Best options for improving stock headlights?

[petes99]

I'm new to the Explorer world, and overall very happy with my 08 Eddie Bauer.. but.. the lighting is just horrible. Just looking for honest to goodness improvements for these H13 bulbs.

Have tried the Philips Xtreme bulbs, and really found no solid improvement (despite the fancy packaging). Have gone with Silverstars in my last car (Subaru) and vowed never again due to horrible life span.

So.. can you guys detail what you've done for better lighting? Any particular kits, and actual comparison to stock bulbs would be superb . Thanks!!

 

[banditxp]

Are your headlights all Pitted and hazy?
because im pretty happy with the stock lights. They are way better then most other cars and trucks that are older. I have the sylvania xtravision ones because i dont like any bulbs that are blue. Blue hurts night vision and really hurts it when the roads are wet.

 

[banditxp]

Unless you are used to HIDs in other cars, but far are Stock lights and none HID. these headlights are pretty good.

 

[petes99]

The lenses are very clear actually. Guess HID is my only option.. my biggest gripe is the high beams I guess. The lows are ok, but I guess I am spoiled by my last few cars with projector halogens.

Hows the lifespan of your Xtravisions?

 

[banditxp]

ah yea if your used to Projectors then you cant compare to normal headlights lol.
time to do a retofit and put in some HID projectors. a Few people have done it on here.
So far so good. about 10K miles on them so far. and i do lots of night driving.

 

[asull85]

I have some LED headlights and they are much brighter than stock. They aren't as bright as HID's but I like them.

 

[Trac Marks]

Philips Vision Plus. Made in Germany. $18.99 shipped from ebay seller globalautomotivelightingexpress

Much cleaner white light. Couldn't be happier.

 

[USMCBuckWild]

I'm with you OP. My other car is a Subaru Forester with some Osram upgraded bulbs and those are amazingly brighter than the stock Ford ones. I just bought my Explorer and found the headlights to be anemic, so I swapped in brand new OEM headlights and brand new Philips bulbs and still not great.

 

[petes99]

USMCBuckWild - the 65w Rallye's ? Had those in my LGT and WOW - really awesome output, and never burned out.

 

[USMCBuckWild]

USMCBuckWild - the 65w Rallye's ? Had those in my LGT and WOW - really awesome output, and never burned out.

I believe they were the Osram 65/75. I'll pull one and look. Beautiful illumination and no one ever flashed me for them being too bright

 

[Explorer75]

Very pricey but what do you guys think about this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MOR4D5U

 

[Explorer0693]

I'm running 10k HIDs sooooo super bright I love them

 

[petes99]

Explorer75 - that LED kit is very tempting.. but I have to wonder how blurred the lighting would be with our housings. Some good reviews there, but also a couple of harsh ones from other Ford truck owners, at that!

I just found this thread - http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=419142 - and am now considering DriveBright.com as an option for HIDs. Dumb question, but is it legal (ie will I pass inspection!) with aftermarket HIDs?

 

[jseabolt]

Have gone with Silverstars in my last car (Subaru) and vowed never again due to horrible life span.

!

Funny you should mention Silverstars and Subarus in the same sentence. I own a 2003 Baja and tried those Silverstars and they kept blowing ever 3 to 6 months.

I put the low beam bulbs that came from the factory back in and they are still working. I left the high beam Silverstars in since they are not used as often.

Before reading your post I was thinking to myself, "I better tell this guy not to buy Silverstars because I think they are junk".

They must burn hotter which causes them to blow faster than other bulbs.

 

[banditxp]

Funny you should mention Silverstars and Subarus in the same sentence. I own a 2003 Baja and tried those Silverstars and they kept blowing ever 3 to 6 months.

I put the low beam bulbs that came from the factory back in and they are still working. I left the high beam Silverstars in since they are not used as often.

Before reading your post I was thinking to myself, "I better tell this guy not to buy Silverstars because I think they are junk".

They must burn hotter which causes them to blow faster than other bulbs.

yes they do burn hotter so IE they tend to blow more on trucks or cars with a hard ride. They have ot burn brighter to put out the same light output due to the blue tint on them. That is why blue tint or blue color lights are bad. along with your eyes do not see the blue light as well as the 4,000-5,000K mark. The best light color temp for most light your eyes can see is 4,300K its pretty much sunlight.

everything that thinks they can see better and the light is brighter with the 8,000-15,000K bulbs HID or not. its just a eye trick and its really only picking up the whites and grays more on the road. but any of the darker colors you are loosing viability.

Right now i run the Sylvania XtraVision, still a clear bulb just a little brighter and better color temp then stock or cheap bulbs.

If i do go with a HID retrofit i will be getting 4,300K bulbs.

 

[Mossfactor07]

Here's a couple of pictures of what I just got done installing on my 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer.

In mid day light ...

Heres another one ...