You can compare headlight bulbs by style, brand, color and Kelvin (brightness). There are different styles of headlight bulbs, such as white, plasma, halogen and xenon. There are also stock bulbs and performance bulbs to choose from. The stock bulbs have a lower color temperature and less Kelvin performance, meaning they are not as bright as the performance bulbs. Xenon bulbs are known for producing a whiter light beam which results in better night vision. Car owners should compare their options and then decide which kind of headlight bulb best fits their individual needs.
Determine which type of bulb best fits your car. The common easy-to-install choices are halogen, plasma and xenon bulbs. Halogen bulbs produce pure white light, the plasma bulbs are near white and the xenon light is close to daylight which is also a white light.
Consult with a professional as to which type of bulbs he or she recommends for your car. Do this by calling or dropping by the dealer to get a professional opinion. You can also ask your mechanic to give you his opinion.
Look at the different types of bulbs available, such as halogen and xenon bulbs. There are several options for color temperature, brightness, brand and type, such as stock or performance bulbs.
Study the difference between stock and performance headlight bulbs. Stock bulbs have an average lifespan which is typically 200-300 hours and an average Kelvin of 3200 with no warranty. The performance bulbs have an average to extended lifespan which is 350-400 hours depending on the type of performance bulb and a Kelvin of 3800. Some bulbs also have a limited warranty.
Compare prices of each type of bulb. The xenon bulbs are more expensive because of their pure light and the longer lifespan of the bulbs. As of November 2010, the halogen headlight bulbs cost between $15 and $50 per bulb on average. The xenon bulbs have a wider price range of $50-$200. The average price for plasma replacement bulbs is $30-$70.
