Car Headlight Bulb/Globe Changing on Corolla 2018

Behappy on 07/06/2020 - 09:01
Last edited 07/06/2020 - 13:13 by 1 other user

Hi guys Good morning.

As a Healthcare worker my knowledge in automotive is zero so I need your advice :). We have a Corolla 2018 ZRE182R MY15 Hatch.

My wife usually drive to work 30km mostly in 80 zone through country side. She is shift worker starting early sometimes finish late. She been complaining about head lights. It seems OK for me but as she said, thinking of changing the globe. I don't know the strength of the globe which we using. On my quick research I have read about LED and HID. Obviously HID is expensive but does it worth and is it illegal changing to LED or HID as the head light may not be designed for it.

Anyone having same experience or any auto tech can give advice would be great. I am in Sydney West. Please advise.

Thank you so much for your time. Happy Sunday :)

Automotive

Comments

  • crashloaded on 07/06/2020 - 09:07

    It might be a better option to have a led bar installed that can be switched on and off, it will also be brighter than any headlight bulb you can buy.

    That said, if you upgrade to some $2-300 bulbs you will definitely get a significant improvement.

  • pegaxs on 07/06/2020 - 09:20
    +5

    Don't change to HID as your lenses may not cope with it and are not designed for HID globes. The reflector in the light could possibly throw the light wrong and make them worse. It may also be illegal for HID based on cars that have HID must has washer jets for the headlights and self levelling. Something I don't think the 2018 15MY Corolla comes with.

    Also be careful putting in higher wattage bulbs in, as the housing may not be rated to take the extra heat going from a 55w to 100w globes. They may also exceed the permitted light output for headlights, making them illegal.

    You also need to be mindful of the colour (temperature) of the globe that it isn't too orange or too blue. Some HID and LED globes are way to high and come off as too blue. This can get you pinged.

    Best option is to maybe check your lenses are still clean and clear. If they are aging/sun damaged and yellowing, a good clean up and polish may work wonders. Also, just replacing the old globes may have an affect.

    And as suggested above, look at a driving light. LED light bars are a great alternative for sedans, as they don't look out of place on small cars and can shed quite a lot of light for their size. But, you will need to have them fitted by someone who knows what they are doing.

    Also;

    advise advice

    What the hell is a 2018 15MY Corolla? That sounds like a complete thread on its own… Sounds like a salesman was pulling your leg a little when you bought that…

    • Behappy on 07/06/2020 - 09:58
      +1

      Thank you so much for your time and consideration.I mentioned the model number because I think the current corolla was in the market in end of 2018 which is completely different from my model so I just want to get the right opinion:)

  • adr8 on 07/06/2020 - 10:10
    +3

    Have you checked the adjustable headlight setting? The dial is in the cabin below the drivers side vent. Set it to 0, from factory they set it to 5 which is the lowest setting.

  • jason101 on 07/06/2020 - 10:12
    +1

    I agree with Pegaxs, you'll get a massive difference by investing in good quality after market 55w halogens without risking melting/blinding people/defect issues etc. with conversions. LED/HID really do need self leveling mechanisms, I get people flashing high beam at me all the time (with self leveling LED's) they are out of control too bright to be in peoples direct sight. Google around to find best the price and options, there are many forums on headlight recommendations: https://www.powerbulbs.com/au/product/piaa-hyper-arros-h11

  • Cluster on 07/06/2020 - 12:48

    The other important thing to consider is if you get brighter/whiter halogens you'll be replacing them much more often. There is an exponentially shorter life as you approach the melting point of tungsten. You'll never have white light out of a halogen too. Ignore the marketing BS.

    And speaking of marketing BS, all those globes stating '50% more light!' are referring to the legal minimum light bulb standard, which all on the market exceed anyway.

