New guy here w/ '08 Sonata question

[Tom B]

Many thanks to all for the great information. I've gone through 8 pages and haven't found my answer. So here goes.

I'm currently using the H7 Night Breaker and lighting is OK. As they are 55W output, would I gain anything by installing CEC 70W halogen clear bulbs? Or any other 70W bulb?

In following forum recommendations, I'm running 14.5V at the battery and 13.75V at the headlights with the engine running. So, I'm guessing I'm OK there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[deadrx7conv]

Generic 70w vs. over bright 55w?

Only you will be able to make that choice.

The CEC 70w is labeled for 'off road use only'.

I had a loaner Sonata and the stock headlights were reasonable.
What is your issue with your brighter H7's?

Slow down if you can't see where you're going. And, use high beams whenever possible without offending your oncoming traffic or arrogant anti-touch-your-bulbs members here.

 

[Tom B]

It's a matter of age.... old eyes, slower reflexes, slower target descrimination. And, I travel for a living.

The Sonata seems to have a sharp cut off point that if aimed properly, should not be overly offensive with halogen clear bulb light. As I see it, nothing is more offensive than HIDs on most any vehicle. I'm sure my light intensity would not approach those.... and, according to what I've researched here, the spectrum of halogen light is less harsh for others. My possibly misguided rationale is that 70W halogens may be less harsh to others than H7 Night Breakers.... no?

 

[-Virgil-]

I'm currently using the H7 Night Breaker and lighting is OK. As they are 55W output, would I gain anything by installing CEC 70W halogen clear bulbs? Or any other 70W bulb?

Well-made name-brand 55w bulb vs. poor-quality off-brand 70w bulb? No comparison. Stick with the 55w name-brand bulb. The Sonata's headlamp optics are such that the Osram 65w H7 would be a good and unproblematic upgrade. It produces more light with considerably more precise focus than the Eiko or CEC or other off-brand junk. If you decide to stick with standard-wattage bulbs, the Philips Xtreme Power (or new Xtreme Vision) H7 would be a step up from the Osram Night Breaker.

In following forum recommendations, I'm running 14.5V at the battery and 13.75V at the headlights with the engine running.

Measured with the headlamps connected, or at the socket disconnected from the lamp?

 

[KLowD9x]

http://store.candlepower.com/osraulhiouh7.html

I read that these are great and last longer than the nicest 55 watt H7s.

You can also take a D2 bulb and cut an H7 style notch into the top...I'm just saying.

 

[-Virgil-]

You can also take a D2 bulb and cut an H7 style notch into the top...I'm just saying.

"HID kits" in halogen-bulb headlamps (any kit, any headlamp, any vehicle) do not work safely or effectively, which is why they are illegal. See here . And suggestions of this sort aren't allowed on this board, per Rule 11.

 

[KLowD9x]

"HID kits" in halogen-bulb headlamps (any kit, any headlamp, any vehicle) do not work safely or effectively, which is why they are illegal. See here . And suggestions of this sort aren't allowed on this board, per Rule 11.

Of course they do. I recommend he take his projector lamps, put in a 500 watt HID kit and turn the projectors up side down. You can see FOREVER.

Overwattage bulbs are against the rules too but you have nothing to say about that?

 

[Tom B]

Have ordered the Osram Rallye 65W.

I measured voltage at the headlight with the socket connected.

Thanks

 

[KLowD9x]

Have ordered the Osram Rallye 65W.

I measured voltage at the headlight with the socket connected.

Thanks

Keep us informed! I hope they work out for you.

 

[Tom B]

Well-made name-brand 55w bulb vs. poor-quality off-brand 70w bulb? No comparison. Stick with the 55w name-brand bulb. The Sonata's headlamp optics are such that the Osram 65w H7 would be a good and unproblematic upgrade. It produces more light with considerably more precise focus than the Eiko or CEC or other off-brand junk. If you decide to stick with standard-wattage bulbs, the Philips Xtreme Power (or new Xtreme Vision) H7 would be a step up from the Osram Night Breaker.


Many, many thanks for the sage and accurate advice. Since they were so cheap, I ordered the CEC 70W clears before I ordered the Osram 65W Rallyes. No pun intended, but it was the difference between night and day! In addition to the additional light, the light "pattern" is superb. I did have to adjust vertical and horizontal pattern. No nightime flashbacks.... and I live in an area of militant flashbackers :laughing:.

Now what to do with a shoe box full of bulbs!

Many thanks to all in this forum who were of help,

Tom

 

[Alaric Darconville]

[
In addition to the additional light, the light "pattern" is superb. I did have to adjust vertical and horizontal pattern. No nightime flashbacks.... and I live in an area of militant flashbackers :laughing:.

Now what to do with a shoe box full of bulbs!

I hope you're not aiming them visually, especially the horizontal aim. And don't take the lack of flashbacks to mean anything.

Other than that, I'm glad you decided to get a good bulb-- the CEC bulbs could probably go on eBay, but I'd sell them as spotlight bulbs since those should never be installed in a car.