The automotive industry is constantly evolving and improving. Car companies are devoted to continually enhancing car features and the situation is no different with headlights. The traditional halogen headlights are slowly giving way to new technologies — Xenon and Bi-Xenon lights. In this article, I decided to provide a detailed comparison of those two, to clarify the differences and help you make the right decision.
Essentially, there isn’t any major, fundamental difference between Xenon and bi-Xenon lights, as they both use the same technology. The only difference is the number of bulbs that are being used. A standard Xenon system uses 2 bulbs per headlight, while the bi-Xenon system uses a single bulb per headlight. While it’s basically the same technology, the number of bulbs still makes a big difference — I’ll explain why in a bit.
Xenon Headlights
Xenon bulbs are also known as high-intensity discharge bulbs. They have been on the market since 1997 and are getting increasingly popular. Drivers simply love the bright, white light those bulbs produce. In fact, the light is so bright that it can easily blind the drivers coming your way. That is especially true when Xenon lights are used as high beams and it can be extremely dangerous.
Moreover, Xenon lights take a bit longer to power up. The delay takes only a few seconds, but when driving in low visibility or at night, a few seconds can make all the difference in the world.
The bright high beams and the delay when turning them on and off could put you and others in danger. Thus, manufacturers found a way around this problem by combining Xenon bulbs and halogen bulbs. That’s why most Xenon headlights use Xenon bulbs for low beams and halogen lights for high beams.
This solution minimizes the risk of blinding oncoming drivers while improving long-range visibility and safety on the road. The only downside to this solution is that you’ll end up with the combination of the white light Xenon bulbs and yellowish beams of halogen bulbs. It might not be as appealing to the eye, but safety comes first.
Now, let’s examine some of Xenon lights’ pros and cons.
Xenon Headlights Pros
- Visibility: These bulbs are simply powerful. Their brightness increases visibility and provides a sharp, clear view at night. They’ll give you a sense of safety and thus boost your confidence.
- Safety: The safety component comes from the fact that Xenon uses halogen bulbs as a high beam. The chances of blinding oncoming drivers are low, therefore you are not putting neither yourself nor them in danger.
- Low beam beauty: I need to emphasize the beauty of Xenon lights once again. The bright-white, low beam is very appealing to the eye and it’s often enough for driving. Xenon beams have a wide enough range that allows you to see your surroundings very well.
- Installation: The process of installing Xenon bulbs is simple. This simplicity makes it possible for you to replace your car’s bulbs without having to go to a mechanic. No special skills or devices are needed, but a manual could be helpful. Basically, you need to remove the used bulb and fit in the new one. It takes a bit of practice, but if you are a DIY kind of a person, you should definitely give it a go. Also, when installing them, make sure to clean all the dirt and condensation from inside of them, if it is necessary.
- Fixed parts: Xenon’s lighting system features no moving parts, therefore, it’s less prone to mechanical issues and failures. This system is immune to wear and tear caused by repeated switching between high and low beams, which is not the case with the bi-Xenon system.
Xenon Headlights Cons
- Bulb failure: Even though there are no moving parts and the chances of mechanical failure are minimal, there’s an issue with the Xenon system. Due to the fact that each headlight contains two bulbs, the chances of bulb failure are higher. If either bulb fails, the entire assembly needs to be changed.
- Cost: The math here is simple. Because Xenon headlights contain two bulbs per set and 4 bulbs in total, the price is that much higher. The higher the number of bulbs, the higher the price.
- High beam: You already know the story behind this. Most Xenon systems use a set of halogen bulbs as high beams. You might consider this to be a downside, although it’s more of a matter of personal preference.
- Yellowish color: The color is the result of halogen bulbs used for high beams. They are keeping you and others around you safe, but they are not nearly as beautiful. That can be a letdown if you are particularly sensitive to the color of your headlights. On the other hand, you might just not care.
- Halogen bulbs don’t last long: Xenon bulbs last twice as long as halogen bulbs. This simply means that you are likely to change your high beams bulbs twice as often.
Bi-Xenon Headlights
You should look at the Bi-Xenon system as an improved version of Xenon, because the manufacturer came up with it in an attempt to fix the issues in the original system. Although both systems essentially use Xenon lights, the Bi-Xenon system is more of a level-up. It brings a sense of refinement to the table.
Bi-Xenon headlights use a single pair of bulbs that perform functions of both low and high beams. This was made possible by introducing a mechanical system to the headlight in order to help direct the beam accordingly. The mechanical system operates in two different ways by being responsible for a few different things.
