New Headlight Bulbs

Ste7en

Now we finally have our car back (after a whopping three and a half months in a body shop) I'm shocked at how dim the bulbs are. Last time we used it it was Summer and I don't thing we have ever had the lights on.

They are really poor (not much throw and not that bright) and very yellow looking. A quick Google and it looks like I need 'H11' bulbs. I don't want anything too bright (don't want to dazzle everyone around me) and I don't want those blue tinged ones.

I suppose I'm looking at halogen. But what would you recommend? Any good makes out there?

Dave Brand

Look at the high-performance bulbs from Osram or Philips - I've used both. Any of the road-legal bulbs will greatly improve headlight performance without, in my experience (i.e. I don't get flashed my oncoming vehicles) dazzling other drivers.

If you take a look here:

https://www.powerbulbs.com/store/category/car-bulbs/fitting/h11

you can see the options listed - ignore the "styling" bulbs, go for "performance".

(Other bulb suppliers are available, but I've had good service from Powerbulbs)

djbsom

I usually fit osram night breakers to my school cars as soon as I take possession. I can't think of any reason not to have an improved view down the road. They are legal because they are still the same wattage but I find they don't last quite as long.

bobflunkit

Similar to the op, we’ve just got an 11 plate golf gtd to replace a company car, and the lights seem err not as good as the newer car to say the least.

Looking to replace bulbs to improve visibility, am I being daft but do I replace both hi and dipped beam bulbs?

IronGiant

Entirely up to you.  Just do the same thing both sides

bobflunkit

What a great reply! which I just shared with the wife who didn’t get it. I, on the other hand, found it hilarious to the point when I had cramp in the rear of my brain.

djbsom

I always replace both,  it just so happens that the captur has H1 bulbs for both dipped and high beams so I just bought six so I have spares. I have a noticeably better dipped spread and further reach on full beam. As I said above, I can't imagine not improving the lights on a car, it's such a cheap and easy way to improve safety.

mjn

Xenon retrofit?

Ste7en

A big no by all accounts: Aftermarket HID Headlamps

mjn

I’m not talking about the chavvy aftermarket kit, but a proper OEM xenon retrofit kit, which are 100% legal.