Xenon and halogen bulbs – Car, truck & motorcycle

The halogen bulb works with a tungsten filament heated in a halogenated gas, producing a warm light around 3200K, with a typical power of 55W to 100W. The xenon bulb (or HID) generates an electric arc in xenon gas via an electronic ballast, offering a luminous flux up to 3 times higher for a reduced consumption of 35W. Xenon produces an intense white light between 4300K and 6000K, with an average lifespan of 2000 to 3000 hours, versus 500 to 1000 hours for halogen. At AGM Vision, both technologies are available in all standardized references.

To identify the correct bulb reference, consult your vehicle’s maintenance booklet or the manufacturer’s manual, which indicates the type of base required for each light (headlight, sidelights, turn signal, reverse). You can also remove the worn bulb and read the reference engraved on the base: H1, H4, H7 for headlight halogens, D1S or D2S for xenon, P21W or W5W for signaling. AGM Vision offers complete technical data sheets, with vehicle compatibility tables, to guide you in your choice without any risk of error.

The direct replacement of a halogen bulb with a xenon bulb is not possible without modification: you need to install a xenon kit including a ballast, dedicated wiring and bulbs adapted to the original base (H1, H4, H7). This conversion is not approved for road use in France and can lead to a refusal at the technical inspection. As a legal alternative, xenon-effect halogen bulbs reproduce a white light around 5000K to 6000K while retaining ECE approval. At AGM Vision, you will find both solutions with the necessary accessories and ballasts.

The color temperature, expressed in kelvins (K), defines the hue of the light emitted by the bulb. A value of 3000K produces a warm yellow light, 4300K corresponds to the original warm white of vehicles equipped with xenon, 5000K offers a pure white and 6000K a slightly bluish white. For everyday driving, experts recommend a temperature between 4300K and 5000K, which offers the best compromise between visibility and visual comfort. AGM Vision bulbs are available in all these temperatures to suit every preference.

The replacement of a halogen bulb is accessible to everyone: switch off the ignition, open the hood, unplug the electrical connector, remove the cover and the retaining clip, then replace the bulb without touching the glass with your fingers (grease reduces its lifespan). For a D-series xenon bulb, the handling is similar, but requires disconnecting the ballast and handling the base with care. The operation generally takes 10 to 20 minutes per side. It is recommended to change both bulbs simultaneously to maintain uniform lighting.

A standard halogen bulb offers an average lifespan of 500 to 1000 hours of operation, while long-life versions reach 1500 hours. D-series xenon bulbs last significantly longer, with an average of 2000 to 3000 hours, i.e. about 4 to 5 years of normal use. Lifespan also depends on the quality of the electrical circuit and the vehicle vibrations. The bulbs sold by AGM Vision are laboratory-tested and come with a manufacturer's warranty to ensure optimal reliability and longevity.