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Headlights/Foglights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Actual Mileage, Oct 30, 2006.

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  1. Actual Mileage

    Actual Mileage Member

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    There are several discussions of the shortcomings of the halogen headlights and worthless fog lamps.

    I found this out this weekend. Driving in a freak snow storm, the headlights were worthless. (As were the tires – but that’s another topic.) The road disappeared with the low beams on.

    They are particularly bad when cornering or when trying to turn into a dark entrance or driveway. It seems that unless the car is pointed directly at something, you cannot see it. I don't know if the problem is the bulbs that come standard or the fogs - but I don't remember having this problem with any other car in the past.

    Has anyone had any luck replacing the headlights AND/OR fog lights with the Sylvania Silverstar products? I see where several people have tried them – and there have been discussions of whether they burn out quickly – but no definitive take on their efficacy. And I have not seen any mention of replacing the stock fog bulbs with the Silverstars.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Actual Mileage, Oct 30, 2006
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    The fog lamps are for looks, they serve no function, even with more powerful bulbs in them as I've installed.

    My HID headlights are, by far, the best, brightest and nicest headlights I've ever driven with. I guess it would be sweet if they turned with the steering wheel, but other than that I have no complaints at all and have serious doubts that you'll see much, if any, improvement changing them out.
     
    #2 efusco, Oct 30, 2006
  3. Actual Mileage

    Actual Mileage Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 30 2006, 02:38 PM) [snapback]340770[/snapback]</div>
    My Prius has the standard halogen - no HID. My previous cars didn't have the headlights that turned with the wheel - but they seemed to have more peripheral visibility.

    And no - it doesn't help that I am getting old and my night vision is lame at best.
    :(
     
    #3 Actual Mileage, Oct 30, 2006
  4. Pinto Girl

    Pinto Girl New Member

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    What the Prius needs is a *third* headlight that swivels with the steering wheel, like the Tucker.
     
    #4 Pinto Girl, Oct 30, 2006
  5. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Fog lights were designed to provide lights at wide angles to see reflections of dotted lane dividers and signs on the sides. The were not designed to shine through the fog.

    That being said, my previous car had fog lights and I did not see much difference. Therefore, I didn't get them with Prius.
     
    #5 usbseawolf2000, Oct 30, 2006
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I have Silverstars on mine. They're definitely whiter and a tad brighter (could be the illusion b/c it's whiter) but on the dark roads with no lampposts, they make the most difference.

    What's odd is that when you look at my car with the Silverstars, they're damn white and bright even in the daytime with DRLs (~80% full intensity) but yet at night, they're ok. It's better than stock though. The Prius does supposedly have a good headlight system (given that those with HIDs and those that upgraded seem to say so).

    I've left my fogs as stock. I may or may not upgrade them to HIDs like what docvijay did.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Oct 30, 2006
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 30 2006, 03:38 PM) [snapback]340770[/snapback]</div>
    Evan, while the fog lights don't do much, I do find they light up the edges of the road on either side of the car. We get some awful weather in this part of Michigan, and sometimes I find myself crawling along at walking speed trying to find the road. The fog lamps help pick up the white fog line on the edge. They could be a lot better, but they are better than just the headlamps under these circumstances.

    Tom
     
    #7 qbee42, Oct 30, 2006
  8. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    :mellow: Seems I read somewhere that the HID headlights provided more illumination in the periphery than the standard halogen due to their specific 'pattern.' I have a 2007 ordered which will have the HID's w/fogs.

    Anyone here remeber that post or article?
     
    #8 Charles Suitt, Oct 31, 2006
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Oct 31 2006, 02:42 PM) [snapback]341375[/snapback]</div>
    They do. The HIDs put out a lot of light.

    Tom
     
    #9 qbee42, Oct 31, 2006
  10. Actual Mileage

    Actual Mileage Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Oct 30 2006, 09:41 PM) [snapback]341075[/snapback]</div>
    That is what I am looking for - peripheral lighting.
    I have to go in for a 5000 mile whatever (I haven't looked it up yet) and maybe I can get the dealer to replace the lights.
    Probably charge me a bundle. But I don't feel like doing it.
     
