Driving with the headlights always on

[seasalsa]

Originally Posted by Boo

Hi SeaSalsa,

That's good to know about the expected longevity of the OEM halogen bulbs when they're constantly on (20-25k).

So what replacement bulbs did you use that have so far given you 40-45k and are still going strong?

Is the light at least as bright as the OEM's?

I used the standard GE 9003 and have noticed no difference in brightness from the OEM bulbs.

[David Beale]

Just a warning. Having the fog/driving lights only on is illegal in Canada and the US. That's why they can only be turned on when the headlamps are on.

The halogen bulbs draw 5 Amps each on low beam and 7 Amps each on high beam. The HIDs draw about half that. Yup, they're brighter AND draw less power!

I like Hella bulbs as replacements, but as I currently have three Phillips replacement H4 or 9003 bulbs from previous cars, I guess I will use them if they are ever needed (never needed them on the previous cars, even with them being on as DRLs). You can get much brighter Hella bulbs but be aware, they are illegal, though I'm not sure how a police officer would be able to tell you have put in higher power ones without removing one to check. They run the same colour temp as the stock legal bulb. I've seen stock low beam power, and 80 to 120W high beam power (stock high beam is 60W). Note the Watt rating is at 12V and the cars system runs at 13.8V. If you do decide to put in higher power bulbs you will have to worry about melting the plastic housings and the wire insulation if you go too high.

Note also my statement of the current draw is based on my measurements. I know it doesn't mathematically match the bulb watt rating. C'est la vie.

[Joe8002]

I also like to drive with lights on. I have a 2008 Prius with HID lights. I purchased a DLR kit from WEB Electric. Their schematic for the module is great. However, I have a problem with the car's part of it. I thought I could connect the module and it would work. I was able to access all the wiring in the car, but it didn't work. Has anyone completed this mod on a 2008 with package 6? If so, do you have the required car wiring color codes to hook up the module? I went ahead and disconnected the module until I can get more info. Thanks

[Doc Willie]

Originally Posted by hyo silver

Yeah, but don't the red photons out the back create even more thrust? Hmmm...that means the brakes aren't as effective as they could be...

Duh. Red photons, longer wavelength, lower energy. Sometimes I really wonder what went wrong with our educational system.

[raintree]

How about saving on gas by driving at night with the headlights OFF?

[Joe8002]

In reply to Raintree. I posted my thread under the "Technical Discussion" section. I, like the others just wanted to obtain information to accomplish a task. Some of us prefer to drive with DLR for safety. Maybe a few drivers are doing it for fuel conservation. I do not criticize drivers who don't use their lights. I don't know the purpose of your reply, I hope it was for humor.

[raintree]

Sorry, just trying to make a joke.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by raintree

How about saving on gas by driving at night with the headlights OFF?

I've done that, but not to save gas. In my younger days we used to chase each other all over the county in Jeeps. At night you would turn off your headlights for stealth mode. It's a wonder any of us survive to be adults.

Tom

[Spectra]

Doc:
Sometimes I really wonder what went wrong with our educational system.

-------------------------------

Sorry for this question; I'll claim that I got my formal education before these things were invented --

How do I quote a previous poster & get it to appear in that rectangular window/box?

P.S. red photons at 670 nanometers

[Boo]

Originally Posted by Spectra

Doc:
Sometimes I really wonder what went wrong with our educational system.

-------------------------------

Sorry for this question; I'll claim that I got my formal education before these things were invented --

How do I quote a previous poster & get it to appear in that rectangular window/box?

P.S. red photons at 670 nanometers

Click on the Quote icon on the bottom right corner of the post, like I just did on yours.