LN130 new side light time again

[nigel129]

Hi all, front side light gone again on the surf. While looking about for bulbs, came across a multitude of T10s on ebay. Was wondering if anyone uses an alternative bulb to the classic glass T10 capsule, and are they LED, SMD. Does using any ed/smd have any repercussions for MOT (to bight ?) and does it put extra pul on the wiring harness.
Im not looking for super brights, just a bulb that lasts longer with "good light".
Thanks
nigel
ps, links would be useful to particular bulbs if you have time.

[GBV8]

I bought these

10 for a fiver, so won't break the bank. Come from the UK so you get them next day instead of a few weeks from Asia.
They give off a decent amount of crisp white light but not OTT.
Seem to be holding out ok and they are also good for the rear numberplate lights.

[GBV8]

Just noticed that the seller has increased his price to £5.99!
They were £4.59 when I bought them.

[nigel129]

I bought these

10 for a fiver, so won't break the bank. Come from the UK so you get them next day instead of a few weeks from Asia.
They give off a decent amount of crisp white light but not OTT.
Seem to be holding out ok and they are also good for the rear numberplate lights.

Thanks GB, is there any particular reason why you chose flat top those over somthing like these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/White-T10-...item3f084e6ed7
which seem to have more smds. Im still not sure if
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Car-LED...item1e6c01c87e

is the way to go

[GBV8]

With the flat top all the light is transmitted forward where you want it to go. About a 3rd of the light on those other LEDs won't even be seen. Hang off until later and I'll post a pic once it's dark.
At the end of the day anything is better than the standard one birthday candle bulbs

[nigel129]

With the flat top all the light is transmitted forward where you want it to go. About a 3rd of the light on those other LEDs won't even be seen. Hang off until later and I'll post a pic once it's dark.
At the end of the day anything is better than the standard one birthday candle bulbs

Great ill look forward to pics.

[Surfer Ross]

Not overly keen on flat tops because none of the light actually hits the reflector, you just end up with a single spot of bright light.

[muddle]

I have the smd ones, thats what I think they are anyway. Its 5 leds on little curcit boards. They were supposed to be white but are a bit blue/purple. Bright tho.

[nigel129]

Not overly keen on flat tops because none of the light actually hits the reflector, you just end up with a single spot of bright light.

Thxs Ross,That thought had occurred to me but i havent a clue how they work. So would you go for the type with bits down the sides?

[MWS]

I tried LED front sidelights some time ago. I was disappointed. they weren't that bright. and were way too blue. I found a simple solution, though. Just replace the 5w capless bulbs with 21w capless from the local mtor factors. Couple of quid each, and many times brighter...

[nigel129]

I tried LED front sidelights some time ago. I was disappointed. they weren't that bright. and were way too blue. I found a simple solution, though. Just replace the 5w capless bulbs with 21w capless from the local mtor factors. Couple of quid each, and many times brighter...

Hi MWS.. im not looking for over bright bulbs, just a suitable SMD ( as i note your comment on LED) but a bulb thatll save me taking a headlight out every few months. Im sick of the glass type.
nigel

[Surfer Ross]

Thxs Ross,That thought had occurred to me but i havent a clue how they work. So would you go for the type with bits down the sides?

I'd say so Nigel, better to have something that can make use of the reflector instead of a flat top where your side lights effectively become markers with no useable light emitted.

I tried LED front sidelights some time ago. I was disappointed. they weren't that bright. and were way too blue. I found a simple solution, though. Just replace the 5w capless bulbs with 21w capless from the local mtor factors. Couple of quid each, and many times brighter...

Just be careful that the wiring to the bulb holders is in good order as its not designed to handle a 21W load.

[nigel129]

I'd say so Nigel, better to have something that can make use of the reflector instead of a flat top where your side lights effectively become markers with no useable light emitted.

Most definitely agree



Just be careful that the wiring to the bulb holders is in good order as its not designed to handle a 21W load.

I understand that SMD are 1 watt or have i missread

nigel

[GBV8]

Not overly keen on flat tops because none of the light actually hits the reflector, you just end up with a single spot of bright light.

That's the whole point with the SMDs. You don't need a reflector. All the light is transmitted straight ahead where you need it to go. Take a look at the DRLs on modern cars. No reflectors but very visible to other road users. Sidelights only increase your visibility to oncoming traffic in low light situations anyway. I wouldn't want to be relying on them only for driving in the dark.


nigel129, I've had them all in the sidelights and when I've seen the wife behind me in the Surf with the current bulbs in, they are by far the most visable.

[Apache]