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-   -   Auto Lighting thread : Post all queries about automobile lighting here (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modifications-accessories/93908-auto-lighting-thread-post-all-queries-about-automobile-lighting-here-558.html)

You are right. In some cases, the thin factory wires are inadequate even for the stock headlamp equipment. Headlamp bulb light output is severely compromised with decreased voltage also increase in voltage could cause adverse effects when you are using a low wattage bulbs. Recent cars are coming with proper wiring which is actually sufficient for a 60/55 W bulb. Then there will be no actual use of relay in any manner. Hence I suggested to take off the relay and use it with stock wiring.

Thanks guys!

Exactly! Second that!

That's what even I'm thinking.

To clear some air, mine is a 2007 Estilo. Would putting 60/55W with a relay harm?

It wont harm anything. Yes you can use relay wiring also for a 60/55 W bulb it was just my thought that why to use a relay wiring when stock wiring is completely capable of handling the power required for the bulbs.

Thanks a ton mate :)

No harm at all.

The is no issue in keeping the relay + wiring even if a 60/55W bulb is used. Let it be there on a safe side and if Nishant wants to change / upgrade to a 100/90 bulb in future, why go through the hassle of wiring again.

Anurag.

Same thought. Thanks Anurag :)

Are you sure? Unless you really get a lemon, you don't have to worry too much about the capability of the factory wiring.
It takes some effort to fix a relay in place, seal the connectors, etc. By removing the existing relay kit, you'll have to do the same task again, should you decide to change the bulbs to 100/90 or 130/110.

The stock wiring is very much designed with some safety margin - but it's better not to test how much this margin would be - hence it's advised to use relays while up-rating the bulbs.

You can take a look at this diagram I'd made for a fellow gearhead, a few years ago:



I'd left out a few important components (fuse, the connection from battery to the HL switch on the stalk, and then to the factory fitted relay, etc) for the sake of simplicity, but this is very close to the actual wiring diagram. Hope this clears your doubts.

Thanks mate! It can't get any simpler.

Bought a pair of Philips Xtreme Vision today (INR1200 for 2)and connected it to stock wiring as the MASS technician said, they have been told by Maruti to use the stock. But the relay and its wiring remains, so if I ever wish to switch to 100/90's, I have the equipment.
I am happy with the output currently. I feel its majorly because of the new headlamp cluster; not used to such bright lighting. :)
I guess even Maruti encourages Xtreme Vision as there is MGP logo on the packing.

Now only one thing, the beams are not aligned properly! Would an amateur like me be able to align the beams?

The low beam bulb of the Manza went kaput yesterday. It was an Osram H7 12V 55W (Manza has a double barrel setup with a H7 12V 55W each for low and high beams). Went to Metro Spares in Savitri Nagar and enquired if an 80W H7 can replace the stock 55W and he advised against it. He then suggested a regular Halonix H7 which I installed. On inquiring he said that Philips Blue Vision H7 (12V 55W) were also a good replacement. They are available for Rs 450/- apiece.


My queries are

• Has anyone used these?
• How is the throw and spread?
• Is the light too white (to be rendered useless in foggy conditions)?
• Are they durable?

I want to install a good bulb without having to fiddle with the stock wiring and relays etc - just something that doesn't put load on the electricals. Inputs would be appreciated .

Cheers !

Pictured bulb seems to be fake. It's named Blue Vision which is a Philips model, but though there is a Philips logo on the carton, the bulb is almost clear whereas the actual Blue Vision by Philips has a deeper blue tint. The original bulb is mildly tinted, but this looks practically clear. See here :
http://www.powerbulbs.com/product/ph...eadlight-bulbs

EDIT: the packaging can vary by market, so it could be that the bulbs pictured are Asian market thus a little different from Euro-spec - besides, it is not the Ultra variant available now, so could be left over stock from a couple of years ago. For INR 450, it's a low risk buy, but there are better alternatives at higher price though.

For stock wattage, look up Osram Nightbreaker Plus or Philips Xtreme Vision bulbs, these are their best bulbs (+80-100% claimed brightness) in 60/55W (H4) or 55W (H7,H1). The next level of premium bulbs (+50%) is Osram Silverstar or Philips Vision Plus. Next up are Philips Premium (+30%).

