Anyone know how long the HIDs are expected to last and what replacement elements cost?

Also, I usually leave my headlights on automatic so when I start the car in my garage they go on and turn off once I've pulled out of the garage into the sunlight.

Am I significantly reducing their life span by doing this with HIDs?

 

6.8 years...the rest i don't know...but i don't take the chance..i have mine on off all the time until it's dark

 

From what I hear (from dealers) HID is suppose to outlast the life of the car !

 

I have a hard time believing the life is 6.8 years, yet if you have factual data from a reputable source then that's an inaccusable life expectancy.

 

I've also read that HID's are supposed to last the life of a car. Meaning they shouldn't need replacing for a loooong while. Also, when they do begin to go bad you should know b/c they will start looking dimmer. Does anyone know how HID's are covered under warranty?

 

that's what my package and warranty say 6.8 years and 5 years under warranty. they are phillps which is a good brand (actually made by Hella..even better brand)

If you really want me to scan my warranty card and package i will if you don't want to take my word for it...


(by the way mine are aftermarket not factory HIDS incase anyone doesn't know)

 

Well I should be a good person to answer this question cause I just got back from the dealer getting a new bulb installed. My passenger side light started acting up then finally burnt out, took it to the dealer the found out it was the bulb that had gone bad. The thing that sucks is they had to order it, I went in today and had it installed. My service advisor told me it was the first HID light they had ever had burn out.

It was covered under warranty but would of cost $250 for the replacement bulb.

 

ktrends...how old is your car?

 

99 w/ 20k on the clock

 

Hmm thats very strange. Maybe you got some moisture on the bulb?? It can't possibly be the bulb itself just burned out.

 

FYI guys,
When out shopping for a GS at various dealerships, I found one GS3 in the showroom. Sitting inside was a proud dad and his year old son in the front. The son was playing with the steering and eventually found the high beam light. I said to myself (This should be interesting). The son proceeded to flash the high beams on and off in rapid succession (HIDS and High Beams On). After about the 6th time, there was a flash and pop on the passenger side. The Passenger side HID bulb had blown. The remainder continued to work. Hows that for life expectancy?

Despite that, I bought a GS and try very hard not to flash anyone and ligts on only when I need them. No matter what the dealer says, ALL bulbs are a wear and tear item.

Hope this was interesting.

 

Well I better stop flashing my high beams.. I get so pissed off at times when you are in the fast lane on a 3 or 4 lane freeway and some idiot is having his Sunday drive in the fast lane.. A quick flash and voila he/she gets the hell out of my way..

I'm sure we all do that from time to time.. But back to the HID life span.. They should last the life of the car from all the stuff I have read but maybe you guys are right and i'm wrong.. Oh well..

 

You can't turn on the HIDs and high beams at the same. The HIDs are only for the low beams. You can't turn on the HIDs without the key, so I suspect the kid just blew the high beam (regular) bulb.

[update - cdn2k - my apologies, I now know I was wrong on this one]

 

actually, you CAN turn them on... try this:

w/the lights off, pull the light stick toward u, turning on the high beam.. both the HID & highbeam will both turn on as long as u hold the stick in that position...

 

disc108 is correct!

Give that man a cigar!