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Which Headlights should I get?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Vari0us, Dec 2, 2020.

  1. Vari0us

    Vari0us Junior Member

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    I have a 2010 Prius III and my headlights have not been replaced in the 2 1/2 years that I’ve had it, and they feel pretty dim. I want to replace them with something brighter but when I looked it up it seems pretty complicated for some reason (lots of talk about weird mods and issues with LED and HID lights). I want to get new bulbs for the normal headlights and high beams since I’m driving up from AZ to Utah this Christmas and I just want the brightest bulbs that I can get and install myself. What should I get?
     
  2. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    No matter what you decide on, it's a good idea to begin with a lens-restoration kit. They're inexpensive and you'll immediately have more light when the lenses are no longer cloudy. Repeat yearly.
     
  3. Vari0us

    Vari0us Junior Member

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    I recently went to a car wash and also got my headlights “sandblasted” to clear them up. Is that what you’re talking about? It didn’t really add much more light but I think that’s mostly due to the bulbs being old
     
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Not sure but basically have your lens cover clear (like new) rather than cloudy or blur.

    If you don’t mind a shorter lifespan, powerbulbs.com has a range of brighter halogen bulbs you can purchase. I’ve used them twice when I had my Gen 2.
     
  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    This is what I did:
    What did you do to ur Gen III Prius today???? | Page 925 | PriusChat

    They look at good as new!


     
  6. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    If you have H11 low beams ask if H9 modified fit will safely work:

    Automotive, Motorcycles Included.

    May also guide on high beam upgrade as well...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
  7. scona

    scona Active Member

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    I replaced my very dim 2010 H11 (Low beam) headlights with Auhder H11 Mini led lights. Rated at a 300% improvement over the
    old ones and I would agree with that. Just unscrew the old ones and plug these in, nothing else to do. The light is quite white and
    really improves visibility, the lights have a good cut off across the top to prevent blinding ongoing traffic. Mine has run for a year now without any problems. H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs CREE-Chips MINI Size 12,000Lm 6000k AUHDER Kit | eBay
    Here are some on eBay for $24.00 and worth every penny of that.
     
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  8. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    There are only 2 headlights; the non trim 5 headlights and the trim 5 headlights. Not sure why bulbs are in the discussion.
     
  9. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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  10. Vari0us

    Vari0us Junior Member

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    This looks like a winner here, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!
     
  11. Vari0us

    Vari0us Junior Member

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    Did you also replace your high beams with leds? If so what did you use? I am wondering if the old high beam bulbs will look silly with leds for low beams.
     
  12. scona

    scona Active Member

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    I did not replace the high beams mine did not seem to be anywhere as dull as the low ones were, they still gave decent visibility at a distance. I looked at the low beams to check the cutoff but have never looked at the lights with both beams on as to appearance.
     
  13. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Mother's Aluminum cleaner and a $$ buffer for my drill, from harbor freight.
    The drill I've had for years. 18v one.
    Clean off the lens first. Then put some cleaner on the pad, small amount, and use a medium speed.
    You don't have to press hard. Just keep it steady all over the lens.
    Then use a micro fiber cloth to wipe it off. Repeat as needed.

    I even cleaned my worst lens's on my Van. Now they look new!
     
    #13 ASRDogman, Dec 3, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2020
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  14. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    I even used it on the plastic cover over the meter on my battery charger.
    I could barely see the amperage. Now it's super clear!
     
  15. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Mother's Aluminum Polish?

    [​IMG]
     
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  16. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    That's what I used. About $4-5. Depending on where you get it.
    You don't need to use very much...
     
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  17. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Thanks!
     
  18. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    How long does that treatment remain effective? You are not replacing the coating that is supposed to protect against the further ravages of uv/sunlight.
     
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  19. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I’m very happy with the H9 (on a Scion iQ) recommended to me by the moderators over on the forum I linked:

    H11 Max 1400 lm
    H9 Max 2240 lm

    When is H11 > H9 safe, and how can we know?

    You’re putting supposedly 12000 lm bulbs in their place and not expecting issues. The 12000 lm is likely not true to start......
     
    #19 jzchen, Dec 4, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2020
  20. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Since I only did it about 2 weeks ago, I have no idea how long it will last.
    I "think" the guy said he doesn't his once a year. And they didn't look bad.
    I guess it will depend if it's garage kept or outside, like mine.
    I think the protective cover is already gone, or it wouldn't change colors.
    I don't know if it removes anything or not. I just know it did a great job.
    And If I have to spend 15-20 minutes redoing them once a year, or every 6 months,
    it's worth it. Cheaper than the $200 to replace them. :)

     
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