FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not sure which parts I need, but can I send a picture for you to look at?

Please send us pictures of any parts you would like us to see, so we can help you determine the proper replacement for your vehicle. In your email, send us your name, contact information, year/make/model of vehicle, and any additional information you would like to provide to [email protected].

I heard there is a special way to handle Halogen bulbs, is this true?

You shouldn’t touch the glass portion of a halogen bulb, as any debris, even oil from your skin, can shorten the life of the bulb. Wearing gloves while handling bulbs or working on your vehicle will protect your hands and sensitive components from dirt and grime.

Should my headlights be getting warm when I use them?

Your headlights will be warm to the touch from the heat generated by the bulb. The filament inside of a headlight bulb can reach temperatures of over 4000º F while the temperature of the glass surface of the bulb can exceed 150º F. This means that heat will naturally radiate to the exterior surface of your headlights. This intense heat is also what will help your headlights remain condensation and moisture free. However, to prevent burns or other injuries, be sure to let bulbs and headlight assemblies cool completely after use before handling.

What is an HID light bulb?

HID stands for "High Intensity Discharge". These bulbs use an electric arc rather than the glowing filament in a Halogen bulb. HID headlamp bulbs do not run on low-voltage DC current like a Halogen Bulb, so they require a ballast, which controls and regulates the flow of current. This ballast will require an ignitor to light the bulb. This is either integrated directly into the bulb or as a separate unit which is occasionally part of the ballast, similar to fluorescent bulbs in your home. In a vehicle, HID bulbs tend to be much more expensive to replace than a Halogen bulb.

Are there other names for HID bulbs?

HID lights can also be referred to as Xenon bulbs (though not all Xenon bulbs are HID). Some vehicle manufacturers also use Bi-Xenon headlights, headlights which use an HID low beam bulb in combination with a halogen high beam bulb.

What is Xenon and why is it better?

Xenon is an inert gas that allows a bulb to produce a brighter light with a longer life than a standard halogen bulb.

How do I know I’m buying the correct headlight for my vehicle?

Before purchase, we advise you to verify your year, make, and model by referencing the VIN tag by your driver side door to make sure you are starting with accurate info. If you have any questions, please contact us before placing an order, and we will help you determine the correct parts for your vehicle.

Do you carry bulbs that are brighter than stock bulbs?

Yes we do. Check out our PERDE Xenon and Krypton bulbs while looking up your vehicle. These cast a brighter, white light that reflects well off the road and allows you to see further in the dark. In most cases, these only use 35 to 65 watts. Here at headlightsdepot.com, we offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on perde bulbs. That's how much we believe in this product!

Can I replace my stock Halogen headlights with HIDs?

Replacing stock Halogen headlights with HIDs would require some modifications, especially where the wiring is concerned. While the lamp can sometimes fit into the opening on the front of the vehicle, your stock lamps will use different bulbs, sockets, fuses, relays, and wiring than most HID bulbs. You may want to check with your local mechanic for advice if you have never attempted this type of conversion before.

What are Projector lights?

These types of lights used to be more popular on most European vehicles, but are becoming common on other makes and models. Projector lights are lights that have a filament located at one focus of a reflector, and a round glass or heavy duty plastic condenser lens at the front of the lamp. These lenses in front of the light bulb distribute the light evenly across the front of the vehicle, and can give a larger range of visibility for the driver. The bulbs themselves are usually common Halogen bulbs that can easily be changed.

What is a "Halo" light?

Halo lights are lights arranged in a ring around the headlights themselves. You've probably seen them on some cars, such as BMWs, where they are the factory option. In some cases the effect is achieved with bulbs, while on other vehicles it's done with fiber optics. Halo Lights can be a popular upgrade to make your car or truck stand out at night. Please be aware that most of theHalo lights we sell typically have to be manually wired up to your existing wiring harness. This is because your stock vehicle did not have Halos, and there is no wiring pigtail for them on the factory harness.

Do the headlight assemblies include bulbs?

For the most part, no. The stock replacement headlight assemblies are a direct equivalent to what is being taken out of the car. You can reuse your old bulbs and sockets, which should fit right in with no modifications needed. Some of the aftermarket units do use different Halogen bulbs than the stock ones. In those cases, we sell the requisite bulb, and really, with the great deal we have on PERDE light bulbs, you can't go wrong with fresh, new bulbs.

I have moisture in my headlamps. What's that all about?

Your old lights probably had moisture or condensation in them too, but the older, dulled and oxidized lens makes moisture less noticeable. Now that you have those new clear lights on your nice car, all of sudden you’re really looking at them, which is completely normal. Without going into too much detail, It's a fact that condensation happens just about anywhere. If there's a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the lens, moisture will occasionally develop, and, since your Halogen headlight bulbs put out some heat, the inside of the headlight is full of warm air while the outside is cooler. This is sort of like how the front window on your car can fog up and you have to turn on the defroster vent to clear it all away: The condensation in your headlights will usually dissipate after the headlights are turned on, as the heat of the lights evaporates the moisture. Your high beams will usually produce more heat to clear any condensation more quickly.

Will I have to adjust my headlights after installing them?

You may well have to adjust the headlights after installation. If it's possible, when you take the old assembly out, you should match up the new adjusters with the old ones. Adjust the new light as close to that on the old units as you can. That way, any adjustments you have to make on the car once they are installed will be minimal. Our headlight assemblies have the same or improved adjusters as the stock units, and there are many videos on Youtube on how to adjust lighting. Check your owners manual too, since not all vehicles are adjusted the same way. Finally, when adjusting, make sure your car is level, with a full tank of gas.

Why does my headlight have a larger gap between the body and light housing after installation?

Installing new headlights on your vehicle can result in fitment issues if they are improperly installed. Many times an alignment post is not inserted correctly, or a bracket is not tightened to the correct torque. In other cases, the incorrect part is being installed. We want to know if you have any installation issues with your new parts as soon as possible, so that we can help you figure out exactly what is wrong. Please contact us so we can help you save time with any questions you might have if something does not appear to fit correctly..

What kinds of tools will I need to install my headlights?

We can provide you with installation instructions if you are unsure of what tools are needed, so please contact us for more information about your specific vehicle and parts you have purchased.