1st generation headlights

[Twistgrip]

Can anyone advise how to improve the headlights, I find that they don’t appear to be very effective. I have tried different bulbs but non seem to make any noticeable difference. TIA

[TonyHSD]

Hi, if your car is a base model icon with halogen bulbs hir2 type there is almost no way of improvement. The problem is that these lights use one bulb for both dipped and full beam and a mechanism inside the lens that switches between and this is what actually makes them very weak. Yaris, Yaris cross are exactly the same. Aygo x uses separate bulbs in reflector type lights and these are way better. 

[forkingabout]

It depends which type of headlight your C-HR has fitted as there have been several different designs & technology used across first gen C-HR.

A picture of YOUR headlight would help identify it.

FWIW - Even the LED adaptive type which I have while decent, can't compare to a 24MY Yaris Cross LED headlamp that my missus has for useable light output.

Headlamp technology moves quickly in the automotive world.

[Twistgrip]

Thank you for the replies, the vehicle is an Excel model but with the Halogen headlight bulbs - I have tried ‘led’ bulbs and at present have 100w halogen bulbs fitted and although both types appear to be much brighter than the original ones they just don’t project much light forwards. Regards Twistgrip

[Hadrian1]

Be careful as some of the higher wattage bulbs can get very hot, and cause damage.

 

[Twistgrip]

👍Thank you for the replies, the vehicle is an Excel model but with the Halogen headlight bulbs - I have tried ‘led’ bulbs and at present have 100w halogen bulbs fitted and although both types appear to be much brighter than the original ones they just don’t project much light forwards. Regards Twistgrip

[Twistgrip]

👍

[Mojo1010]

A set of 100w hid ballasts, bulbs (9012/hir2) and relay cable + fuse tap solved the problem I had like yours on my previous car. Not suggesting u to take this route as they are non compliance, then again your 100w halogen or led are non compliance also. 

[Twistgrip]

Hi Mojo1010,

Thank you for the information, however are the parts required readily available in the UK? It sounds like it may be worth trying if it brings a noticeable improvement. TIA Twistgrip

[Mojo1010]

Hid kit here. This is 9005/9006 and it fits, not a perfect twist at the headlight unit, a partial one, but good enough - this was my set up. Don't know it's the cheapest, do your research. 

I'd advise to request for 5000k or 4300k bulb temp or buy from a seller that has it. 6000k is not good in the wet road/rain. It's better than led in lighting up the road, my car currently has led, so I have experienced of both. Get a tap fuse for your car. 

[Twistgrip]

Thank you, I’m just looking at it on eBay, this looks like being purchased in the next day or so. Just one other thing, where in the wiring would the tap fuse be inserted? Sorry for asking this. 
Regards Twistgrip1

[Mojo1010]

If your car has the 12v Battery in the engine bay then no need to use the tap fuse. If not it go into the fuse box at the engine bay. Cut off the circle ring on the positive wire (red) soldered the wire to the tap fuse. 

[Twistgrip]

On 11/10/2024 at 9:12 PM, Mojo1010 said:

If your car has the 12v Battery in the engine bay then no need to use the tap fuse. If not it go into the fuse box at the engine bay. Cut off the circle ring on the positive wire (red) soldered the wire to the tap fuse. 

That’s good news, the Battery is in the engine bay so I’m all good to go - just need now to order the parts and the job will be done. 
Once again thanks for your help and information. 
Twistgrip

[Eddiefh]

I don’t know the technical term I’ll call them audi car bulbs but for me these in my head seem to make mine seem less bright as I’m constantly blinded by new cars with really bright lights , I’m sure 20 years ago this wasn’t a problem as we all had the same strength bulbs 

[TonyHSD]

6 hours ago, Eddiefh said:

I don’t know the technical term I’ll call them audi car bulbs but for me these in my head seem to make mine seem less bright as I’m constantly blinded by new cars with really bright lights , I’m sure 20 years ago this wasn’t a problem as we all had the same strength bulbs 

The problem with latest car lights that has halogen bulbs hir2  is real and it’s not because there are more modern blue led lights vehicle around with very powerful and ultra bright lights, which also are horrible. 
The problem is the light projector that uses a mechanical adapter to switch between dipped and main beams. This reduces light output by as much as 50%, so you have a reduced light performance in a brand new car in comparison to a 20 years old car. These are the lights in Yaris, Yaris cross, Auris and probably other models entry level trims. 
Aygo X uses reflector type halogen bulbs lights and has two separate sections fitted with two independent bulbs, one for dipped, one for main beams. The lights although not as bright as these led they provide a good light ahead and on the side and in any road conditions. 
Here the difference better Aygo x pure lights and Yaris icon. 
Aygo has great lights where Yaris really poor.