General advice - stay away for all bulbs that are heavily tinted, they reduce the actual output even though the light looks whiter. One exception is the Osram Nightbreaker which is partially tinted or the tint is light/mild, hence acceptable. Keep clear of all blue tinted gimmicks - Diamond Vision, Crystal Vision.

Halonix H7 is Indian make, comes standard on Pulsar 220. I had replaced them with Osram Silverstars back in 2008, still running good. Got them for real cheap Rs 200 each, though I suspect now they're not easily available. The Nightbreaker/Xtreme Vision series are expensive, 1400-1600 a pair.

Guys, a small technical question. I am planning to replace the stock bulbs for the headlamps on my Polo with H4 Philips Xtreme Power bulbs (based almost entirely on the reviews and comments on TeamBHP) as I find the stock bulbs of very limited help at nighttime. Both the stock and the Philips are rated as 55/60W so I'm wondering how one of them emits more light. (Or am I wrong about the rating of the stock bulbs)

Expect the Philips Xtreme Vision bulbs to be 50-60% better than stock.

Anurag.

Dear Friends,

I own a 2010 Swift Dzire and have already put Philips H4 90/100 with a relay kit. Even though this set up gives better visibility than the stock 55/60 setup, the highway ride in rainy season and two way traffic is very difficult. This setup gives near zero visibility in half lit (sodium vapor lamp) highways.

I wanted to have an auxiliary lamp setup and have the following questions. I solicit your advice on the same.

1. Have come across Hella Comet 200 Xenon in internet but I couldn't get this in the market. Searched amazon, flipcart and few US portals but couldn't get this model. If this model is available in a different name please let me know the price and place to get it in Chennai/Bangalore. Also please let me know about it's performance.

2. Have come across a HID model Optilux HID Driving Lights H71020181 @ http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0181/overview/ for a price of $190 USD and a Hella LED light bar model (12 LED) @ http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...H71020431.html for a price of $115 USD.

I am confused between HID and LED. My first requirement is clear near visibility in rainy and half lit conditions and second is long range in highways.

Please advice. Thanks in advance.

Thanks Ricci for the prompt reply. For now, I seem to have another funny problem on my hands. The replacement Halonix H7 12V 55W also fused within 5 minutes of installing it. Mr Arun of Metro spares says that the alternator is not behaving & to have it checked. Else the holder may be faulty. Contacted Mandeep of Narain Singh and Sons (TASS in Jehangirpuri) and he said that he'll take the better part of the day at having at the alternator checked and serviced because they outsource the job to 'specialists'. My queries are:-

• Why has the left low beam gone bad two times in a row?
• If it is an alternator issue, shouldn't the other bulbs be affected too ?(There are three other H7 12V55W bulbs in the Double Barrel Headlamp Setup making it four in all - two for high beam and two for low). But the other three bulbs are functioning fine, so that leads me to wonder whether there's an alternator issue at all?
• Could it be an isolated case of just that bulb? I ask this because as soon as the Halonix was installed on the left low beam socket and switched on, it threw a rainbow kind of a reflection on the reflector behind.. So maybe the replacement bulb (Halonix) itself was bad?
• Should I install another Halonix (At the risk of pouring another Rs 170 down the drain) and see if that particular replacement bulb was a bad piece or the socket itself is short circuiting?
• How would I know that the alternator is not doing its job? And what does alternator servicing/ repair/ replacement involve?

Inputs would be appreciated folks !:)

Cheers !

Check the socket and wiring to that specific holder and the left side to be doubly sure. I don't think the issue is of the alternator.

To be honest, even I am puzzled as most of the bulb failure cases are associated with the left side. Why is it that the left one blows quicker than the right and the other funny thing is the stock lamps are good for long time on both sides. Only these retro fit bulbs blow up (Retro fit - I mean is with same rating as per specification and not an upgrade).

If you don't mind and want to do the little bit of R&D then buy another halonix and see if there is a genuine issue with the holder or the bulb was a lemon. 170 bucks it is, I know!

If the alternator was not working, battery won't get charged IIRC.

Anurag.