How to improve astra j reverse lighting?

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

So I have a 2010 astra hatch that has a single reverse light which is shocking. You can hardly tell its on most of the time when reversing at night.

I have fitted a led bulb into it but I think it's more of a projector bulb that does not fire it back into the reflector.

I guess I have 2 options. Try find a better bulb or fit a larger reverse light on the bottom of the rear bumper.

Has anyone got any recommendations on a decent bulb that will actually light up the ground behind the car?

Edit- they are h21w bulbs.

 

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

Most cars only have one reversing light (typically in the opposite spot of the one rear fog light) and they aren't really there to illuminate anything behind you but to warn others...

How are you supposed to see behind you at night?

Upgrade to a CREE LED?

I already have a projector style cree led bulb in it but due to its design its not firing into the reflector much so is really no better.

Was hoping someone would have some experience with downward firing bulbs.

 

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

This. You're driving an Astra, not a skip loader...

You can't.

Is that an argument I can use when my wife reverses into another car at night? Saying you are not expected to see at night is not really helpful.

The reverse light acts as both a signal to other road users and to aid in seeing behind u at night.

 

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

Fit some
Blind everyone when you reverse but at least you can see.

Will match my 7000k hid reflectors up front!

I ordered a different type of bulb to try before doing anything else. My wifes driving test was a few hours one afternoon in America when she was 16 in a automatic. Let's just say it's took a lot of work to get her up to a suitable standard to drive manuals in Europe. Her reversing is still lacking when she doesn't have the sensors, camera and rear lights in my focus to help her.

 

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

this thread is amazing, i think you need a trip to Specsavers if you can not see at night

Specsavers sell night vision?

I have no problem reversing the astra. It's terrible but manageable but to lower the risk of my wife damaging another car or person I don't think it's a bad idea to try and improve the rear visibility.

Before buying this car I have never felt the need to upgrade reversing lights. I'm not sure why I am trying to defend the idea though. I'm just after bulb recommendations.

 

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

This is what is currently in there.

Although looking at the rear of the car is looks bright but because its not outputting much light into the reflector its actually poor and not illumination anything behind.

I have now ordered some of these to try.

Hopefully they will reflect more.

I have been informed that the car will fail its test next year in Germany if it still has its fog on the right hand side so I may get a LHD reverse cluster so it then has 2.

 

[.:SAmSuNG:.]

Reverse into wherever you park in the daytime. Drive out forwards with plenty of light.

Why didn't I think of that.