Here are the main headlight materials and technologies on the U.S. and Canadian market: Halogen headlights: Incandescent lights with a tungsten filament surrounded by argon and nitrogen gasses. Halogen bulbs are widely available, inexpensive, and dimmable. They also generate heat, use more energy, and burn out quicker than more advanced headlight technologies. (Non-halogen incandescent headlights are available, but used mainly in classic cars.) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights: Also called Xenon headlights, for the gas that powers these lights in much the same way neon lights work. HID lights last up to eight times as long as halogen lights, can shine up to twice as brightly, and can illuminate a larger area using less energy. They’re also more expensive and can blind oncoming traffic if not installed properly and used judiciously. (HIDs can often be left on low beam where halogen lights would be switched to high beam, and some HID systems let drivers customize how much light to project.) Beware the Glare: HID bulbs should be installed by a trained technician Before you install an aftermarket HID upgrade, check your local laws. Aftermarket HID kits are available, but they’re illegal in some jurisdictions due to the risk of glare to other drivers. Again, talk to us at your local Midas if you’re interested in HID headlights. LED headlights: An emerging option that balances some of the pros and cons of halogen and HID headlights. LED headlights offer better brightness and coverage than halogen, while using less energy, without the glare of HID. Unfortunately, they can also generate heat in surrounding areas (though LEDs themselves stay cool). LED headlights can cost up to five times as much as HID lights, but are designed to last tens of thousands of hours.