Car People

[Lighthouse84]

Is it okay to change the lightbulbs from the standard yellow to white? The auction description says "Dont worry - these bulbs will not burn out your cars wiring!" Ummm, I did not even know that was a possibility, so now I am worried.

 

Any advice or anything I should know?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLUE-XENON-...=item5ad4d00d1f

[bobgodd]

You don't want those bulbs. First off if they are true xenon bulbs you'll need much more equipment than just the bulb to get them to work. If they are "xenon match" bulbs, then you shouldn't even consider it cuz it won't be any better than your stock light bulbs. If you think your lights appear yellow, then I have to assume that you have halogen headlights. The best upgrade would be Sylvania Silverstar bulbs and they can be had at any auto parts store.

 

As a reference:

 

 

The higher you go in the Kelvin scale (higher numerically: 3000K vs 6000K) above ~4300K, you get a color change, and along with that color change you get decreased light output. Take two bulbs all things considered equal aside from Kelvin value and the higher number will have LESS light output than the lower number; so long as the lower number isn't lower than 4300K.

 

High end cars come stock with HID (xenon) lighting systems that utilize 4300K bulbs because it is the best possible light output, which is measured in lumens. Bluer bulbs might look cool but they are distracting to other motorists when not set up properly, read: projector v reflector housings.

 

Additionally, any bulb higher in value than 4300K will dramatically decrease your night time and inclement weather vision. Often times you will see Lexus's with yellow fog lamps, like bright yellow. This is because the yellow light travels further in rain and foggy conditions.

[Auto_Body_Chick]

In some states it's illegal and you could get a ticket.

[TennisGalnAL]

Make sure you adhere to the maximum wattage limits according to your make/model of car. If you have a 16 gauge wire going into your headlight assembly, you can get away with the higher 110w bulbs, but anything higher gauge will not hold the current. I would suggest a quick consult in your manual to see what wattage bulbs are recommended.

 

Other than that, you should be fine! Oh, and don't touch the bulbs when you are putting them in!! Wear a sock around your hand, gloves, or something but don't let the oils of your skin touch the bulbs!

[Lighthouse84]

Thanks for the info!

 

You can count on the CB crowd for advice on anything.

[mk_378]

All halogen bulbs contain Xenon. That is purely a marketing ploy. Those bulbs just have a blue coating on the outside to filter out yellow light and pass mostly blue. Note that cutting out the yellow makes the overall light output from these bulbs less. Also your eyes are not as sensitive to blue as they are to yellow. Combine the two factors and it means you really won't see as far with those bulbs as you would with stock ones.

 

Cheesy knockoff auto parts on ebay are often just a waste of money. You can buy similar bulbs like the Silverstars at any parts store.

 

HID bulbs also contain Xenon but use it in a different way. Any bulbs being sold for $9.95 are clearly not HID even though the seller describes them as such.

Edited November 18, 2009 by mk_378

[Bad Doctor Frost]

True Xenon lamps don't use filaments. They use two electrodes which create an arc between them causing the light output. They also don't use much power, nor do they create any heat. My mom's vehicles have had Xenons for the past ten years or so and, they're great and all, but they suck in blizzards because the snow hits the lens and freezes to it. I believe that, if your car doesn't have factory Xenons, it's best to just stick with a regular yellow-ish bulb, because the contrast against rain and such is much better.

[punkinbee59]

True Xenon lamps don't use filaments. They use two electrodes which create an arc between them causing the light output. They also don't use much power, nor do they create any heat. My mom's vehicles have had Xenons for the past ten years or so and, they're great and all, but they suck in blizzards because the snow hits the lens and freezes to it. I believe that, if your car doesn't have factory Xenons, it's best to just stick with a regular yellow-ish bulb, because the contrast against rain and such is much better.

 

at least the yellow bulbs don't blind me as the whit-ish blue ones does. dunno why people like 'em anyways.

[Kaysei]

I hate hate HATE! those freakin' bluish whitish brightass headlights!!! I'm always blinded .... even with the low beams!

[angeleyeskkhr]

True Xenon lamps don't use filaments. They use two electrodes which create an arc between them causing the light output. They also don't use much power, nor do they create any heat. My mom's vehicles have had Xenons for the past ten years or so and, they're great and all, but they suck in blizzards because the snow hits the lens and freezes to it. I believe that, if your car doesn't have factory Xenons, it's best to just stick with a regular yellow-ish bulb, because the contrast against rain and such is much better.

 

at least the yellow bulbs don't blind me as the whit-ish blue ones does. dunno why people like 'em anyways.

 

 

I hate hate HATE! those freakin' bluish whitish brightass headlights!!! I'm always blinded .... even with the low beams!

 

 

+5,000

[Bad Doctor Frost]

I Xenons. Factory ones, that is. Aftermarket ones are highly illegal and just for "show" anyway. Especially the ones which are so blue they're almost purple...that's not better lighting! The best Xenons are 4300K with projectors, and they don't bother oncoming traffic. In order for Xenons to be legal, they must have a self-leveling system in the headlamp to keep glare from bothering traffic.

[bobgodd]

I Xenons. Factory ones, that is. Aftermarket ones are highly illegal and just for "show" anyway. Especially the ones which are so blue they're almost purple...that's not better lighting! The best Xenons are 4300K with projectors, and they don't bother oncoming traffic. In order for Xenons to be legal, they must have a self-leveling system in the headlamp to keep glare from bothering traffic.

Yup. I don't see why anyone would NOT want to drive with a proper xenon setup. Once you drive with xenon lights, you never want to go back to sealed beam headlights!!

 

And yes again, factory xenons do not blind oncoming traffic. They have a very sharp cutoff beam pattern that lets the light go where it's supposed to, on the road.

[E Jacobs]

If you don't have factory Xenons, the next best is probably well-aimed neodymium-doped bulbs (just check the aim against a wall after you change them). Last time I bought them, they were sold as "trueview". I found there was a distinct difference in visibility distance on the (primarily unlit and rural) roads I travel. They also give less glare to oncoming traffic.