According to statistics, about half of night accidents occur precisely because of poor lighting. First of all, this applies to automotive optics, which are based on halogen lamps. This is an affordable and familiar light source, so not many people decide to look for an alternative. However, xenon units can be a good choice when changing headlights. They have many advantages, including high radiation brightness. However, in its pure form, such lamps are rare. And here it is important to answer the question of what bixenon is. These are xenon headlights capable of providing both low and high beams.
Bixenon device
The lamps are based on the classic xenon device, so there is no conventional filament in them. This glow source was replaced by electrodes, between which an electric arc-shaped discharge is formed. Actually, it provides a bright glow, for which bi-xenon is valued. The headlights contain an ellipsoid bulb with gas and metal s alts. This mixture is constantly under pressure. During operation, the lamp generates a beam of light that is superior in terms of radiation strength to standard halogen lamps. For this reason, in somecases, headlights are supplemented with special lenses or reflectors.
Since there is no filament, when using conventional xenon, it is impossible to get a transition in low beam and high beam modes. To understand what bixenon is, you should again turn to the reflector. It is thanks to its function that it is possible to use different modes of light supply. The traditional design provides for the installation of two flasks in one base. The reflector, in turn, acts as a curtain, switching which allows you to change the low beam to the high beam.
Advantages and disadvantages of bi-xenon
If we talk about technical and operational advantages, then first of all there is a wider light beam compared to halogen, the supply of radiation with a warm spectrum, low power consumption and stability of the lens. Bi-xenon significantly improves the quality of the glow in bad weather and at night. Again, compared to halogen lamps, xenon practically does not heat up. As a result, car headlights do not overheat, and the dirt on the surface does not dry, which is convenient in the maintenance of optics.
In addition to energy savings, the owner can also look forward to cost savings due to the longevity of the lamps. Here we must remember what bixenon is from the point of view of the device. This is a light source that does not have a filament, that is, the device does not burn out. For comparison: the operating life of xenon headlights reaches 3000 hours, and halogen provides only 400 hours.
Disadvantages of bi-xenon
The main part of the negative factors in the use of this type of lamp refers to low-quality devices, which, moreover, were incorrectly installed. In such cases, there is a risk of dazzling oncoming vehicles if the background illumination exceeds the permissible levels. External defects are also common, which nullify all the advantages of the lens. Bi-xenon in this case can distort the color reproduction, providing iridescent light. This is a significant point, since the spectrum for car headlights is very important for perception. For example, the predominance of blue and purple shades does not allow drivers to quickly adapt to areas with poor lighting. And this is not to mention possible deviations in the direction of the light beam. In proprietary optics, for example, the electric arc is oriented in a strict direction, providing a stable and even light. But, when planning the purchase of high-quality xenon, you should prepare for another unpleasant factor - high cost.
Varieties
Lamps of this type are presented in different versions, differing primarily in the design nuances of execution. The most common two-capsule bixenon. In this case, the working element is not divided into two flasks to provide two modes of operation, but into capsules enclosed in a lamp. Such models are distinguished by precise focusing, high reliability and minimal movement of component parts. Two-bulb devices have already been considered as an example of an approach to enabling light switching. This option is goodan illustration of what bixenon is and its basic design, but in practice this is not the best solution. Firstly, the alignment of the bulbs does not allow achieving good focusing, and secondly, such lamps are large in size, which causes inconvenience during installation.
There is also a hybrid version that combines a halogen light source and a gas discharge lamp. Bixenon is implemented in this way: the first element is responsible for the dipped beam, and the second for far radiation. But according to users, this is the worst use of this type of optics, since devices quickly fail due to differences in the operating parameters of halogen and xenon.
How to choose lamps?
The correct choice involves two important criteria - the compatibility of the design of the device with the socket and compliance with the voltage requirements. As for the design, first of all they pay attention to the base standard. This, for example, can be bi-xenon H4, which is widespread in Russia. There are also standard sizes of the HB, D2R, D2C and others lines. It will be useful to evaluate the quality of the compound. This is a filling of a flask on a synthetic basis, which must comply with the standards for resistance to thermal expansion. Now you can move on to the voltage indicators, which in the case of bi-xenon vary from 8 to 18 V. This value depends on the ignition unit, through which not only the lamp will glow, but its stable operation.
Producers and prices
Today in the automotive optics marketChinese manufacturers predominate, so you should be careful when choosing products. The highest quality models are offered by Osram and Hella. These manufacturers work on the basis of Philips patents, so their original lamps should not cause doubts in quality. In terms of cost, of course, these are not cheap goods, but a long service life will be guaranteed. In the higher segment, bi-xenon H4 costs about 2.5-3 thousand rubles. Options that are less attractive in quality are estimated at 1-1.5 thousand rubles. Similar offers can be found in the Sho-Me line, which is also widely represented in the domestic car market.
Installation of bi-xenon
First you need to remove the old halogen lamps. After removing the headlight covers, it is necessary to disconnect the contacts from the glow element and pull them out. Bixenon is installed in the appropriate socket and fixed with a special spring. But it is important to perform this operation so that the wires from the lamp pass through the spring and go into the engine compartment. Depending on the kit purchased, bi-xenon installation may require a hole in the headlight plugs to pass the cable through. Next, a place is selected for the ignition unit. The best solution would be a site protected from moisture and located as close as possible to the headlights. This module can be fastened with a special clamp or tape. After that, the lamps are connected to the ignition unit, which, in turn, is connected to the main electronics of the car.
Conclusion
Feedback from motorists using xenon is generally positive. Drivers note pronounced brightness indicators, as well as the stability of the radiation that forms the bi-xenon. The price of such optics, which averages 1.5-2 thousand rubles, of course, scares away many motorists. On the other hand, a well-directed light at night and detailed objects on the road in foggy conditions compensate for the financial costs. The main thing is to make the right choice of lamps during the purchase process and not miscalculate during installation.
