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Prius LED Headlights

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by retired911guy2006, Jul 3, 2010.

  1. retired911guy2006

    retired911guy2006 New Member

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    We all know the the HID headlights on the Prius left a LOT to be desired. My '06 had them and I hated them. When they started going out and I found out how much they cost to replace, I figured it was time to trade (over 83K miles anyway). I traded for a 2010 Prius II with the halogen headlights and they were really good, OK, great. I loved them. Less than 6 months later, I am looking for another Prius due to someone not paying attention and driving into the back of it at 55+ mph. Fortunately, saw what was coming in mirror (an '04 Stratus, also totaled) and just edged out from behind a stopped pickup truck so the Prius was not sandwiched between the 2 vehicles. Prius was a total loss but held up really well. Crumple zones worked well as they should. Just shaken up a lot, no blood. Which brings me to my question: I got a fantastic deal on a Prius V with LED headlights and all the bells and whistles and can find basically no information on the LED's and how well they work. Would someone please give me the lowdown on them and a comparison with the halogens. I have given a deposit on the new one but have not signed the papers yet. Trying to avoid a mistake. Thanks!
     

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    #1 retired911guy2006, Jul 3, 2010
  2. euge.lee

    euge.lee New Member

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    The Prius LED headlights are great, as good as any well made HID headlamp. I was expecting some "LED" magic... none to be found.
     
    #2 euge.lee, Jul 3, 2010
  3. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Sorry to hear about your accident--glad you're OK.

    Regarding the LED headlights, I've been driving cars with HIDS for >10 years, and the Prius LEDs are every bit as effective at illuminating the road ahead of you. If you do a search, there was a post a while back with pix comparing a 2010 Prius with LEDs vs. one with halogen headlights.
     
    #3 stream, Jul 4, 2010
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I took pics of my Prius V against my Dads Prius II headlights about a year ago. You can see the thread here:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...66527-halogen-vs-led-headlights-pictures.html


    Yeah, people will come out of the woodwork again blasting the camera settings, time difference between the shots etc but I'm no photographer nor do I have the manpower to set it up like an episode of mythbusters. That being said, the average person can see the difference between the two in the pictures.
     
    #4 Paradox, Jul 4, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  5. Jim05

    Jim05 Occasional Quasi-Hypermiler

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    Having driven both (loaner with LEDs), and if I drove a lot at night, I would probably opt for the LEDs.
     
    #5 Jim05, Jul 4, 2010
  6. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    LEDs are amazing on-road. However, from factory, they are aimed too low. So, with very simple adjustments (turning the screw behind the headlights), i have them aimed perfectly. They are simply amazing at night! A must have for frequent night drivers (like me).

    Paradox, thank you so much for your comparo pics...it was YOUR pics that made the decision easy for me!
     
    #6 Thai, Jul 4, 2010
  7. mickeydawson

    mickeydawson New Member

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    No Brainer... if you can afford the LED lights get them. I did and have never looked back. As good if not better than Xenon. Nice white light and better than Halogen.
    Also make the car look cool.
     
    #7 mickeydawson, Jul 4, 2010
  8. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Compared to Xenons, the LEDs spread seems to be more uniform and consistent.
     
    #8 Thai, Jul 4, 2010
  9. retired911guy2006

    retired911guy2006 New Member

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    #9 retired911guy2006, Jul 4, 2010
  10. retired911guy2006

    retired911guy2006 New Member

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    OK, have the lowdown myself. Picked up the Prius V with advanced technology package yesterday. Waited until dark and tested the headlights. They were excellent! By the way, the highbeams are halogens. Only the lowbeams are LED projector lens lights and they light up the road very well. Just as I have read in other posts, they are aimed too low and I hope to learn how to raise them a degree or two. Anyone out there who can tell me how to raise their aiming point just a bit? Pix of where the adjustment screw is (if there is one)? Thanks, guys!
     
    #10 retired911guy2006, Jul 22, 2010
  11. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    You need this post. For instructions on how to aim them to the correct level, you should also check out this site, linked from that thread as well. You want the 2.1-inch-below-level adjustment; I believe the 3.0-inch-below-level adjustment on that site is intended for halogen beams; LED and HID bulbs have a sharper cutoff, so can be aimed higher safely without blinding oncoming drivers.
     
    #11 macman408, Jul 23, 2010
  12. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Please update your profile by choosing "the other" AT package.
     
    #12 JimN, Jul 23, 2010
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