What you can do to increase your headlamp performance

[tibo_3rd]

saw this in the website of Hella USA

very informative. this might be used by the MMDA and LTO as a basis for confiscating aftermarket HID kits.

Automotive Headlamp Bulbs - What you can do to to increase your headlamp performance:

Legal:
Reduce the voltage drop to the bulbs

By bypassing the standard wiring with relays the voltage to the headlamp can increase, giving improved performance from any bulb. Typically standard wiring is relatively thin and a 1 volt drop is common to the bulbs. When replaced with higher capacity cable and relays this voltage drop can be deduced. A 10% drop in voltage (1.2V) equals 33% drop in light output.

Install upgrade bulbs (+30% & +50%)

Installing compliant upgrade bulbs is an effective way of improving your headlamp's performance. Usually the bulbs can be replaced without additional help and the increase in light is noticeable. The +30% (Xenon) is an cost effective option while the +50% (Xenon plus) achieve the largest increase in light output. Confirm the bulbs are SAE compliant.

Install blue bulbs

While sold as upgrade bulbs the blue bulbs only increase the color in temperature of the light output (whiter), which gives the impression of more light. Typically a blue bulb produces the same amount of light as a standard bulb. Again make sure the bulbs are compliant.

Install upgraded headlamps

Upgrade headlamps are also available however some may be for styling only and may not necessarily increase performance. Gas discharge may be an option and may be an upgrade available for the factory or aftermarket. Again it is essential to ensure the the lamps comply with our regulations.

Have the lamps professionally aligned

By adjusting the lamps correctly will provide an increase in performance, allowing the lamps to work as designed. Just because the car passes a WOF does not mean the light are aimed correctly. Have the headlamps checked with a beamsetter to ensure efficient performance.


Illegal:
Install higher power consumption bulbs

By installing higher wattage bulbs you can increase headlamp performance, due to more light being produced. It is illegal in the US to install non-compliant bulbs (i.e. non standard power consumption). Other downsides to high power include higher temperatures (melted headlamps and plugs) shorter life (up to 80% less), high cost (usually twice the price), and more stray sight due to the filament being larger. May be used for off-road purposes.

Install a gas discharge conversion kit

There are kits available i which you replace the halogen bulb with a gas discharge bulb. The gas discharge light source is 2.5 times as bright as the halogen bulb and does not focus correctly within the headlamp, as the headlamp was not designed for this bulb. This creates excessive glare (up to 100 times), which blinds oncoming drivers, and is very dangerous.

Install dark blue bulbs

Blue bulbs are deigned to reduce the yellow content of the light, so to make the light look wither. Only a slight tint is allowed before the bulb is below the minimum output required by the regulations. Some manufacturers take the tint further to produce an even whiter light output. This reduces the light output and is dangerous. These bulbs are not compliant.

[scharnhorst]

Another one:

Lens Cleaning.

[tibo_3rd]

yup +1 ako dito. last year, had the inside part of the glass of my headlamps cleaned. had the accumulated carbon dust removed.

Another one:

Lens Cleaning.

[mbeige]

The accumulated dust can be due to the small vent holes in headlamp assemblies. Cleaning them then covering these holes will certainly prolong headlight clarity.

Sometimes, polishing the reflective part can actually damage them so ingat lang kayo at wag manggigil sa paglilinis! Avoid any acetone or alcohols too kung puro plastics yung headlight assemblies niyo.

[tibo_3rd]

the reflective surface of my headlamps are fading. what can be done or what can be placed to make them shiny or reflective again? the plastic part is showing already.

[mbeige]

Get good used ones and replace them, or just remove the good stuff from the good used ones and replace the bad ones in your current headlight.

That, or simply get brand new. I've heard that resurfacing or painting with chrome/silver paint will make it worse, and that the factory coating is the most ideal. Maybe there are shops that specialize in these already and have succeeded in repairing the reflectors properly.

Did you use overwattage lamps before?

[morrissey_05]

ive heard that getting a grounding kit helps headlights.

[Type 100]

Lens cleaning you can do as part of your annual exterior detailing job. When I had it done on my Jazz it helped the headlight illumination a lot...not to mention the headlight lenses themselves looked much better and clearer too

+1 on the grounding kit/volt stabilizer, any proof on that? That certainly seems like a good idea.

[s_quilicot]

chroming the reflector kaya?

[mbeige]

Unless the chroming is done with a very critical eye to consistency and detail, the throw of light will almost certainly be off, and at worst, sabog.