High intensity discharge headlights
 Better known as HIDs or the same thing, Xenons. They've been here for a couple of years, one of the best investments for practicality, and show. Very sought after, often misused, seldom understood. I guess if you're a Zerotohundred.com freak, you'd know the bulbs are xenon gas filled, powerful ballasts up the voltage, charges the ions and you then you have lights brighter than stock candlelight headlights, that is more energy efficient, runs cooler and looks cooler. How nice.  Okay, so they might not be something you'd buy in a heartbeat. In most cases, they retail from RM1300 onwards. Anything lower, you're not getting a better deal, you're just getting what you pay for or worse, they're not even worth the price. You see, a lot goes into the manufacturing of HID systems. The electronics in the ballast and the precision in the bulbs. They not only determine the duration of life, but equally important, performance. A good and purpose-built HID system delivers those attributes. As the cost of manufacturing is decreased for the purpose of affordability, so does everything else. Its just way of life.  Good HID systems may not be very affordable, but that doesn't mean they're expensive. For the price range of RM1300 - RM2500 of something that's made competent to European pioneers is a bargain!. Alright, you may be lost now. Don't confuse the terms affordable and cheap. When it's affordable, it may not be cheap. A Mocha Frappucino at Starbucks might be affordable for the level of enjoyment you get both from the drink as well as the ambience, but it's not cheap for a cup of coffee!. Still don't get it? nevermind. 
Now, you may think i'm trying to sell you Aura HID systems that paid for this. That's the purpose really. I'm not afraid to say Aura actually produces one of the best HID Systems around. They actually produce their systems in their manufacturing labs in Australia. Okay, the packaging may not be anywhere near spectacular. It doesn't come with silk or velvet laid packaging. I think that's pretty unfortunate. But in the end, like ladies, it's what's inside that matters and how it "performs". 
SO, how does it fare. Having played with a few HID systems since 2000, Let me just put them in categories. 
Manufacturing wise Packaging aside, once you unfold the primary box, you also unfold the 5 well-labeled boxes inside. 
The Ballasts. The lack of auxiliary "starter" makes this kit different from the Korean systems. Good. The shell of the ballast is made from high-quality, high-temperature plastics. Since it's a retrofit system which differ from a factory fitted HID that is always fitted in or close to the headlight clusters, it'd better withstand the heat. The wiring harness is built in the ballast system. This insulates the ballast from dust and moisture, which all of us know is bad for electronics. In fact the ballast is completely insulated. 
The Bulbs What you would expect from a high quality system, firstly, the precise engineering of the various bulb type fitments. This is crucial for retrofit systems as it determines the focus of the light beam. Most mass produced systems fail in this aspect, thus messing the beam focus. A good retrofit will ensure the light arc from the HID bulb matches that of the stock halogen's which will provide the exact beam focusing projected or reflected by the headlight cluster. If the bulb doesn't sit properly or the arc isn't where it supposed to be, there's no easy to solve this. You don't want to screw up in this aspect.  The Harness Thick high-tolerance wires runs in the insulated harness. This is also different from most retrofit systems that only provide an insulation "sleeve" which just doesn;t serve a purpose at all. high voltage runs through the HID system, it's not hard to understand why a well-built harness is important. Moving on, the harness ends with a big idiot-proof insulated socket assembly. Not just so you wont mess up big time with the connections, but it also ensures the flow of current. They're also made of the same high-quality plastics to prevent brittleness. 
Aura's Double Chamber Systems They even have double-chamber bulbs for single headlights. What this means is double-bulbs double ballasts for each headlight. Let's say you drive a 2000 Honda Civic. You could choose to drive without high beams with Aura's regular H4 systems or actuated reflector double beam systems or these revolutionary double-chamber systems.  First pair of xenon bulb takes care of the low beams and the second pair blasts further for high beam. That's dedicated lighting All in all, Aura offers a great package. They cater for all range of bulb types and fitments which means all cars. Whether standard replacement xenon bulbs or full retrofit kits, They deliver it with technology and quality in mind. Log on to http://www.auraxt.com.au If you need information on where to get your hands on them, contact Distributor Janedken: Email: [email protected] Phone: 03-8070 8387 Mobile: 012 308 9508 Mobile: 012 334 3296 Mobile: 012 610 3223 |
Last edited:
