Prices of replacement headlights

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  melb-ourne on 07/06/2013 - 23:43

  +1

  100% H7-Philips Xtreme is the best.. but ~$50… brought it 6 months ago very bright and legal.

  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Ver-100-H7-Philips-X-treme-xt…

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  _Bruce_ on 08/06/2013 - 17:59

  1: I really hate it when people drive with one headlight.

  2: If you change your head light globe (particularly to a different type) please check and fix the levelling so you don't blind everyone.

  3: Some cars take xenon or other globes which are much more expensive (but worth it).

  4: The brightness of different globes will vary and off ebay there is no promise that it will even meet Australian requirements.

  • 

    geek001 on 08/06/2013 - 21:14

    Hi Bruce,

    1. Me too. That's why I didn't drive that car at night for a few days.

    2. Not sure what this means. I thought changing a lightbulb is just swapping it out for a new one?

    3. Sorry for being ignorant, but does it really have to be the same type? What happens if the replacement bulb is not of the same type?

    4. Honestly, I have not thought of this before. At the end of the day, it is a light bulb. :)

    • 

      _Bruce_ on 09/06/2013 - 10:07

      If you change your head light globe (particularly to a different type) please check and fix the levelling so you don't blind everyone.

      Not sure what this means. I thought changing a lightbulb is just swapping it out for a new one?

      Low beam head lights are aimed down and to the left (for right hand drive). If the globe you put in has light coming out differently it may affect the aim. When you get glare from other drivers who are not using high beams (particularly if only one headlight is glarey) this is the problem.

      Here is a random article:
      http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/1347221

      Some cars take xenon or other globes which are much more expensive (but worth it).

      Sorry for being ignorant, but does it really have to be the same type? What happens if the replacement bulb is not of the same type?

      Yes! Good xenon lamps are MUCH brighter than tranditional lamps. They get away with this by having lenses that are much better at stopping the light from shining up (see answer above). In addition to this a car with these lamps must have auto levelling and lens cleaning fitted.

      The brightness of different globes will vary and off ebay there is no promise that it will even meet Australian requirements.

      Honestly, I have not thought of this before. At the end of the day, it is a light bulb. :)

      Then you haven't driven with a good lamp.

• 

  thereyougo on 08/06/2013 - 20:24

  Just goes to show how much were getting ripped off.
  I purchase most things off eBay, can't bare paying 3 or 4 times as much for same or better qualify parts.
  I noticed the globes have a blue tint, if they actually shine blue the cops won't be happy, but if there a bright white, around 5600k range, who's going to care?
  I've had 90/130 in a Commodore for years without hassle, 55/65 just don't cut it. That was pre ebay, now I've got 70w h.I.d's for high beam and 100w h.I.d's in the spotties on my 4x4, purchased off eBay over 2 years ago. I wouldn't be able to afford this gear through a retail outlet like supercheap or ARB.

  • 

    geek001 on 08/06/2013 - 21:22

    The globes has a blue tint, but surprisingly, the light emitted is slightly yellow.

    Sorry, lost me, can you please explain what 90/130 and 55/65 mean? How much is reasonable to pay for light bulbs? Does it matter whether is it is a "h.i.d's" or not?

    You see, the ones I buy, I always buy in pairs, because usually if you buy a pair, you only pay a little bit more than just the one. I put one of the pair into my car about 2 years ago(still working well, also bought for about $3 a pair), and the one that blew in a week I suspect it is because it has been sitting around for about 2 years. There are 4 cars in the house, so there would have been a good chance another car needed a bulb sometime within the 2 years.

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  thereyougo on 08/06/2013 - 23:06

  90/130 refers to the wattage, low beam/high beam. Most cars have a dual element globe, sounds like your got two globes per side. Outside ones are driving lights or low beam and the inside ones are high beam.
  H.I.D stands for 'high intensity discharge', it gives you a hell of a lot more light for your buck.
  A 30watt h.I.d. could replace your 100watt halogen for instance and will last many more years than your halogen globes.

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  thereyougo on 08/06/2013 - 23:17

  I reckon your paying just about what there worth to make, $3 per pair.
  Hid kit is around $100 to $150 for two globes, two ballast and wiring to suit.
  If you want link to eBay site or more info I'd be glad to help, but the money your saving by purchasing from eBay, why bother?

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  Medrad on 13/06/2013 - 08:10

  Be careful when you install modern globes. They can be UV coated or other coating that when touched by fingers or with some sort of oil/grease, produces a cold/hot spot and can blow the globe rather quick. Always avoid touching the glass at all if possible, and if not, pick it up using a clean and dry tissue or paper towel straight from the packet.

  Not sure how many people know this, but working in a servo/garage as a youngster when these became popular, it was a common issue. We warned them…