Headlight bulb upgrade

Armageus said:
Sounds like you have already made your mind up regardless of legality or anyone else's advice
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No, I haven't. I've made my mind up that if it provides better distance lighting and an overall better safer driving experience whilst not dazzling other road users (which if set up correctly they wouldnt) then im not overly concerned on the morality or legality of it. Millions of people use them just like millions of people use decats for their exhaust, both would fail an MOT but it doesn't stop people using them.

I dont want to use something that would be hazardous to other road users so it would have to be set up correctly, and im all for using a legal equivalent if there is a bulb that is far better than standard halogen. I've heard decent reviews on the halfords bulbs mentioned earlier, and that phillips do some good ones. I have heard nightbreakers suffer from poor lifespan so im open to suggestions on phillips bulbs or if anyone has used a particular LED type that theyd recommend.
 
I had a set of led bulbs fitted in one of my old bikes, passed the MOT with them every year at multiple places.
Maybe not "legal" but beam pattern was fine so no testers had an issue with them.
 
LEDs weren't really designed with reflector housings in mind (Which I'd imagine yours is) therefore they're a bit crap for seeing anything and blind everyone else regardless of if you set them up properly.

Back when I had my Fiesta I put Osram 130% bulbs in and it was a massive difference. As mentioned above too make sure the lenses aren't clouded as that could make a difference.
 
I've used the phillips 110-120% ones on a few cars and not had one blow yet.

It is easier just to get better halogens. There is no guarantee LED retrofit bulbs will be better, sometimes it makes visibility at long distance much worse. The ones actually worth using and shaped to replicate a halogen bulb light pattern are pretty expensive (£150-200).
 
https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/...MIs77B6s-M7QIVxbvVCh3lPg2lEAQYASABEgLRP_D_BwE

With 20% off that is what... £28. No brainer really.

I have the older Racing Vision (the prior release, so non GT200). Probably the best halogen you can buy which is why they only come with 6 month warranty. I'm yet to see how these last due to driving a lot less thanks to covid but when I have used the car in the dark, the headlights have been great. Yes they aren't the cool blue or white colour but you can't get 5000k temps and distance / illumination from halogens. But for what you describe you need the most light, and these would fit that bill.

Some things that also help. Make sure your headlight units are clean and the lens is clear. If it's all grubby or hazed over then it may need lens polishing or new units fitted. And make sure when you fit the bulbs you get the alignment checked. Happy motoring!
 
I thought they weren't road legal ?




because they are a lot more powerful, they will blew sooner, especially in winter months id imagine ?
 
ShiWarrior said:
I thought they weren't road legal ?

because they are a lot more powerful, they will blew sooner, especially in winter months id imagine ?
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Totally road legal - as per the blurb:
  • Road legal – ECE certified for use on public roads
Yeah I imagine that is why they only have 6 month warranty but I guess that might be a worst case, I'd imagine they may go for longer. I've had some new bulbs go a lot sooner... sometimes I think uneven roads and vibrations can cause premature failure. Depends on a lot of factors I guess.
 
As long as they are within the min and max wattage it's legal afaik. There isn't anything about brightness.

That is the reason retrofit LED aren't, they are way below the minimum for the type approval. But the rules were written in the 80s when they didn't exist.
 
It's not LEDs that are illegal, it's HIDs when fitted to non projector type lenses. Led tech isn't up there with xenon)halogen just yet. The best bulb you can get while staying legal (and safe) is the Osram night breakers unlimited. They aren't extortionate but you will need to change them a bit earlier than regular long life bulbs.
 
A ford fiesta does not have HID bulbs so you cannot use LED/HID upgrades at all - period, retrofits are a MOT fail and rightly so

If the car has HID as stock then you can replace with different HID bulbs or LEDs even if you wish, as long as the beam pattern is good the MOT wont be an issue
 
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