Higher Headlight Bulb Wattage

[FormerSmurf]

Greetings. I need to change my H4 bulbs. One popped last night and I live right out in the sticks, most of my driving is in darkness.

I've seen some 100/80W all weather bulbs, but given the higher wattage, would there be any problems with heat transfer? Also, would the cabling be up to the job?

Obviously, these headlights are strictly for use on the farm.... :sly

 

[AlexD333]

Greetings. I need to change my H4 bulbs. One popped last night and I live right out in the sticks, most of my driving is in darkness.

I've seen some 100/80W all weather bulbs, but given the higher wattage, would there be any problems with heat transfer? Also, would the cabling be up to the job?

Obviously, these headlights are strictly for use on the farm.... :sly

Well, not sure on wattage but I replaced mine with those 150% brighter bulbs a while back, they seem good.

someone please confirm if wattage will effect wiring? :nenau

 

[Ogri]

Greetings. I need to change my H4 bulbs. One popped last night and I live right out in the sticks, most of my driving is in darkness.

I've seen some 100/80W all weather bulbs, but given the higher wattage, would there be any problems with heat transfer? Also, would the cabling be up to the job?

Obviously, these headlights are strictly for use on the farm.... :sly

The week point is potentially the switch. On main beam you would be drawing about 16 amps as against the standard draw of about 10 amps. When these bulbs were used on rally cars years ago they would be wired through a relay to protect the switch and wiring - probably the safest option.

Edit: That should have said two relays.

 

[FormerSmurf]

This sounds far too complicated to me. I'm not a smart man.

 

[FormerSmurf]

I might be better off trying these bad boys, as I don't want to faff around with relays.

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/H4...d-110-Upgrade-Xenon-Headlight-Bulbs-pair.html

Is this a fair price?

 

[jims-terrano]

Ive heard nothing but good things about night breakers.

 

[FormerSmurf]

My only concern is the reduced lifespan. I cover a lot of miles of dark, wet boggy roads.

Although I religiously check my lights a few times a week, they only pop at the worst time.

So £20 for a pair delivered ain't too bad?

 

[AlexD333]

My only concern is the reduced lifespan. I cover a lot of miles of dark, wet boggy roads.

Although I religiously check my lights a few times a week, they only pop at the worst time.

So £20 for a pair delivered ain't too bad?

Thats a good price, I payed 34 quid for mine :thumb2

 

[Terranical]

My only concern is the reduced lifespan. I cover a lot of miles of dark, wet boggy roads.

Although I religiously check my lights a few times a week, they only pop at the worst time.

So £20 for a pair delivered ain't too bad?

I've been using Nightbreakers for over 3 years in both my cars and I've yet to have one fail. They are brighter than the Chinese alleged 100w ones I had before, plus they are made by a reputable company (Osram). For me it's a no-brainer.

 

[FormerSmurf]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P2ZSAO7MTANG

£12.84 (pair), free delivery. Sounds like a deal!

 

[Terranical]

Thats a good price, I payed 34 quid for mine :thumb2

HOW MUCH??? Have a look at this link, that's what I paid for mine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OSRAM-NIG...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a94cbcb78

 

[trophymick]

I fitted some spotlights, I live out in the Boonies and need good lighting.

These::thumb2
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190315228654?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[Sweety]

Simple get some Osram night breakers:thumbs paid about £13-14 for mine off ebay & they have made a big difference when main beam is on it's like having a set of spotlights on the front aswell now but even normal headlights are brighter & the light carries further ahead. The problem with fitting hight wattages bulbs is the extra current draw on the wiring & bulbs over 55w are illegal for road use:augie

 

[Mobieus_uk]

I used to run higher wattage bulbs on a older car, i found them too bright when they lit up road signs due to the highly reflective nature of signs it made driving uncomfortable at night
so i would just stick to the normal range bulbs, plus as mentioned they changed the rules on maximum wattage for road use

 

[rustic]

There have been reports on the bulb connector melting on the higher wattage bulbs, however you can buy ceramic H4 connectors that can stand the heat.

For me, night breakers are the way to go.
For off road use...:augie I have a pair of 100 Watt spot lights mounted discreetly behind the grill, and I can energise the fog lights too on full beam, so that's ...
55 x 2 + 100 x 2 + 55 x 2 Watts, so that's 420 watts in total.

For normal road use, I can switch off the fogs and spots independently so they are not energised on full beam.

 

[Madmark]

I have piaa bulbs bloody expensive but awesome with a relay so the power doesn't lag

 

[FormerSmurf]

I've been spoilt with headlights in the past, used to have a modded Misti FTO import, which had ridiculously good HID units for dipped and main. after a 40mm lowering kit they didn't destroy the retinas of people ahead of me.

My Night Breaker Unlimited have been dispatched, for a total of £12.84 for the pair delivered. Will pop 'em in early next week and see how they are.

If they are a bag of arse, I'll blame you guys.

 

[panelbeater]

i put the osram ones in and the ceramic plugs.under 20 i think.no probs at all.i cut off old plug and soldered new plug in with heat shrink on the 3 wires,looks nice and neat.

 

[Mav96]

there are wire upgrade kits available just do a search on the bay, alternatively buy better bulbs less chance of problems, last thing you need is wires melting half way home

 

[Terranical]

there are wire upgrade kits available just do a search on the bay, alternatively buy better bulbs less chance of problems, last thing you need is wires melting half way home

Nightbreakers are standard wattage but much brighter than standard, so no need to change the plugs - they don't run hotter.