150 Prado Headlight globe selection

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

Our 150 D4D Prado is now almost 5 years old and has done just over 200,000km.... and a headlight globe has blown.

I guess we had to have some sort of problem at some stage...seriously though, apart from an alternator hat failed earlier this year, this is in fact the only other problem we have had.

So...I need to replace the headlight globe, but I am thinking of replacing both headlight globes, as I have heard that some aftermarket headlight globes are much brighter than "old" globes and also much brighter than standard globes. If that's the case I will replace the blown head light as well as the old original headlight globe at the same time.

The globe is H11, and is 55 watts.

Does anyone have any suggestions, advice and most importantly, any experience with replacement headlight globes.

[Early Member Find all posts View Profile Close Early]

Wow, very surprised you even lasted that long with the standard bulbs. Always replace headlights in pairs.
There is a thread somewhere about this. But in a nutshell:

Headlights designed for halogen bulbs are designed for halogen bulbs, not HID bulbs; different bulb shape and light emission pattern not suited for reflector hence light scatter.
Narva and Osram sell halogen bulbs that are brighter and/or longer distance and they like to point that out on the bulb packaging. So your choice there.
Some bulbs have a very blue looking bulb which is designed to cut out the yellow and make the light more white. Reduces range and wet weather driving visibility, but looks good.
I have narva xtreme visions on mine and they're slightly whiter, but definitely throws light further.

Lots of people with opinions in this topic about which bulb to get. Take it with a grain of salt.
I have tried narva, osram, hella and other brands, plus even went HID for a bit before anyone asks.

[Early Member Find all posts View Profile Close Early]

Wow, very surprised you even lasted that long with the standard bulbs. Always replace headlights in pairs.
There is a thread somewhere about this. But in a nutshell:

Headlights designed for halogen bulbs are designed for halogen bulbs, not HID bulbs; different bulb shape and light emission pattern not suited for reflector hence light scatter.
Narva and Osram sell halogen bulbs that are brighter and/or longer distance and they like to point that out on the bulb packaging. So your choice there.
Some bulbs have a very blue looking bulb which is designed to cut out the yellow and make the light more white. Reduces range and wet weather driving visibility, but looks good.
have narva xtreme visions on mine and they're slightly whiter, but definitely throws light further.

Lots of people with opinions in this topic about which bulb to get. Take it with a grain of salt.
I have tried narva, osram, hella and other brands, plus even went HID for a bit before anyone asks.

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

Brogers,

As Early stated, depends whether you want a whiter light, or a blue tinge.

My globes were replaced early in their life (2010 Prado) with Philips globes in the 55 w H11 style. More light output, happy with the change of globes, but after a few trips on some bouncy roads in W.A. earlier this year, both globes failed within 2 weeks of each other. The globes have been bounced around before without problems (must be the W.A. dirt roads)

The globes were stamped 'Made in Germany', thought they would have lasted a bit longer than 4 years.

Could not find any replacements for them over there (where I was at the time) other than Repco own brand globes. Made in Korea and still going well. (maybe the Philips globes were nearing the end of their life)

I also bought a spare pair of globes to keep in the rear draws - Repco "H11 plus 30" for 30% more light output. Not interested in a HID upgrade.