You’ll notice xenon headlights on in a split second… their neon-like appearance and beams of light. It’s usually that uncommon, very distinctive light beam that catches the attention — “I want those headlights!.”
Xenon headlights are not just for style, though probably that grabs the attention and probably is the deciding factor when deciding to purchase a pair of headlights.
Just how efficient are they though? Actually they’re very efficient… xenon headlights are among the brightest and furthest reaching aftermarket headlights available. Although they are legal, some oncoming drivers might find them distracting; they do have a rather pointed, penetrating beam. As long as they are aligned properly though, they are legal, and most drivers facing them do not have a problem concerning glare, or being temporarily blinded by them.
Xenon headlights have a rather unique construction. A xenon headlight is completely filled with xenon gas. The gas is colorless, and it is odorless. It is found in small amounts in the earth’s atmosphere. The construction of a xenon headlight is rather complex, consequently they tend to be more expensive. That’s because in that construction process air is split into nitrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is then turned completely into liquid. The liquid oxygen contains small amounts of Xenon and krypton. That’s mostly tech talk, but the result is a light beam that is brighter than most and particularly useful at night on badly lighted roads.
They can be dangerous if somehow they are shattered. You certainly do not want to breathe any of the xenon gas. It could place you in and anesthetic state. The headlights are made of glass usually, as plastic cannot safely contain the gas.
Xenon headlights cost more, need to be treated with more care concerning safety, though with proper handling they are not particularly dangerous. They are desirable though, because of their unique, stylish beam of light… and a particularly strong, far reaching beam of light it is.