    • Foxxster on 07/06/2020 - 13:08

      Your point about 50% more light may be correct. However you are easily able to compare a potential new globe with what your car already has. I replaced the low beams on my Mazda. The existing bulbs were clearly labeled and the place I bought the new globes from also stocked the OEM globes. The OEM globes were the economical long life version. Or saying it another way, the lowest output.

      And the place I bought the replacement globes from was also powerbulbs but they didn’t have an Australian outlet then so I bought from the UK. Still way cheaper than buying from an automotive store here.

  • borntospeed on 07/06/2020 - 16:44

    You can try these ones. https://www.philips.com.au/c-p/12342XVGS2/x-tremevision-g-fo…

    You need to check your bulb type like H4 or H7 and order the right ones. These bulbs are very bright for halogen, according to Phillips they are 130% brighter.

  • Euphemistic on 07/06/2020 - 23:33
    +1

    Assuming the headlights are working properly, getting additional lighting such as a light bar might work. These should only be switched on while high beam is on.

    Silly questions:
    is she using high beam where possible? I’ve found lots of people don’t use high beam nearly enough. Modern headlights are usually good enough for 80km/h if adjusted and working properly. High beam should be great. I use high beam all the time (when no one is oncoming), it’s inportant to use all available lighting.

    Has she had her eyes checked? I wear glasses for distance viewing, but passed my licence without needing them. I find that without my glasses driving at night appears as though the headlights aren’t good enough at times - high beam and an LED bar make a difference.

  • doctordv8 on 08/06/2020 - 07:51

    Before you waste any money on changes to a usually excellent system, ensure the headlights are adjusted corrected, and the vehicle is within level specs. Lights adjusted too high, or too low will give very poor light on the road. Also check the lens, damaged or crazed poly-carbonate lenses and or covers seriously decrease on the road illumination.

    I have even had situations where globes were just incorrectly installed after home DIY repairs, and btw, the slightest bump to the bodywork will absolutely put the adjustment too high or too low and decrease on the road illumination.

    If you do choose to then increase the wattage, check with current Roadworthy requirements and Australian Standards to the safety of such upgrades. Light glare and scatter as well as damage and premature burn out are issues incorrect wattage globes can cause.

    Then if you still go for higher wattage globes, ensure you have an experienced Auto Elec do the wiring and relay upgrade, to ensure the vehicle does not overheat the wiring loom and catch fire.
    Even a light bar/spot lights etc will only be ok on Hi beam, and appropriately - legally - switched, but absolutely not on low beam where the 55w is usually complained about.

    Your model usually has excellent lights, so I would be expecting an adjusting/cleaning solution and or just new correct globes to solve the issues. Also, as it is only your wife saying this, and you saying no issue have the vehicle driven on the same roads as where your wife is having issues by some friends and see if the consensus is the same for everyone.

    You can also do a simple headlight aiming check yourself on a level area, to a clean wall, measuring the hot spots which will show if the is a big difference to the L & RH sides, but is only a indication of alignment issues.
    You need a measured light test board and area for Legal and final settings.

  • stueyh on 08/06/2020 - 13:20

    Find the version of this that works for your car, I use them myself and they're great for that extra bit of light

    https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-performance-glob…

    Repco also have a similar bulb

  • thomalfa on 15/09/2020 - 08:48

    Not sure too late to comments here since you posted while ago but just to let you know…

    drive your car to SCA and/or repco around your location, you might find a friendly staff to point out few options. Some of them are quite experience.

    i ended up with spending nothing but just clean the reflector… few hours of labour from myself try to find out how to get the headlight off… but these days quite convinience, it's in youtube to learn step by step how to take if off.

  • Behappy on 15/09/2020 - 09:20

    Thank you :)

  • imnotgoingtopayrrp on 15/09/2020 - 18:44

    Install high performance (i recommend Narva 150% plus) globes into low beam and also a small number plate bracket mounted LED lightbar for high beam.

    Installing HID into a halogen surround could get you killed by a blinded oncoming vehicle.

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