights may get damaged by the heat.  Lastly, please get your headlights aligned by a professional to get maximum benefit and ensure the safety of other road users. 

Dear Sir,

 As you said this bulb are halogen bulb only with blue coating with same watts as 50-65 w . I have ordered it from E Bay (Bombay ).But it gives decent white light , only problem is the beam is not long . My vehicle is hardly 8 month old Santro Xing . Please tell me can it viod the warranty as I have paid for 3 year extened warranty. Also can it damage the head light unit ?

Dear Mr. Yogesh,

Pl. re-install your original bulbs and and judge the beam quality and characteristics.  As I had mentioned in my earlier email, please seek the advice of Hyundai's authorised dealer before changing your bulbs.  It would be advisable to write to the company and seek their recommendations on Xenon bulbs and the entire associated parts.  Pl. remember that the first rule about safe driving is "See and Be Seen" and you cannot afford to take any chances with your car's lights.  They are as important as tyres, brakes, horns and windscreen wipers.. 

tanweer ,i must praise the technical knowledge you have and  your posts say all that,cheers and thanks for enlightening the people here with ur views