    #10 Actual Mileage, Nov 2, 2006
  11. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    :) My 2007 Touring Prius is due next week ± Nov 8th. While we don't have much fog in Dallas (other than the politicians B.S. near election time... :rolleyes: ), after I see how the HID's and fogs perform, I'll post my comments.
     
    #11 Charles Suitt, Nov 2, 2006
  12. GreenSpeed

    GreenSpeed New Member

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    I get tons of fog here in the Bay Area, my 2000 Infiniti I30 has fogs. It does make a little bit of difference, (near miniscule). In really heavy fog (like i had tonight) can't really say thay made a huge difference. But i just think it looks so much nicer with the fogs. Yes, the HID's are insanely bright. I do alot of commuting a day (120+ Miles) and sometimes i get blinded by really strong headlights. More often than not it's usually a Prius or one of those new BMWs.
     
    #12 GreenSpeed, Nov 3, 2006
  13. Actual Mileage

    Actual Mileage Member

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    The Prius HID headlights are noticeably brighter than other HIDs?
    Including the luxury SUVs?
     
    #13 Actual Mileage, Nov 4, 2006
  14. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    I just ordered the HID foglight kit like DocVijay. I will let you know what I think when the kit arrives as well as taking pictures of the install/replacement of my factory foglights.
     
    #14 cairo94507, Nov 4, 2006
  15. drecian

    drecian New Member

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    We rarely have fog here, and I do a lot of 'spirited' driving through the twisties, so I have re-aimed the stock fogs to point up and 'out' to act as cornering lights. I've found that this works pretty well, althoug you have to turn them off for oncoming traffic as they are now essentially aimed as highbeams...

    my $0.02
     
    #15 drecian, Nov 12, 2006
  16. prius62

    prius62 Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cairo94507 @ Nov 4 2006, 07:41 AM) [snapback]343758[/snapback]</div>
    Can't wait to hear how you like the new HID fogs !! The pictures of Doc's fogs look really impressive. After reading so many of the mod threads yesterday I'm still wondering 1) how to secure the ballasts, and 2) did Doc say he had to change the fuse from 15 amp to 20 amp?

    I've had my 2005 Prius for 5 days and already have been bitten by the mod bug. This forum is GREAT.
    :D
     
    #16 prius62, Nov 12, 2006
  17. GreenSpeed

    GreenSpeed New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius62 @ Nov 12 2006, 08:19 PM) [snapback]348032[/snapback]</div>
    Yeah Cairo! Post Step by step pics! I want to do mine as well! You getting your fog conversions from Ebay?
     
    #17 GreenSpeed, Nov 13, 2006
  18. jbarnhart

    jbarnhart New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Actual Mileage @ Nov 4 2006, 06:41 AM) [snapback]343741[/snapback]</div>
    No, they're comparable to other HID lights. My Audi A8 has lights that are probably a bit brighter. But the Prius HIDs are very, very good.

    By the way, you have the cutest avatar. I just want to pet it and feed it treats. Labrador?
     
    #18 jbarnhart, Nov 13, 2006
  19. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    OK, I got my HID kit and installed it and found one of the ballasts seems to be defective as it does not ignite the bulb. Both bulbs are good I already checked that and the wiring seems fine too. The install is really easy. I decided to pull the bumper cover off to get to the whole front end and be able to easily mount the ballasts. I decided to mout them behind the front bumper piece, the heavy metal one that hides behind the styrofoam bumper cushion and the actual cover. I have pictures and will post once I get the replacement ballast (hopefully today) and then install it and finish everything up. The one side that is finished is certainly brighter than the factory lights.
     
    #19 cairo94507, Nov 13, 2006
  20. GreenSpeed

    GreenSpeed New Member

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    Cairo! I can't wait! How much did you spend? And what tools did you use to install it? Is it easy? ARgh! Suspense!
     
    #20 GreenSpeed, Nov 14, 2006
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