Upgraded headlights and Rainex

[shnozz]

With my first winter in the S approaching, I am thinking of trying to upgrade the headlights so they actually allow you to see in front of you. Anyone upgraded the lights on an S before. Any tips re bulbs etc?

Also - has anyone used Rainex or whatever it is called to stop the smeary marks and the rain just "slides" off the windscreen.

Nightmare journey last night of a rain/darkness combination and dont fancy that all winter!

[Lance]

www.bestcarbulbs.com for the cheapest price on the best bulbs...Philips Vision Plus (50% more light for same legal wattage)

[dern]

quote:Also - has anyone used Rainex or whatever it is called to stop the smeary marks and the rain just "slides" off the windscreen.

Yes and it works to some extent. I also use it on my mondeo and we were able to drive at 100+ through france in heavy rain without the wipers on. For some reason it has no where near as good an effect on the s3. I guess this has something to do with the aerodynamics which probably contribute to it being so cr*p at getting rid of rain without rain-x. Still, better with than without I guess.

Mark

>> Edited by dern on Wednesday 2nd October 10:42

[jmorgan]

RainX, brilliant stuff. Try the anti mist for the inside of the glass as well. Just follow the instructions. I use it on the side widows as well but your not supposed to use it on the plastic rear.

[shnozz]

thanks u for that - RainX will be slapped on windscreen this weekend then.

I note comments re changing the headlight bulbs and will do this also. Will they know what I am after if I ask for bulbs for an S3?!!

Any further advice on how to get better night vision greatly appreciated.

[Podie]

You could also try www.powerbulbs.com

[johno]

RainX.

Use it on the front, sides and rear screen. (no issues with using on rear screen) additionally use the screenwash aswell to extend life although their mixtures ratings are a little rich !

Have driven the S in torrential rain in France aswell at 60 mph with no wipers. No issues at all and less distracting than using wipers.

Cheers

Mark

[JSG]

You can get the bulbs in Halfords, the easiest way is to take one out and compare it or get the number off it as I'm not sure what they're from.

Cheers,
JSG.

[Justin S]

Should be the standard 'H4' type fitting bulbs.Have fitted the phillips uprated bulbs to mine with new headlights.They are a great deal better,but still pretty poor.Was thinking of putting a small pair of optic type driving lights somewhere near where inside of the lower grille.

[Luca Brazzi]

Possibly a dumb question, but where can I get Rain-x from?
LB

[dern]

Halfords.

Regards,

Mark

Edited to add: Look for a yellow bottle that looks like this... www.bress.freeserve.co.uk/wedge/rain_x_accessories.html

>> Edited by dern on Wednesday 2nd October 22:34

[Luca Brazzi]

quote:
Halfords.

Regards,

Mark

Edited to add: Look for a yellow bottle that looks like this... www.bress.freeserve.co.uk/wedge/rain_x_accessories.html

>> Edited by dern on Wednesday 2nd October 22:34

Ta.....LB

[shnozz]

Thanks for suggestions so far

I too have thought of adding some driving lights but dont want to spoil the clean looks. Plus I am not too sure on the laws re driving around with another set of bolt on style lights switched on continually - anyone know? If I could find some not too obstrusive that could be "hidden" somewhere it may be an option. Could even take them off when it comes to the summer months

[Jonzo]

Schnozz....did you ever sort out your headlight improving?...i tried driving home last night in pitch black and torrential rain with b'stard 4x4's sending small tidal waves over me, it was a horrible experience, i kept expecting to end up in a hedge along the country lanes i have to use to&from work.
I couldn't see sod all with the low power headlights and misting windows and crap wipers !
Its put me off winter running, unless i can improve the visibility, there are no street lamps around here!
Are the Philips bulbs worth the try?..can the S3 type drive lights be used on own without main beam?..anyone?

[chimburt]

not entirely sure but i remember reading a book about beatles that showed fitting additional driving lights. you'd certainly be ok to drive with replacement driving lamps, with your standard ones on sidelights, but i'm not too sure how it would make the car look.
you could go for the 'rally ' look i suppose

just to say that ishall be getting a bit of rain-x action meself this weekend.

s3 owners - you are not alone

>> Edited by chimburt on Friday 22 November 16:53

[david beer]

Iam just doing an "s" rewire kit that also uses Philips Vision Plus bulbs. On a Griff by rewiring just the offside you gain 20-25% and then there is the 50% gain using Vision Plus. Also done a Chimaera and Cerbera.All plug in.

[Podie]

From experience I'd go with Philips Blue Vision bulbs (the light is closer to that of daylight, so easier on the eyes that any other types IMHO)... and a set of Bosch windscreen wipers...

[greenv8s]

david beer said: Iam just doing an "s" rewire kit that also uses Philips Vision Plus bulbs. On a Griff by rewiring just the offside you gain 20-25% and then there is the 50% gain using Vision Plus. Also done a Chimaera and Cerbera.All plug in.

The multi-way plugs are a common problem area so anything that does away with them will be an improvement. I've kept the original wiring but fitted 15A sureseal waterproof connectors and this has been fine even with uprated bulbs, and no longer needs contact problems to be fixed every year. No doubt if the wiring kit is made to the same standards as the fan controller it'll work well.

[trefor]

If the headlamps use H4 bulbs then that's the same as the Chimaera - I always thought my lights were really good ... then a bulb went and I took it out - 100/80W. Ah, that's why then. I think the std is 80/55W. Why not try the higher spec bulbs? Hopefully they won't burn out your wiring (is S wiring any worse than Chimaera wiring??) and I doubt PC Copper is going to notice (I'm told they're illegal).

FWIW I've had my car 5 years and this was the first bulb to blow in that time ... so the wiring should be OK (famous last words).

[TWIN T]

It's not just the S that has lighting problems and poor de-misting - my Nissan 300ZX has the same problem.

Very scary when pushing on in the dark - I now keep a cloth in the car always to continually wipe the screen.

As for headlights well I may as well hold a candle in front of the car as it'll probably light the way better.
Ivan