[visceral]

Hi Guys,

Looking to upgrade the 9007 bulbs in my headlights, looking at 2 options - what i'd believe were the standard wattage 55/65, or the hotter 80/100 both in the "brighter white" range

My question is, will the increased UV output from the higher wattage lights increase the degeneration (fogging) of the polycarbonate lenses? Would like to go for the higher output, what with my dodgy nightvision - anyone any experience, and can the std wiring / fuses take it.

Cheers!

Paul.

[white89]

If you want to put higher wattage bulbs in, I'd suggest putting in a relay.

I went ahead and looked up the Painless Wiring part #30816 for you, its a pretty simple install from what i can see. It's a relay/harness made for 9004 and 9007 bulbs and can handle up to 150w.

Asfar as I know the extra wattage wont (in my experience) harm your lenses.

Hope this helps

[dawrr]

If anything, a brighter bulb would slow the oxidation of the lens. Because the light is more 'pure,' the harmful UV rays will be less frequent or non-existent for the most part.

Aside from weather, the amount of UV light that hits your lenses drastically changes the appearance from clear to a gross yellow haze.

I'm not saying that it will prevent haze, but it will occur slower.

And yes, add a relay!

[The Greek]

I don't believe the bulbs emit a light frequency that would enter into the ultra-violet spectrum that causes a chemical reaction with the composition of the plastic in the lenses. With that said I do agree that a relay installation would eliminate any issue with the higher current draw and the heat generated through the circuit placing a strain on the headlight switch and the minimal gauge size of the factory wiring. Eventually the bulb sockets probably will need attention because of the higher heat generation by the higher wattage bulbs. All the best,---Chuck

[J. Rhapsody]

I think he ment how plastic headlights oxidize which isnt caused from lights being bright.