eboggs_jkvl

I had a guy ask me why I put in 6000 Kelvin lights to replace the OEM 4300. I described it as the 4300 having a touch of yellow in the light where the 6000 was pure white with 8000 leaning to the blue or purple looking headlight color. After a little looking on the internet, I found this picture which I hope helps to distinguish the difference.





Elmer

dcpatters

I prefer 5K myself.

Often, I find varying color temperatures between HID and LED bulb manufacturers. What one rates as 6K appears like 5K or vice versa.

Great chart for color reference.

Patches

4300K is the choice of OEM's for HID's because that provides the maximum lumen output per watt. Moving up up or down on the scale (yellow or blue, reap.) reduces the bulbs overall output of visible light. I always opt for 4300K bulbs because I want every bit of extra light the headlights can provide. My commute is 45 miles of mostly unlighted winding canyon road and those extra lumens can mean all the difference to me where safety is concerned.

eboggs_jkvl

Gentlemen, my post is pure information. Ya'll can use whatever Kelvin you like.



Elmer

Patches

Just discussing here.

jcthorne

The 4300k optimum only applies to HID as its the natural color of the light produced. This is different for LED or halogen lamps.

Patches

HID's are what everyone here is referring to, I believe - that's what I called out in my post above.

MikeyTX

Also going above 4300k violates the lighting statues in most states. I know it does here in TX. That is why the aftermarket kits have a disclaimer about the product being used off road or for show use only.

eboggs_jkvl

That is sad.... I can see the purple ones but not the 6K. Oh well. If I get caught by the gendarmes I'll do what needs to be done!


Elmer

MikeyTX

Because our cars are designed for HID lighting, you shouldn't have an issue blinding on coming traffic. Our reflectors have a cutoff shield. The issue is the trolls installing the aftermarket bulb kits in cars/trucks not designed for them. Especially when it's one of the jacked up pick up trucks the kids like to drive here in TX. They blind the daylights out of oncoming traffic.

eboggs_jkvl

Ahhhh. That explains the problem. I should be good to go on this and not have any issues.



Elmer

MikeyTX

Just don't go sticking one of those f'ng high output LED light bars on the roof. That's the latest craze over here with the drug store cowboy crowd.

SnowyATX

10,340 Fahrenheit ; )

Sorry, couldn't resist.

MikeyTX

Wonder at what temperature the clear lens will melt or distort from the heat output ?