Weak Head Lights, can I do anything?

[Harvey1512]

I have an 08 S40 R-Design Sport. I have the standard headlights but they seem really weak. I put on the front fog lights to give them a helping hand but I should not really have to do that and the improvement is only marginal.
If I put the lights on full beam then the improvement is huge but standard dipped are feeble.
This is my first Volvo and my expectation on things such as lights would be that they are class leading as so much of the winter in Sweden is dark but my previous Citroen and Seat both wipe the floor with my S40 on dipped headlights.
Any thoughts?

[mjcourtney]

I had the same problem, not sure whether it was beam pattern, cut off angle or light intensity. In the end I manually adjusted the beam height using the adjusters on the light units under the bonnet (as you can increase the height more than just using the dash control), and then replaced the dipped beam bulbs with Osram Nightbreakers. Much better now

If you do adjust the light units make sure the beam pattern is still within the MOT limits, if they're too high then it will fail the MOT as they will dazzle oncoming traffic.

[Harvey1512]

Much appreciated. I have looked at a few different forums and the Nightbreakers consistently get recommended. It is a shame Volvo do not fit them or an equivalent as standard.
Are there any issues with replacing the bulbs, will it affect the electronics/software of the car?, is there a technique to it or is it just a straightforward job?

[mjcourtney]

5 minute job to change both, make sure you get the correct type bulbs. In my 2005 model they're H7 but best to check your manual to make sure. No issues with software or electronics in the car, it just sees it as a standard bulb.

When you take the headlight unit out of the car make sure you've got a clean surface to place it on, as you don't want to scratch the lenses. The procedure is quite well explained in your handbook.

Changing the bulb won't affect the beam pattern, but should give you a whiter / brighter dipped beam.

[bryand]

Originally Posted by Harvey1512

I have an 08 S40 R-Design Sport. I have the standard headlights but they seem really weak. I put on the front fog lights to give them a helping hand but I should not really have to do that and the improvement is only marginal.

Front foglights won't give your headlights a 'helping hand', they will just annoy oncoming drivers. Their use in anything other than impaired visibility is illegal.

[HeliFella]

Have a look at

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product...bulb_test.html

They've done all the hard work. Worth a try.

[iainmd]

Originally Posted by bryand

Front foglights won't give your headlights a 'helping hand', they will just annoy oncoming drivers. Their use in anything other than impaired visibility is illegal.

According to the Highway Code foglights should only be used in sub 100m visibility. Given the number of folk that drive with them on these days there are either a lot of ill-informed or visibly impaired drivers.

I replaced all the dipped, main and fog bulbs with Xenon gas type bulbs from a variety of sources. The main and fog bulbs were from autobulbsdirect.co.uk and the dipped bulbs are Halfords Super Brilliance (or something like that). Halfords are currently selling those bulbs on buy one get one free until the end of this month or something like that.

I've also used Osram silverstars and a few others. Almost all Xenon filled 50% or 90% bulbs are better than standard halogen I have found as not only are they brighter but the light is whiter rather than yellowish. As previously recommended, make sure the alignment of your lights is right as Volvo set mine way too low.

Hope that's of help.

[Harvey1512]

One last thought, partly too late as I have bought a set of Night Breakers now, but what is the lifespan of these type of bulbs? Are they less than standard bulbs?
My car is a company car and so will go back in two years, 21 months now to be precise. I will probably do another 30,000 miles and as it is a Volvo the lights are on permanently for that time. Will this set see me through or will I need to replace them at some point?

[Harvey1512]

Just an update for anyone viewing this, I fitted the new, brighter bulbs yesterday. It was a relatively simple job but I would recommend you have someone to help you. It is just easier with two pairs of hands. The new bulbs have made an instant difference, the light is now much cleaner and cuts through the darkness better.
I suspect the alignment probably does need lifting but I am a little wary of doing that myself as I do not want to dazzle on coming traffic so I will wait until the next service and let the garage check it. My Volvo dealer is 20 miles away near to a city centre so it is not easy to just pop in.
It will be interesting to see how long the bulbs last as that will determine if they are value for money. For instant impact however I have been very impressed so far.

[alfiembra]

The headlight alignment is not adjustable AFAIK its pre-set. you can use the adjuster on the switch to adjust them down for carrying loads but if already at the 0 position on the adjuster that is as high as they will get.

I'm trying to resolve the very same issue with mine, my drivers side is ok but I'm sure the passenger side is too low and pointing too far into the kerb so I see a pronounced "black hole" where I need light.

Alan