Picked up car at weekend all is well apart from the dim headlights, is it me or are they this dull? Any suggestions as to new bulbs and are they easy to fit?

Cheers

Hi

I was surprised how dim the dipped lights are on the octy compared to the fabia I had.

Main beam is fine, but dipped not so. (dangerous IMO on some roads)

I have changed to Philips "Power To Night" and they are better, but Im considering some new Xtremes or Osram Nightbreaker Plus's to make the most of the obviously poor headlamp design.

Hope this helps

PS - Changing them is really easy, great access (on 1.8t, im guessing the derv is similar)

Cheers

Yep- bulbs are very easy to fit on the Octavia- remove dust covers, unlatch wire clamps and remove bulbs, fitment is reverse, remembering not to touch the glass! On every car I buy, the one thing I always do is replace the headlamp bulbs with better versions.

Guessing you don't have Xenon headlamps? If not, Try Phillips Xtreme Power- you can get them for about £16 a pair on ebay and they're a marked improvement. Make sure you buy H4 version.

If that doesn't work, make sure the headmap units are clean and there's nothing wrong with the reflectors inside.

PS - Changing them is really easy, great access (on 1.8t, im guessing the derv is similar)

Cheers

I have noticed where the light fittings underneath the bonnet there are 3 screws on the top of each light fitting, is it just a case of unscrewing these? and popping out the bulbs?

Osram Powerbreaker+ - Accept no substitutes.

As for how to - See manual P197 (sticky post to searchable PDFs at top of page 1). Access isn't great IMO (due to obstruction by battery and 5l washer fluid tank), but adequate. Do NOT touch the glass of the new bulb.

1) Release clip on dust shield.

2) Pull off electrical connector from back of headlight bulb

3) Release bulb retainer spring, and remove old bulb.

4) Fit new bulb. It will only fit one way without being forced.

5) Re-attach bulb retainer.

6) Re-attach connector. Again, it will only fit one way.

7) Check that both filaments on new bulb illuminate.

8) Replace dush shield.

philips x treme power in mine, which make a noticeable difference over standard rubbish.

I did warn you they were utter sh*te the headlights!

When I had my Octy 1 I had Philips Xtreme Powers, they made a massive difference and made night driving much safer. Although they still weren't that good to some cars! I remember driving through France in a deluge of rain at night and I couldn't see very much at all! I don't think the beam benders helped though.

If I were you I'd buy some of these new Philips Xtreme Visions or whatever they're called but there £33 a pair!

Edited 17 January, 201115 yr by iCraig

Put HID in have em in all my cars Can buy them for £50 from hiddirect there a great bunch of people and back up everything they sell...

What do people recommend for the rear lights they also seem quite dull... :'(

Sod the rear lights, they'll pass an MOT with them.

Sod the rear lights, they'll pass an MOT with them.

lol when do you pick the estate up? im getting the courtesy car treatment this thursday at Parkside

Osram Powerbreaker+ - Accept no substitutes.

Did you mean Nightbreakers?

Did you mean Nightbreakers?

What have you got in yours alexandjen??

lol when do you pick the estate up? im getting the courtesy car treatment this thursday at Parkside

A week on Saturday, but I really want it now, but thats my fault not theirs.

How come you're getting a courtesy car? What've you done to the Octy now?

What have you got in yours alexandjen??

Judging by the lack of light I'd say 2x church candles - that's why I asked if Nightbreakers are any good as I need to change them

Oops double post!

Edited 17 January, 201115 yr by iCraig

Nightbreakers are ok but not as good as Power Xtremes.

A week on Saturday, but I really want it now, but thats my fault not theirs.

How come you're getting a courtesy car? What've you done to the Octy now?

lol it had a rear bump scratch when i got home and inspected the car, also a door speaker is muffling so they are sorting it for me on Thursday.

Nightbreakers are ok but not as good as Power Xtremes.

These ones?

These ones?

I was looking at these.....same seller though and a different price

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PHILIPS-X-TREME-EXTREME-VISION-H4-NEW-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-/330520358477?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cf48c6e4d

These ones?

Yup, they're the ones. Although I bought mine from powerbulbs.co.uk and you get some free blue sidelight bulbs too.

Yup, they're the ones. Although I bought mine from powerbulbs.co.uk and you get some free blue sidelight bulbs too.

Cheers, might get some then

I was looking at these.....same seller though and a different price

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PHILIPS-X-TREME-EXTREME-VISION-H4-NEW-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-/330520358477?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cf48c6e4d

Kato, they're meant to be better 100% more light than standard halogens. Although they're fairly new and they have a lack of reviews. But if the Xtreme Powers are anything to go by then they'll be good.

I've just bought an Octy vRS (new) and I'm actually quite impressed with both the dipped and main beam - they seem to be better and brighter than my old 4.5 year old Mondeo ST.

That said, I will be driving on the continent soon and will require a set of bulbs. SO, I've been reading this thread and would like some advice.

If I'm going to buy new bulbs then they need to be better than the fitted ones - all round. Can anyone recommend indicator plus all rear bulbs - perhaps a kit. but I'll be buying decent main/dipped.

Do I need H7's for the dipped and H4's for the main?

Any advice will be welcomed.

Rich