The Different Types of Light Bulbs for Nissan and Their Purpose
Shopping for replacement car parts for your Nissan has never been easier thanks to the internet. With every single product available at the tip of your fingers, you can browse for Nissan spares for days without even getting a peek at a fraction of what’s available. Take headlights, taillights and light bulbs for example. There are hundreds of different types of housings, made of different materials and different light bulbs for just one model. While having a ton of solutions to choose from is always welcomed, not knowing what you’re looking for and what you need can actually make your shopping experience more frustrating.
Most car owners aren’t aware of the type of bulbs available nowadays, what their Nissan already has, and whether or not it’s the best option. A lot of people have no idea of the difference between LED, halogen, Xenon and HID kits, and while entering into the nearest store may seem like the better solution, keep in mind that the salesperson behind the counter has a sales target to reach, so oftentimes their advice may not be the best one for you or your Nissan. With that said, getting informed yourself beforehand so that you get a good idea of what you actually need and want when shopping for Nissan spares is probably the best way to go.
As aforementioned, every Nissan’s make, model, and year can be different from one another so figuring out what type of bulb you need can be rather confusing. Luckily, you have a lot of information on the internet at your disposal, or you can refer to the owner’s manual where you can find some relevant information there, in the lighting section of the manual, which should display the lamp, specifications and wattage of the factory bulbs. But keep in mind that not every manufacturer does that, so your last resort may be physically taking the bulb out and inspecting it yourself.
The Differences Between the Different Light Bulb Types
Filament/Halogen Bulbs
Up until recently, most vehicles used filament/halogen bulbs, which are a mixture of inert and small amounts of halogen gas. Oftentimes, Xenon gas is added in order to make the filament burn brighter and provide a larger output. Further, a blue coating can make to the bulb can make it whiter in colour, but at the cost of a small reduction of illumination intensity. Generally, bulbs with a higher wattage create more light but last less. The colour range of filament/halogen bulbs is between 2900 to 5900 Kalvins, making them quite versatile. These upgraded bulbs are usually much brighter than conventional halogen bulbs, and they last significantly longer.
LED Bulbs
LED is the most advanced lighting technology, with LED bulbs having a long-lasting lifespan of over 10 years. They come in a lower wattage, meaning they strain the battery less. Further, they provide a clinical, crisp white colour output that’s 2-3 times brighter than the colour of standard halogen bulbs. These bulbs are quickly becoming the most popular choice for Nissan car owners. However, keep in mind that some LED lights are not road legal so you’ll have to look for ones that are.
Xenon HID Bulbs
Xenon HID bulbs come in a diverse range of colours, including 8000K, 6000K and 5000K. They have a power output of about 35-55W and immense brightness levels that range between 3 to 5 times extra light. Xenon HID bulbs currently offer the brightest aftermarket upgrade option and they come with a plug and play system. Usually, they last about 3 to 5 years, and similarly to LED bulbs, most of them aren’t road legal. Instead, they’re used for off-road applications where the abundance of light is welcomed.
The Purpose of Different Light Bulbs
