Team-BHP - Auto Lighting thread : Post all queries about automobile lighting here

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee (Post 2998971)

Try and take it back to the store, though I doubt after one year you will get any replacement. Usually you don't get any, and after one year, even the manufacturer won't offer you any.

If you don't want to upgrade to 90/100, why not stick to the stock lights? Go with a good brand like Hella or Philips. Similar to the Osram nightbreakers, Philips too has a range (ExtraPower or something) which claims to provide more light than the stock 55/60 lights.

One question I want to ask: Long ago there was a website www.indiacar.com, which had a section where you could ask automobile-related queries to their inhouse experts. I remember back then the expert on four wheelers was one Mr. S K Gupta, and he was dead against the higher wattage bulbs. His stock advice to anyone asking about the bulb upgrade was to check the reflectors.

After all the manufacturers must have put some thought into this? They couldn't make their headlights purposely built such that only 90/100 bulbs would offer better illumination?

Also since I got the Nano I am witnessing what a good headlight can do to your car. I have never even faced the need to upgrade to higher wattage bulbs. But I do get struck by wrongly aimed headlights of the oncoming vehicles.

So the question is: Is a mindless rush to upgrade the bulbs the only option? Are we forgetting about headlight aiming or checking the reflectors, just because it's 'cool' to be using higher-wattage bulbs with absolute disregard to the oncoming traffic or the law?

Thanks for the advice. Will try to find genuine philips one's.

Actually in case of headlights more is never enough hence the inclination towards higher wattage. But i agree to your point that emphasis should be made on focusing of the headlight too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee (Post 2998971)

After all the manufacturers must have put some thought into this? They couldn't make their headlights purposely built such that only 90/100 bulbs would offer better illumination?

So the question is: Is a mindless rush to upgrade the bulbs the only option? Are we forgetting about headlight aiming or checking the reflectors, just because it's 'cool' to be using higher-wattage bulbs with absolute disregard to the oncoming traffic or the law?

If there is a reason I upgraded to 100/90, it was the need for more lumen for every point that is illuminated in front of my car. Both my cars have good reflectors, with a good beam throw in both high and low beam. Only thing is that, once the length of light throw increases, say in high beam, the intensity reduces a lot. Hence, in such conditions I wanted higher light output. I never had a focusing issue or alignment issue. Hence, the 100/90 upgrade solved my problem. Whichever point is illuminated, that is done to my satisfaction.

However, some cars have reflectors itself as the culprit. So for such cars, wattage upgrade will not help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 2999039)

@honeybee; Do not forget 90/100W is ILLEGAL.

I am aware, and that's why I am against it. Of late I have started noticing so many problems with the headlights of oncoming vehicles, I am actually thinking of filing a complaint against the illegal and poorly aimed lights. I hope the cops start a campaign similar to the Chennai cops and punish all those with such blinding lights.

It's getting OT now, so I won't comment further on this topic on this thread.

Could someone please point out to me what is legal and what is not? I have got halogens focused by projectors on my Kizashi but I am planning to get HIDs installed 4000k-6000k not sure yet. I hear that projectors do not blind oncoming traffic like reflectors do, is that true? Also which are the best bulbs I can get? I just read her about how certain things are illegal. Please suggest the best possible LEGAL upgradeplease:

Quote:

Originally Posted by IshaanIan (Post 2999587)

Since you already have projectors, go for 4300k HID's. Low beam is completely safe but high beams can be irritating.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 2999599)

Philips claims XtremeVision are legal in every country of the world.

small correction, sir.

Just checked the Philips India website and only 60/55W are listed under XtremeVision. 100/90W bulbs are in the Essential Power category, and marked "For off the road usage only".

That said, they're selling the 100/90W bulbs in the market - and marked "legal". :p

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 2999952)

no-enthu-da; My statement is 100% accurate, I know that XV are 60/55 only. No need to repeat the obvious. What is happening with the other labels does not concern me?

My last line is about XV.

If I'm not wrong, I have XV 100/90 in my car and the package says they're legal. Which is in contrast to your statement about 100/90s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_enthu_da (Post 2999979)

My last line is about XV.

If I'm not wrong, I have XV 100/90 in my car and the package says they're legal. Which is in contrast to your statement about 100/90s.

If XV means extreme vision then I can assure you that they are available only in 55/60 watt. If you have got higher wattage of the same version then either you have bought a fake one or you got confused with the numbers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_enthu_da (Post 2999979)

...If I'm not wrong, I have XV 100/90 in my car and the package says they're legal...

Can u please check and let us know for sure?

Philips XV is available only in 60W/55W power rating : the universal street-legal rating.

XP used to come in 100/90W, IIRC, but they were not street-legal, and could be used only off-the-road (meaning, you could NOT use it in the regular {paved} roads ).