HEADLAMPS SUCK!!

My 2010 II has had no problems. I changed out both elements after one burned out. I have noticed, when compared to our other vehicles, the Prius and 2014 Corolla do have a sharp vertical cutout on beam distribution. You might just have to get used to your new vehicle's "charactor".

 

Is it any better in any other cars you driven recently? If not, I suggest a visit to eye specialist may be due. My eyes got much worse after I hit 40. If it's the car, then H11 to H9 conversion may help. It was mentioned on priuschat, or you can just google it. I like the results very much.
HID conversions often give you high temperature light, over 4500 K which is bad for color perception, rain and fog.

Alex

 

My 2010-II came with the best OEM headlights I'd ever had, though I should admit to not having purchased any cars from 1997 until then.

The light patterns on my 2012 Prius and 2014 Forester are essentially the same.

Cataract surgery? I'm already on track to needing that at a younger than average age. There are also other age related vision changes that make night driving less pleasant.

 

They are actually not bad compared to many modern cars under $30k. The Volt projectors are actually worse.

I don't think anyone means any disrespect but maybe you do have a vision issue that needs to be addressed. Good bulbs or a quality HID kit should be more than adequate for night driving. Sure they are not Lexus or Acura quailty levels but adequate.

 

I should have added:

Have you obtained a second opinion on this? Or can you shine the lights against a wall and give us a picture? You wouldn't be the first to have a car come with improper aim and have a shop claim they are good.

 

Mine were aimed way too low (perhaps factory aimed when fully loaded?) so I adjusted them up and they are fine now.

 

In my opinion the headlights are actually pretty good. Now that I have an HID kit in they are even better. I think they need to be aligned again.

 

retrofitsource

 

This T-SB-0204-12 was performed on our 2011 Gen 3 for low beam poor lighting and blowing LB bulbs. I had problems since day 2 of ownership. There is an electrical wiring flaw in the light circuits. Please take a look at this T-SB and you will see what I am pointing you to. Unless you are having a problem and bring this T-SB to their attention the dealer service dept. do not address it or do the wiring modification repairs.

 

I get flashed all the time in my 2010, with non LED lamps. Granted, I am running mid-grade lamps (not the most expensive, but not the cheapest).
Sylvania silverstar, I believe.
anyway, folks think i have my brights on when i just have my low-beams on!
they're bright as can be!

 

If they are aimed correctly you shouldn't be getting flashed. I've never been flashed even with HIDs installed.

 

Got my HID kit from KBcarstuff.com. Great service!

 

Couldn't agree more!

 

At the age of 60-plus, I avoid driving at night -- a big inconvenience this time of year -- unless the route is familiar to me. But I do not know if it is the Prius's lights. Should I change the lights, and to what?

 

Get your eyes checked.

 

I am 77 and had that problem, installed Xenon Supply HID's on our 2010's and they are great !! Been a year now and all running well, and am perfectly comfortable now with night driving....