Rav4 - Blue Beam Headlights

[celticdragon]

Hi guys,

You know those fancy "blue beam headlights" we all see when driving in the dark .... are they really so good?

They do look good, but to what extent do they really improve night driving visibility?

Has anyone fitted them to a RAV4 - is it an easy swap over? What price were they? Did you change just the head beams only or also the side lights?

Cheers, Dom.

[scionic]

I'd skip them. Mostly they are for show because the wattage remains the same, only the color and beam pattern vary from stock.

Personally I think they're really chavesque (if that's a word)

Some people swear by them, but I'd ask to see before and after photos of the beam pattern and lighting to see how much better they really are.

The only way to get real solid improvements in lighting is to fit proper HID's and that's considerably more expensive, but it's worth doing if you are really unsatisfied with the stock lighting. I say if you're going to do something, do it right. Don't get blue tinted halogens that mimic HIDs, get the genuine article or stick with what ya got.

[AMH]

Recent Autoexpress tests didn't show them in a good light (sorry - it is 8am !!).

I have the Phillips +50% normal white bulbs fitted and they do seem a bit brighter.

[Phil_Cruiser]

Recent Autoexpress tests didn't show them in a good light (sorry - it is 8am !!).

I have the Phillips +50% normal white bulbs fitted and they do seem a bit brighter.

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I'm sorry to say that in my 'yoof' I was quite sad when it came to things like this! I think I must have owned every upgraded bulb on the market and I have to say it's one of the best ways to throw money away for no gain. I now work 100 miles away from where I live and 9 times out of 10 my journey to work is in the dark. So I decided to invest in a proper xenon HID kit. Basically instead of having a fillament it passes 20,000 volts through xenon gas which makes it glow (this is how I understand it anyway!). I can't recomend these enough! They make such a difference to night time driving. The only downside of course is the cost, with the kit I bought coming in at £400

But still, If you actually want to improve the performance of your lights then it's the only way which really works IMHO.

[AMH]

Ultimately I couldn't agree more - only I didn't want to spend £400+ do it - plus the self-levelling requirement etc (only a matter of time before MOT testers become savvy with the mod and tighter on enforcing the regs).

Have driven a Lex GS430 with xenon and they were amazing ... :)

[dalesman]

i have fitted 100/80watt ring brand bulbs......forget all the super duper extra xenon ...just go for bigger wattage.......but check your switch gear wiringand alternator just to make sure its ok for the larger bulbs......They really make a difference...i live out in the middle of the Yorkshire dales and its very dark at night!!!!