Is it ok to turn on/off the HIDs frequently? I know it's bad with the halogens. I'm asking because at night I like to leave the lights on and let the car shut it off when I lock the doors.

The fogs are bright! On my 2001 Maxima the fog lights doesn't seem to make a difference if there on or off.

 

The bulbs list for $169.00 each! There was a thread a while back which gave the life of the bulbs. I can't remember but I think the bulb life was 2,000 hours, and the writer also said that turning them on and off shortens their life.

I wonder if the warranty will cover the bulbs or if they are considered a wear item like brake pads.

Too lazy to look all of this up now, so I will let someone else that knows better add to this.

 

HIDs life is shortened by frequent off/on. My Infiniti actually had a 5 min off timer on them so when you stop for gas and stuff the lights don't turn off for a quick stop. Their owners manual specifically warned againt frequent cycling. The other down side to HIDs is they usually progressively dim with age, unlike Halogens and such whihc usualy just burn out. But they are a brighter cleaner light. Remember the high-beams in the TL are the HIDs as well, which sucks, not as eager to flash to pass or warn oncoming traffic of speed traps as I used to be.

 

There is only one bulb, which is for both high beams and low beams. When you put your lights on low beam, and then change to high beam, a door flips up (you can hear the noise it makes) and allows the upper part of the beam to shine through, changing to the high beam.

 

Ron:

This is an important point, and I want to make sure I've got this straight:

The hi-beams *are* the low-beams just with a door that allows the beam to get brighter therefore you are not hurting bulb life by switching frequently from hi to low as the bulb itself never gets physically 'brighter' or 'softer'. Correct?

The fog lights *are* a completely different bulb in the housing and using them has no impact on the regular headlamps. Correct?

I sure hope that this info is accurate as I'd be able to not be afraid to do to much hi/low switching and I could drive with the fogs on all the time too

 

This guy's HID's will probably last a month at this rate..
http://www.carpassionata.com/german/...ry/front_1.php
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