Namely, the system can move the bulb itself and point it upwards or downwards, as well as aim it appropriately. Also, it can serve to partially block or unblock bulbs. Furthermore, the mechanical system controls bulb reflectors, moving them vertically and sideways to shine an appropriate beam. Some cars have automatic reflectors that move sideways, depending on the direction in which you are turning. That allows higher visibility with just a turning of a lever.
Bi-Xenon systems power up instantly. There’s no delay in switching from low to high beam and vice-versa. All it takes to make the change is a single flip of a switch, which overall means increased safety for you and drivers coming your way.
Ultimately, Bi-xenon technology aims to provide what Xenon technology can’t. Although it might be a modern, unexplored territory for some drivers, it’s got great potential and a bright future.
Let’s explore Bi-Xenon lights further in order to see how they compare to Xenon headlights.
Bi-Xenon Headlights Pros
- Xenon bulbs: A Bi-Xenon headlight uses one single Xenon bulb to operate; there are no halogen bulbs in this system.
- Visibility: Thanks to the type of bulbs it features, this system provides improved visibility. Regardless of the type of beam, the view is clear and sharp. I can’t stress this enough, but Xenon lights are quite powerful.
- Performance in the dark: Bi-Xenon cuts through the night much better than Xenon. You get to see more in the open line of sight, thus feeling more confident and safer when driving.
- Bi-Xenon high beam: With no room for halogen bulbs, the bi-Xenon high beam makes a big difference. Driving is made easier because you see further both ahead of you and to your sides. The view is sharp and tiny details are clearly visible. Also, you get to enjoy the bright-white Xenon beam throughout your drive.
- Cost: Since you just use one bulb per headlight, the cost of the system is lower.
- Xenon bulbs lifespan: Xenon bulbs last longer than halogens. Since the bi-Xenon system uses only Xenon bulbs, you’ll have a set of long-lasting bulbs. In the long run, this system is cost effective and maintenance isn’t as demanding.
- Beautiful beams: Remember how beautiful Xenon beams are? Well, with bi-Xenon, you get to enjoy the blueish-white color without the interference of halogen beams. Bi-Xenons are trendy and cool, plus they illuminate the road extremely well.
- Mechanical system: Switching between low and high beams is mechanically done for you by the car’s electronic system. All you need to do is flip a switch and voila. Although we’ll also look into this feature as a potential downside, it’s as convenient as it gets.
Bi-Xenon Headlights Cons
- Mechanical system/moving parts: Although convenient, mechanically moving parts increase chances for failure. The wear and tear caused by repeated movement can be damaging to those parts. It’s not really highly likely or common, it’s still something you should keep in mind.
- Brightness: As you already know, these bulbs are quite bright and powerful, and as such can also be blinding.
- Not too efficient in fog: Despite the power and the brightness of Xenon bulbs, you’ll still need to get yourself extra fog lights. Unfortunately, they are not a good fit for thick fog because the light tends to reflect too much. It seems that visibility in fog is even lower with these lights.
Xenon vs. Bi-Xenon Headlight: The Choice Is Yours
After reading this article, it’s clear that both Xenon and bi-Xenon headlights have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to make a choice, and that will depend on your needs and your preferences. Here’s a short overview of their main features and differences to help you make the right choice:
- Xenon headlights feature two bulbs per headlight; low beams use Xenon bulbs, while high beams use halogen bulbs. Beam changing is electrical. Although it’s moderately efficient, this system is more costly.
- Bi-Xenon headlights use one Xenon bulb per headlight. Both low and high beams use Xenon bulbs. Beam changing is mechanical. This system is energy efficient and less expensive. Here’s something to give an idea about how they look on the road:
In retrospect, bi-Xenon headlights might seem like a better option — they are modern, beautiful, and highly efficient. In addition to that, they are less expensive to maintain, even though they are at greater risk of suffering a mechanical failure.
On the other hand, if you are fine with frequent changing of halogen bulbs and you happen to enjoy the warm, yellowish light they emit, then Xenon headlights are ideal for you.
The bottom line is that there really is no right or wrong answer.
Still, the things you should always keep in mind are your own safety and the safety of others around you. Furthermore, your allocated budget might also play a role in deciding which option to go for, as well as the specific needs of your car.
So do your research. Watch as many videos on the topic as you can find or ask friends who have either of the two systems to give you a test ride. You should explore your options and make sure you have the most effective headlights for the safest and most enjoyable driving experience. Once you decide which one best suits your needs, head over to a garage and get it installed.
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- By CarRoar