[gaugeguru]

I already have a 5000k digital ballast HID kit and I have had one light die so far. The kit is covered under warranty and I'm going to get a free replacement.

I guess what I'm trying to find out is, is it bad for an HID kit to be on when the car is cranking / starting. You can see the flicker. I think this condition is called "hot re-strike". The purpose of the relay is to allow the kit to run off of the battery so when the car is cranking with the lights on, there will be no flicker / hot re-strike.

I noticed before my light died, my girlfriend had turned on the lights before starting the car (which I never do) and then I saw a strange flicker on one light, which eventually died on me.

Knowing what a hassle it is to change the lights, I think I should install a relay this time to avoid having to change lights a few months from now when there is snow all over the ground.