Headlight Brightness - Focus Mk1 1999 1.8 Zetec

[cressws1]

Here's the situation, When I first got hold of my Focus 2 years ago the first thing I noticed was that the headlights weren't as 'white' as other cars on the road. After a bit of browsing I found that the white bulbs were xenon, So proceeded to buy a set from fleabay, Not thinking any more of it. The ones purchased are similar to These.

Now it seems that these bulbs really aren't very bright, Im not sure if they're any brighter than before but I dare say that when using 'full beam' the lights are only as bright as id expect them to be on dipped beam, And on dipped beam barely light up the road at all!

I have changed the headlight units themselves (they were misty/yellowy and looked nasty) and was hoping this may improve the brightness, But seemingly not at all!

I have now been looking at more expensive bulbs such as these and my question is, Do bulbs really make a big difference? And if so what are peoples recomendations?

Any help appreciated as always.

[catch]

To be honest when I had a Mk1 Focus, the lights were never an issue with me. Only time I had an issue with crap headlights was when the Mk1 was written off, and I bought a Volvo S40 [new shape]. Now their dipped beams were absolutely crap and I mean crap. Main bean was OK, it was the dips, always peeps over on the Volvo forum griping about it, writing to Volvo about it. It was dangerous to drive over 45mph using the dipped beam, as you would not have enough reaction/stopping time to avoid hitting something, like a wall on a bend in the road by the time the beam illuminated it. You know, your belting along, a car comes the other way, you dip beam and bugger me your having to get shut of speed.

Anyway I read a Auto Express "test to find the best and brightest" replacement bulbs article. And the Phillips -Extreme came out with the most stars, so I bought a set. I fit them then took my motor to my mechanics garage. Where we put it on the MOT rig, and lifted the dipped beam to it's maximum height, but still legal, and they were indeed a lot better than the standard bulbs. Well to the point were dipped beam driving stopped being an issue.....not close encounters or nothing like that, but sufficient.

[stef123]

I dont know if my headlights have ever been replaced before - they are very shiny/clean, im using Halfords extreme brilliance? bulbs (brightest ones they do £20 BOGOF) and i wouldnt use anything else. they are very bright and give out a very crisp 'white' light.

[InstructorPiggy]

the blue tinted ones are an absolute rip off, dont improve it 1% and USELESS in the wet...blue light not good in wet/rain...

the nightbreakers are brilliant, best on market as far as I have found...go the extra few quid to get the 'plus'...they last longer.

Maybe worth checking the earths for the headlights...if these are poor the headlights will be poor.

Piggy

[Radeon123]

I dont know if my headlights have ever been replaced before - they are very shiny/clean, im using halfords extreme brilliance? bulbs (brightest ones they do £20 BOGOF) and i wouldnt use anything else. they are very bright and give out a very crisp 'white' light.

I bought a second hand 2002 Focus Zetec MK1 (facelift) and found the headlights were incredibly poor, very yellow to. I had to drive with the fogs on just to see the road properly. The 01 Saxo Desire (facelift model) I had before that which I also installed uprated headlights and fogs were far, far brighter

I decided to change all my main front lights, low beam, high beam, fogs and sidelights. Sidelights were the Halfords laser blue and give a very nice bright white light.

All of the main front lights were replaced with the Halfords Extreme Brilliance 90% brighter ones and the difference was amazing :o . Driving in the pitch black now is fantastic, just the low beam seems to put out 15-20ft or a bit more of light, even better if I have the fogs on as well.

Have not got flashed once in 3 months of changing the lights so I am very pleased with these bulbs. Will be sticking with these for now, especially if Halfords keep that BOGOF offer running :D

[cressws1]

Ordered a set of the Osram nightbreaker plus + 90% bulbs and some white led sidelights, Will see what difference it makes and report back.

[btmaldon]

Yeh, the Osrams are great. You wont get +90%, but they are significantly better. The Fleabay Xenons are not Xenons. They are standard bulbs with a blue coating and are worse than standard bulbs.

[InstructorPiggy]

The Fleabay Xenons are not Xenons. They are standard bulbs with a blue coating and are worse than standard bulbs.

AMEN!

[whitelightning]

my mk1 head lights were chocolate tea pot useless. Halfords extreme brilliance £20 and now i can see the terror in those cyclists faces !!!!