Plug n play led headlight replacement bulbs are no good

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Sappy, Mar 30, 2017.

  1. Sappy

    Sappy Junior Member

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    I put in some led bulbs and it does looks good, but does not light up the road like original oem halogen bulb does in my 2013 Prius
     
    #1 Sappy, Mar 30, 2017
  2. Stephen Ryan

    Stephen Ryan Junior Member

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    I have the same issue. I ended up aiming the headlights a little higher but this projector lens is definitely NOT made for LED's, that's for sure.
     
    #2 Stephen Ryan, Mar 30, 2017
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  3. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    they work 'kinda' ok in my wifes subaru forester as hi-beams replacement/
    in my prius: not so much.... :whistle:
     
    #3 StarCaller, Mar 30, 2017
  4. 4md

    4md Member

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    I read a lot about the LED bulbs and the quality really depends on what chips are used. Decided to try a set with copper belt coolers and Philips chips. They're fine, but maybe a HID kit will light up the road better. Here are some nightly photos with the LEDs, sorry for the low quality, I keep them in a web album where the quality and size are decreased...
     

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    #4 4md, Jun 12, 2017
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  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Halogen and HID bulbs create a point source of illumination with almost 360 degree light spread.

    The aftermarket LED bulbs currently all have a circuit board separating 2 LEDs with poor light throw directly forward. This is why a common problem cited for the LED bulbs is poor toward throw, or distance illumination compared to HID.
     
    #5 xliderider, Jun 13, 2017
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  6. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    In addition, "inexpensive" LEDs just don't have enough light output either.

    Putting LEDs in headlights typically is NOT an upgrade.
     
    #6 Sam Spade, Jun 13, 2017
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