I know it's been done before but I can't find any of the previous threads....
I've just changed cars and the headlights are weak. It's actually the same model as my previous one (old style Saab 9-3) but the lights seem noticeably worse. They're also much worse than our other (newer) car. I'm pretty sure the alignment's OK.
I don't want HIDs or any dodgy conversions. I just want bright, legal replacement bulbs. Any recommendations?
used the philips and osram +80/90 bulbs they are brighter but i find they only last 12months
make sure the wiring can handle the extra load
try & chcek that your reflectors aren't buggered before buying new bulbs
make sure the wiring can handle the extra load
What anjs said. (In my student days I could melt auto electrics with the best of 'em)
I put some blue/white bulbs from Halfords in my Land Rover, can't remember exactly which ones they were.
They are not much brighter, if at all, but they do seem to make things easier to see. It's hard to describe, but colours seem to stand out better.
Headlights do deteriorate over time.
The reflector becomes dull, the glass becomes less clear and the bulbs get a dark coating on the inside.
Try holding a board up in front of the headlights or parking facing a wall. Have you still got a nice sharp cut off pattern on dip beam ?
I wouldn't worry too much about the wiring.
As long as you replace the bulbs with ones of the same wattage, and if the cars made after 1986 that's all you're allowed to do, it won't be a problem.
Osram nightbreakers have usually been good for me
Yes, brighter bulbs aren't necessarily higher wattage, just better tech.
IF they're the same model car and the lights are dimmer I'd be looking at earth faults/poor earth too.
I would be too. But only cos CK mentioned it and he knows his stuff.
Osram or Philips by choice.
Halfrauds brilliance are OK when on BOGOF.
Have you checked to see if the headlights have been dialled down...ie when carrying a heavy load or towing?
Poor headlights can be caused by cheap or damaged bulbs putting the filament in the wrong place.
Saying that I've recently replaced the standard bosch bulbs in my early 80's campervan with some halfords ultra (I think, they were in gold packets IIRC) bulbs, the difference is astonishing. With good quality standard bulbs there wasn't enough light to drive at 40mph, the uprated ones are good to 60+on dip. I was going to get the bosch equivalent but the own brands were on BOGOF.
Don't know how long they'll last though.
The reflectors look fine to me, nice and shiny.
And the Halfords 'Extreme Billiance' ones were on BOGOF (maybe they always are) so I've given them a whirl.
We're going out tonight, coming home late on unlit roads ao I'll see if they're an improvement or not.
Hig's later on
That looks more like Phil.
No trust me that is a Saab, look at the wheels!
This is Phil
Perhaps like this 
I've used ringmax, philips and osram in various cars over the past few years. In general you only get a year out of them, but I like them. Currently running osram plus 90% although philips seem to do best in tests.
+1 for the Halfords "Ultra Brilliance" ones - the gold package, that have been on BOGOF. I replaced my Picasso 's standard bulbs with them and they are excellent; better colour (closer to white) and easily bright enough.
Higs..Higs...HIGS are you still alive?
Higs..Higs...HIGS are you still alive?
Very much so.
And the headlights are significantly improved.
Yup halfords ultra brilliance on bogof
Although one blew in 4 months , bit annoyed but the brightness / colour is good
Def an upgrade over the standard Honda oem fits
Did the high beams too in error but makes a huge difference
higgo - MemberVery much so.
And the headlights are significantly improved.
Great news, I do like a happy ending 
Osram nightbreakers for me. Much, much better and same wattage as normal bulbs (55W).
Buy them online from a well known bulb place as they will be much cheaper.
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