basic questions about driving lights

[os1kne]

I really don't know much about driving lights, except that I'd like to have a pair to give me more light for nighttime driving and I'd like them to be approx 6" wide x 3" tall or smaller. I checked out a set of PIAA 1500's and some inexpensive brands at Walmart (Rally, Blazer, etc.). Anyway, I'm sure that the PIAA's are great - but I'm not sure that I want to spend quite that much money on driving lights. But, I suspect that I'd like better lights than the Walmart brands. I haven't ruled out PIAA, but I suspect there may be other lights that would suit my purpose for 50% less (but I could be wrong). My questions are:

Which type of lights are better - halogen or xenon?

What are some other manufacturer's that make good quality lights that are less expensive than PIAA?

What wattage should I look for?

Do any of the "chain" auto parts stores carry a good selection?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Alec]

Autozone carries the "Pilot" brand. I find they're the best budget lights by far and perform fairly well. Check out www.pilotautomotive.com for their lights. I found a set of fogs mixed with a driving set gave a very good spread of light. They're pretty tough, too. They also come as complete kits which is nice. And if you ever have a problem, take them back to Autozone, or at the worst, you're out $30-$50.

 

[Stephen S]

I'll vouch for the PIAA 1500 driving lights. I have them, have been very impressed with them, and would recommend them. They are entirely functional, meaning I can't have them on with any oncoming traffic (nobody sees how cool they look ). But they sure do throw some light on the road.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Hella isnt a bad choice either. Lot of info at www.hella.com . Do a google search for hella and look through Susquehanna Motor Sports. They have a lot of info on size, wiring, xenon bulbs ect. I havent compared their prices but the info is good.
The difference in driving lights is most apparent after a year or so on a veh. The cheap ones often are not working due to weather damage.

 

[93Ranger]

ive been thinking about this too. i found a set of "HID" beams that are by (i think 3ARacing but im not positive), they actually looked kinda cool, but i would have a problem finding a place to mount them. and they are 69.99.

there isnt a autozone around here though, so i cant get Pilot's from a store, and i am hesitant to buy some lights over the intranet without getting some pic's of how they look mounted and how the light they spread looks and all that ****.

Where should i mount the lights? they need to stand up to off-road and i need to be able to switch them over to my Jeep later on. think there would be a problem with that? thanks!

 

[justin146]

If they are $69.99 they are not real HID lights. probably some blue or purple tinted ion beam imitation. Hella HID's will set you back $641.35 each if you buy them form Performance Products.

I would recommend something by Hella or PIAA.

 

[mdrut]

Hella is a good light, the 550 model should be what you're looking for..They come in different lenses, make sure you get the DRIVING...It is a 55w H-3 halogen..
Good Luck