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Best Aftermarket Light Bulbs (After Toyota ZHB Harness Fix)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by kevelev, Jul 13, 2018.

  1. kevelev

    kevelev Junior Member

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    So my my halogen low beam died, so I took it to the dealer and got the free fix which included new bulbs and a wiring harness upgrade on both sides. The bulbs still appear very dim at night and I was wondering what some good aftermarket headlight bulbs are, primarily for low beams. The actual headlight fixtures aren't in the best of shape, which could contribute to the poor visibility at night. However, there is moisture inside one, and the other looks like something burned out (near the tiny bulb on top), so I was thinking about replacing these, but it isn't that cheap. Any ideas? I'm not exactly sure what the ZHB fix included, or how it changed the electronics, so that's why I don't know which bulbs would work. Are there any LED options that are nice and bright?
     
    #1 kevelev, Jul 13, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm happy with my sylvania's.

    some folks have said the bulb can be installed incorrectly pointing down.

    have you looked at eBay and salvage for lower cost replacement fixtures?
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 14, 2018
  3. kevelev

    kevelev Junior Member

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    I haven't looked at salvage yards yet. That's a good idea.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 kevelev, Jul 15, 2018
  4. StevefromOhio

    StevefromOhio Member

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    2018 Prius Prime
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    Plug-in Advanced
    I've installed LED headlights....both low and high beam. Best lights I've had so far. I've had HID in my other cars and the new LED's are brighter than the 35 watt HID's. Can't give numbers as to how much brighter but it is noticeably brighter. The high beams are way way brighter than any halogens. Don't go with 6k color. Stick with 5k or if you can find them, 4K color. 6K too blue and terrible for snow, rain or fog.
     
    #4 StevefromOhio, Jul 24, 2018
    GFO likes this.
  5. GFO

    GFO Member

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    I went with a cheaper eBay 55watt HID kit for the low beams about two years ago. The light output and clarity compared to the OEM halogens is massive. The downside, the bulbs only last about a 12-18months for me. But they're a cheap replacement, shopping about Amazon and/or eBay, I can get two new bulbs for around $10.00 shipped.

    I'm considering switching over to LEDs next when this pair goes out. Ditto with what SteveFromOhio said, stick with a 4-5k kelvin rating if you can. 6K tends to have that annoying blue tint, really depends on the manufacturer though as I've seen a few advertised as 6K that were bright white and not blue, but it's hit and miss.
     
    #5 GFO, Jul 26, 2018
  6. James Powers

    James Powers Senior Member

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    Location:
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    I've been using LED's from VLEDs for months now and I love them. The light output is amazing. I have them currently in the lows and LED switchbacks in the turn signals. They act like DRL's while the headlights are on and then switch to amber when I trip the turn signal then back again. Since I dont have Fogs, this was cheaper than getting them installed lol.
     
    #6 James Powers, Jul 26, 2018
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