Best Headlight bulb replacement ?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
Best Headlight bulb replacement ?
Has anyone found a really good headlight bulb replacement to boost headlight output? I do not want to change out the system to an aftermarket setup for as often as I drive after dark.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 255
Likes: 72
From: Maryland
Email Daniel Stern: https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
He hooked me up with some Euro spec HIR (Halogen "High Intensity" ) bulbs ( IIRC, one pair is made by Toshiba and the other by Phillips I think) for my low beam and high beams and they've been great. I did put white led bulbs in my factory fog lamps and then aimed the fog lamps up higher with the head lamps and that has been helpful as well. Good luck, he'll send you a novel to read but he knows his stuff.
He hooked me up with some Euro spec HIR (Halogen "High Intensity" ) bulbs ( IIRC, one pair is made by Toshiba and the other by Phillips I think) for my low beam and high beams and they've been great. I did put white led bulbs in my factory fog lamps and then aimed the fog lamps up higher with the head lamps and that has been helpful as well. Good luck, he'll send you a novel to read but he knows his stuff.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,861
Likes: 4,663
Agree with the HIR post. You can buy them at many places. 9011 high beam, 9012 low beam. Keep your old 9005/9006 bulbs after removing, and copy their "tang" pattern, because the 9011/9012 bulbs have 1 tang that will need trimming. Not a lot, but they won't fit unless you trim the one tang. You will notice a difference! On my car, I used to hate drivers coming at me with their brights on, because I'd flash mine to let them know they were blinding me, and they must have thought screw you, and laughed at me, thinking "I'm not dimming for your bright lights." They don't laugh anymore!! In fact, I get flashed now!!
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
My vote is for LED bulbs. The C5 headlights sit so low that a little scatter doesn't affect other drivers. I and many others have successfully used them and don't get flashed by oncoming drivers.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
What makes the 9011/9012 better than the 9005/9006?
I looked at the new offerings by Phillips they have 7 different versions of bulbs available 9005/9006 I also looked at the 9011/9012 but do not see any specs listed they makes them look any better.
https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-au/c...OGEN&layout=96
I looked at the new offerings by Phillips they have 7 different versions of bulbs available 9005/9006 I also looked at the 9011/9012 but do not see any specs listed they makes them look any better.
https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-au/c...OGEN&layout=96
Last edited by 6speedsteve; Aug 17, 2022 at 10:24 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
The 9011/9012 is infrared reflective, 9005/9006 is traditional halogen.
The coating on the bulb reflects IR back to the filament, which makes it burn hotter and brighter than halogen but the power is the same.
https://www.techbriefs.com/component...chnology/15641
The coating on the bulb reflects IR back to the filament, which makes it burn hotter and brighter than halogen but the power is the same.
https://www.techbriefs.com/component...chnology/15641
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 154
Likes: 31
From: Temecula, CA
I've had good luck with Auxito LED replacements. The headlights will open/retract without an issue, you can adjust the locking ring so the LED emitters are properly oriented [3 & 9 o'clock] and they are cheap. I can't speak for their longevity though, as I haven't driven enough with them. I can say however that they have better output and the color temperature is more white/blue. Which is great for clear conditions, not so great for fog/rain/snow.
Melting Slicks
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
I found lots of good info & options here, their YT channels has lots of testing, aiming, lux ratings, & proper beam patterns, I would lean more towards purchasing from a company that tests what they sell. Mostly dedicated to LED but have some info & options for halogens.
Lots of options for C5
https://www.headlightrevolution.com/
Lots of options for C5
https://www.headlightrevolution.com/
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
The 9011/9012 is infrared reflective, 9005/9006 is traditional halogen.
The coating on the bulb reflects IR back to the filament, which makes it burn hotter and brighter than halogen but the power is the same.
https://www.techbriefs.com/component...chnology/15641
The coating on the bulb reflects IR back to the filament, which makes it burn hotter and brighter than halogen but the power is the same.
https://www.techbriefs.com/component...chnology/15641
Just a garage shot 3ft from the door, 9012 on the left 9006 on the right
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 69
Likes: 78
From: Hickory Creek, TX
I replaced just the low beam bulbs with LED bulbs, and they have worked just fine for me. Much brighter light, pattern seems to be about the same, and never had anyone flash at me for my lights getting in their eyes (also tested with my son driving towards me on the back road into our neighborhood, and they seemed fine).
Relatively inexpensive solution that works well for me- YMMV.
Relatively inexpensive solution that works well for me- YMMV.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 265
Likes: 27
From: Moncton NB
Email Daniel Stern: https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
He hooked me up with some Euro spec HIR (Halogen "High Intensity" ) bulbs ( IIRC, one pair is made by Toshiba and the other by Phillips I think) for my low beam and high beams and they've been great. I did put white led bulbs in my factory fog lamps and then aimed the fog lamps up higher with the head lamps and that has been helpful as well. Good luck, he'll send you a novel to read but he knows his stuff.
He hooked me up with some Euro spec HIR (Halogen "High Intensity" ) bulbs ( IIRC, one pair is made by Toshiba and the other by Phillips I think) for my low beam and high beams and they've been great. I did put white led bulbs in my factory fog lamps and then aimed the fog lamps up higher with the head lamps and that has been helpful as well. Good luck, he'll send you a novel to read but he knows his stuff.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY